Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 1,536 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ worth booking?
Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ is a 0.8-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $42 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 1,536 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (1,536)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $42 per person
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.
What you get
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. Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal™ © Venice Tours S.r.l. Licensed to City Tours Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.
What's included
Included
- VR Experience - Journey in the past
- 20-minute Gondola Gallery - introduction to the experience (except for the private option)
- 30-minute gondola ride (approx.)
- Multilingual staff at the embarkation point
- Private Gondola Ride (if option is selected)
- In-app commentary
Not included
- Hotel pick up
- Earphones
- Audio-devices
What you'll see and do
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.
Pass by without stopping
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
Pass by without stopping
Palazzo Gritti Badoer
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.
Pass by without stopping
Teatro La Fenice
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.
Pass by without stopping
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
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
Pass by without stopping
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.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
The gondola landing stage is located next to the Bauer Palazzo Hotel in Campo St. Moisé, near the entrance of St. Mark’s Square.
Meeting point
Venice
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The gondola landing stage is located next to the Bauer Palazzo Hotel in Campo St. Moisé, near the entrance of St. Mark’s Square.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
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 Shared Gondola Ride Meeting Point Details: The Venice Tours Office is located in Campo San Gallo, just a few steps from St. Mark's Square. 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 Shared Gondola Ride Starting point: Gondola Ride Experience, Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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 Shared Gondola Ride Meeting Point Details: The Venice Tours Office is located in Campo San Gallo, just a few steps from St. Mark's Square. 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
Private Gondola Ride Meeting Point Details: The gondola landing stage is located next to the Bauer Palazzo Hotel in Campo St. Moisé. Starting point: Campo San Moisè, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, de, ru, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CITY TOURS CO. LTD
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,531 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
1,531 verified traveler reviews for Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent
Well run Must do Magical tick box activity when in Venice Gondolas pristine Always book in advance Need 5 in one gondola unless specified
via Viator
Gondola great price :30 ride! Beats cruise price
Hard to follow instructions , knew boat location but didnt’ know of audio guide . All worked out. More info on your tickets Hate to always search for info. Venice Tour office small and awning wasnt out. Green sign ! Close walk to boats :5
via Tripadvisor
This was exactly what I...
This was exactly what I expected, a great gondola ride thru small canals and then the grand canal He doesn’t sing and we knew that ahead of time. And the gondola part is only 30 mins which we knew but some people thought it was an hour. It was an hour with instructions and walking to the gondola Also you meet outside Venice tours but it says city tours on the instructions but they are the same, just confusing. Check in at Venice tours to get in line
via Viator
DO NOT book this!
DO NOT book this! It is absolutely not worth the cost. You are much better off waiting until you are in Venice and booking a gondola ride directly at one of the gondola stops. This “tour” was essentially just a walk to a gondola stop and provided almost no information or value. The only information we were given was that the water is 1.5 meters deep in some places. To make matters worse, you have to share the gondola with other people, and they arrange the seating so that you may not even be able to sit next to the person you came with. For what we paid, this was a complete waste of money. Skip this tour and book a gondola ride on your own once you’re in Venice for a cheaper and private experience.
via Tripadvisor
Don’t waste your money.
It was very badly organised, difficult to get in the gondola. We were placed in the side and it was very uncomfortable with long legs. Not the experience we paid for!!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $42 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 538
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD, who run 38 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.8.
See everything CITY TOURS CO. LTD runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ cost?
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Prices start at $42 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 1,536 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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Around 538 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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Included: VR Experience - Journey in the past; 20-minute Gondola Gallery - introduction to the experience (except for the private option); 30-minute gondola ride (approx.); Multilingual staff at the embarkation point; and Private Gondola Ride (if option is selected). Not included: Hotel pick up; Earphones; and Audio-devices. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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The gondola landing stage is located next to the Bauer Palazzo Hotel in Campo St. Moisé, near the entrance of St. Mark’s Square. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ offered in?
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It is offered in Hindi, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Unfortunately the tour is not totally accessible for wheelchair users or people with walki. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™ if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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Across 1,536 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Charming Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal & Gondola Gallery™?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including French - Premium Gondola Ride, Discount Grand Canal Ride, English - Premium Gondola Ride, Private Romantic Gondola. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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