Venice Private Gondola Experience: Journey Through the Canals

Venice , Italy

Venice Private Gondola Experience: Journey Through the Canals

Active

30m

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get ready for a magical experience that will take you gliding through the serene waters of Venice, the city of canals! On our 30-minute gondola tour, you'll be transported to the romantic and historic times of this charming city as you relax in an authentic Venetian gondola.

Let yourself be enveloped by the incomparable beauty of Venetian palaces, their adorned facades, and their ancient stories echoing along the canal banks. Your skilled gondolier will guide you through the narrow canals, revealing hidden secrets and stunning views along the way.

As you glide smoothly through the crystal-clear waters, listen to the gentle sound of the water lapping against the gondola's hull, creating a unique soundtrack for this unforgettable journey. Savor every moment as you soak up the romantic atmosphere and the unparalleled beauty that only Venice can offer.

Available options

Venice Private Gondola Experience: Journey Through the Canals

What's included

Multilingual boarding assistance

Private gondola ride (not guided)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Grand Canal forms the city's largest water traffic route. Public transport is provided via vaporetti and water taxis.

Cutting through most of the city, it "begins" in the lagoon near the train station, curving in the shape of a large "S" through the central districts, the sestieri, and ends next to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, close to the Piazza San Marco. It has an average depth of five meters.

Stop 2

Teatro La Fenice is the main opera theater in Venice, northeast Italy. Destroyed several times and rebuilt, it hosts an important operatic season and an international contemporary music festival.

Built quickly in just over a year, it opened on May 16, 1792 with Giovanni Paisiello's opera I giochi di Agrigento.

It was destroyed on December 13, 1836 by a fire, but was rebuilt shortly afterwards, repeating the original design. One hundred years passed and in 1937 it was restored by Eugenio Miozzi.

Experience the timeless charm of Venice as you cross the Ponte delle Ostreghe, an architectural relic dating back to the city's ancient times. This unique bridge, situated between the districts of San Marco and San Moisè, offers a captivating insight into Venetian life and the sparkling waters of the Grand Canal.

Originally built in wood in the 12th century, the Ponte delle Ostreghe was rebuilt in stone in the 18th century, preserving its historical authenticity and its importance as an emblematic landmark. Its peculiar name, which translates to "Bridge of Oysters," is reminiscent of the ancient oysters that once adorned the waters below.

Stop 4

Santa Maria della Salute (Saint Mary of Health) is a basilica in Venice, which stands near the Punta della Dogana (Customs Point). It was built, like the Church of the Redeemer and the Church of São Roque, as an ex-vote from the Venetian inhabitants because of the plague that decimated the population in 1630.

What's not included

Drink

Food

Transport

Music on board

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If the chosen time is not available, you will be transferred to another time on the same day. These changes do not depend on us. Therefore, when making the reservation you are aware of this possible change and that is why we warn you not to have complaints later, or requests for refunds, which will not be taken into consideration. Example: If you choose the time slot of 11:00 am and it is not available, you will be transferred to the first available time slot,12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm

Each gondola can accommodate a maximum of 5 people.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice and planning to visit during the day will be required to pay an access fee of €5. For more details (including exemptions) and to find out which days this fee applies, visit: https://cda.ve.it

Important notice for last minute bookings (on the same day or from one day to the next): in case of lack of places the customer will be placed on the day following the booked date.

Does not include music on board

Meeting point

Alilaguna Ticket Office in San Marco (in front of the Royal Gardens)

The voucher you will receive by whatsapp must be converted into a regular ticket at the meeting point.

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