Crafted Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery

Venice , Italy

Crafted Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery

Active

(1297 reviews)

45m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the enchanting essence of Venice as you glide along its romantic waterways with a skilled gondolier. Enjoy complimentary access to an app featuring insightful commentary about your gondola journey. As you soak in stunning views of the Grand Canal, admire landmarks like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the historic Gritti Palace, along with famous sites such as La Fenice Theatre, Punta della Dogana, and the Mozart House.

At the end of your ride, take in a breathtaking panorama of Saint Mark’s Basin and picturesque San Giorgio Island.

For an immersive experience, enjoy a unique virtual reality segment that allows you to glide over tranquil waters at sunset, witnessing Venice’s beauty through the ages.

Sail through the Grand Canal and serene inner waterways aboard a traditional gondola, bypassing long lines to step directly onto your boat. Discover the magic of Venice with app commentary in your choice of nine languages, enhancing your exploration of this timeless city.

Available options

English - Grand Canal Ride

Discount Grand Canal Ride

Random Ticket English Option: The guide will ASSIGN you the seat. Only 1 seat is available.

French - Grand Canal Ride

What's included

Venice Gallery Priority Admission

a 15-minute introduction to the gondola experience

Multilingual staff at the embarkation point

Shared 30 minute gondola ride

VR Experience - Journey in the past

In-app commentary

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

“The most beautiful road in the world”, this is how the Canal Grande is known as. If you look around, what you will see is almost the same view that a 18th-century nobleman would have seen, and before him a Renaissance courtesan, and even before that, a merchant who lived in the Middle Ages.

Stop 2 Pass by

Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the most important art collections in the world. Peggy Guggenheim, from New York, arrived in Venice in 1949 and began to satisfy her art addiction by buying this wonderful building where she put on display invaluable artworks for the whole world to see. The beautiful terrace you see is where Guggenheim sun-bathed regularly enjoying the view over the Canal Grande

The Gritti Palace got its name from the Gritti family, an old Venetian family, the most important member of which was Andrea Gritti,, the Doge of Venice in the Renaissance. Andrea Gritti led the Venetian armies against the League of Cambrai, consisting in France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, which wanted to stop Venice’s expansionist ambitions in France.

Stop 4 Pass by

Once one of 7 major theatres in the city, today the Fenice is Venice’s one and only opera house. It is surely a jewel among European theatres, and began to shine from the beginning, as the best composers of the age wrote and performed their operas here, among which Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini. But it was Giuseppe Verdi who is most attached to the Fenice and to Venetian memory.

Stop 5 Pass by

Here, as you come into the Grand Canal you are opened to the church of the Madonna della Salute.

The first thing that strikes a viewer is how imposing the church is, strategically placed at the entrance of the Grand Canal looking out onto the rest of the city in every direction, thanks to its circular shape.

Today, ever 21 November the city celebrates the Madonna della Salute in memory of the end of the plague

We are a unique gallery where you can see and touch a real Venetian Gondola, the only place in Venice where you can have this experience. Discover how a Gondola is made, exploring every detail of this city icon.

Get a 3D and VR Experiences: A Dive into the Past on board of the Gondola

Immerse yourself in a unique experience thanks to our 3D and VR technology. We invite you to experience Venice as it once was, virtually strolling through its historic alleys, observing its monuments in their original glory, and feeling the authentic atmosphere of past eras. This experience will allow you to step into a book, to become part of the history you are reading.

What's not included

Hotel pick up

Earphones

Audio-devices

Available languages

Audio guide

HI DE RU CMN JA

Written guide

HI DE RU CMN JA

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.4

512 reviews

5★

207

4★

3★

2★

1★

106

Tripadvisor 4.5

785 reviews

5★

590

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Unfortunately the tour is not totally accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities.

Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes suggested

It is mandatory to be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time

The itinerary could change in case of wind or bad weather

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to “Campo San Gallo”. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

Important notes

Please, be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly