Exclusive Gondola Ride with Guided Old Town Tour

Venice , Italy

Exclusive Gondola Ride with Guided Old Town Tour

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About this experience

Experience the Floating City in the most authentic and romantic way on an exclusive Grand Canal gondola ride. Enjoy a 30-minute tour of Venice in a traditional gondola. Extended option: walking tour of the Old Town with a Private Guide.

2,5-hour: Private Gondola Ride & Walking Tour
Book a 2-hour walking tour of Venice's Old Town and a 30-minute ride in a private gondola with a Professional Gondolier (no live commentary).

The unique feature of Venice is its on-the-water location with hundreds of canals, bridges, lively piazzas and colorful water-front palaces. Book an exclusive gondola ride to see the highlights of the Canale Grande and feel the city’s romantic atmosphere. Gondola is more than a popular attraction, it's a Venetian way of life. Book a private ride and fall in love with the "City of Water"!

Available options

Exclusive Gondola Ride with Guided Old Town Tour

What's included

Tips for local attractions, restaurants and cafes (2,5-hour option only)

Private Gondola Ride with an Optional Walking Tour of Venice's Old Town Highlights

Tickets for a 30-minute private gondola ride

2H tour led by a 5-Star Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice (2,5H option only)

Historical facts and cultural anecdotes about Venice (2,5-hour option only)

- (number of attractions depends on the selected option)

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide next to Il Gobbo di Rialto statue behind the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto. The address is Gobbo di Rialto, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

Book a private gondola experience! Sit back and relax on a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat and cruise down the Grand Canal with a Professional Gondolier. The experience includes an introduction to the history of gondolas and a 30-minute gondola ride during which you will see the best of the Floating City and Grand Canal. The main waterway running through the heart of Venice is a part of the world heritage and offers amazing sights.

Stop 3

You will see the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in San Marco, and pass the magnificent Santa Maria della Salute, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ponte dell'Accademia, Ca’ Dario, Palazzo Grassi, and more. The on-board commentary will introduce you to local history and legends. The ride will end near the famous Rialto Bridge, which connects San Marco to San Polo.

Enjoy an exclusive 30-minute gondola experience with a Professional Gondolier (no live commentary), preceded by a 2-hour walking tour of The Old Town led by a Private Local Guide. Discover San Marco, one of Venice’s oldest neighborhoods and learn about the history, architecture and culture at your own pace. The tour will begin near the Rialto Bridge and take you through the winding streets of the Old Town to St. Mark's Square, passing by famous landmarks such as the Teatro Goldoni, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge's Palace. It will be a fun and insightful experience to enjoy before your gondola ride.

What's not included

2-hour Old Town tour led by a 5-Star Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice ( 1H option)

Historical facts and cultural anecdotes about Venice (in 1-hour option)

Tips for local attractions, restaurants and cafes (in 1-hour option)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please check your email the day before the tour to receive your voucher and important information.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled gondola ride to give yourself enough time to exchange your voucher and board a gondola.

A private gondola can accommodate up to 5 people. The gondolier will choose your seats. Food or drinks are prohibited. Requests for serenades cost an additional fee. This activity may be canceled and refunded in case of exceptionally bad weather or high/low tides. The gondoliers speak English and Italian, there is also an audio guide available in Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French and Hindi.

Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. The 2,5-hour option includes a 2-hour walking tour and tickets for a 30-min gondola ride. For the best experience, we allow 1-25 guests per guide.

Meeting point

Meet your guide next to Il Gobbo di Rialto statue behind the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto. The address is Gobbo di Rialto, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

Important notes

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive your voucher and important information.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled gondola ride to give yourself enough time to exchange your voucher and board a gondola.
• A private gondola can accommodate up to 5 people. The gondolier will choose your seats. Food or drinks are prohibited. Requests for serenades cost an additional fee. This activity may be cancelled and refunded in case of exceptionally bad weather or high/low tides. The gondoliers speak English and Italian, there is also an audio guide available in Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French and Hindi.
• Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. The 2,5-hour option includes a 2-hour walking tour and tickets for a 30-min gondola ride. For the best experience, we allow 1-25 guests per guide.

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