Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal™ © Venice Tours S.r.l. Licensed to City Tours Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.
Additional Info
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
The gondolier serves as the driver of the gondola, providing rowing and navigation services throughout the ride.
What To Expect
Canal Grande
“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.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
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
Options
English - Premium Gondola Ride
Please note: Seats are assigned by the guide. Passengers in the same booking are guaranteed to be seated in the same gondola Starting point: Gondola Ride Experience, Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Discount Grand Canal Ride
Please note : Seats are assigned by the guide. Passengers in the same booking are seated in different gondolas Starting point: Gondola Ride Experience, Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Private Romantic Gondola
Starting point: Campo San Moisè, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
French - Premium Gondola Ride
Please note: Seats are assigned by the guide. Passengers in the same booking are guaranteed to be seated in the same gondola Starting point: Gondola Ride Experience, Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
What‘s Included
20-minute Gondola Gallery - introduction to the experience
VR Experience - Journey in the past
30-minute gondola ride (approx.)
Multilingual staff at the embarkation point
In-app commentary
Hotel pick up
Earphones
Audio-devices
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,394 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour before the Gondola Ride!
Luke G,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Note that there is a 10-20 minute virtual reality and in person tour around a small unique museum next to the reception building. Then you take a 5-10 minute guided tour as you walk to your Gondola. And roughly about a 20-30 minute Gondola ride. Decent price for the total experience. We just didn’t know that we were doing a guided tour beforehand, I think everyone thought we were just going to hop on a gondola but there was some great information that our guide talked about. Try to get Sebastian he speaks many languages and is very intelligent. Thanks
Sit at the back
Laura R,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It was a bit crowded for us. Our boat had us, another couple and another person. We were sitting facing each other and our knees were in between each other. Had we been first in, we would have had the bench seat that faced forward for a better view and more comfort.
Do not use this company!!
Justin W,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This is an overpriced tourist trap. I bought a 45 minute gondola ride and the first 30 minutes were spent checking in then a walking tour and spent approximately 10 minutes on the gondola. The gondolier was extremely rude and would not answer any questions and completely dismissed us. Also when you book this tour it does not mention it to be a shared gondola. They cram up to 5 people in a boat. Luckily when we checked in we were able to upgrade to a private gondola however it was an extra 50 Euro. I thought we were going to have a relaxing 45 min ride cruising through the small canals, however we left out of the main grand canal with about 10 other gondola’s. It felt like a Disneyland ride. Basically bumper to bumper with boats for a quick loop and then dropped us off. I’ve done this gondala ride before through a different company and it’s more relaxing and enjoyable. The gondolier will sing or hum, interact with its guests and take their time cruising through the beautiful smaller canals. Beware of this tour. Avoid this company, it was a complete waste of time and money.
Underwhelmed
Gail M,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00More time was spent doing the VR and walking to the gondola location. Our walking guide was nice enough. When boarding the gondola, my husband went before me in order to assist me getting on. He was forced to sit leg locked with a complete stranger. I mean that in the most literal way. I have pictures. The other couple and the complete stranger were very kind and we all chatted amongst ourselves. About 7 minutes into the ride, my husband was splashed with a good amount of water from the canal. We did not realize there was a splash zone included on this tour. Not a oops, sorry or excuse me from our gondolier. Speaking of our gondolier, he never said a word to us. When the tour ended, they pointed out the tip hat. Nope. How do you tip someone that did nothing? This experience fell so short of all expectations. In my opinion, you are better off to just grab a public taxi, etc.
Gondola Good, VR didn't work
Robert R,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The Gondola trip was as expected, all good. However the visit to the Museum and the VR experience didn't work so that aspect was pretty much a waste of time. The guide only was really useful to get you from the Museum to where you pick up a gondolla. If you have a few people the price of a gondola is fixed so might be worth just getting one without the rest of the experience
Not worth it
AnnMarie r,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00An hour tour that consisted of a 15-20 min gondola ride. Tour guide was nice and friendly but really don't feel it was necessary. People just want to be entertained in a ride Also the meeting place was a bit away from the gondola ride entrance. I would not purchase again, just pay gondola service directly.
Can’t go wrong on the...
Sumali S,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Can’t go wrong on the Gondola ride! A must do in Venezia. The Grand Canal is a unique site to behold.
Magical Gondola Ride in Venice
Laura W,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Magical gondola ride in Venice. It was amazing to see Venice from the water. The architecture was beautiful. The ride was what fairy tales are made of! This is a must do tour when visiting Venice. This company is professional and friendly. I highly recommend them!
The virtual reality...
Otto K,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The virtual reality presentation is short but good. Not sure why earpieces were needed at all on this tour. Only used after VR and walking to the gondola spot. The clarity was not good or else the guide did not speak clearly. The gondola ride itself was fine.
No go ride
Dana K,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The weather should factored into this trip. Rain and lightning with umbrella use. Very unsatisfied with this trip. I have contacted Viator for a refund. Could not enjoy and left with clothes entirely soaked!
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