You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Grand Canal Gondola Ride with Storytelling & Gondola Gallery™

3,462 Reviews 4.03 out of 5 stars Based on 3,462 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Venice, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 7 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese Traditional
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience the magic of Venice on a Gondola Ride through its enchanting canals. With just 5 guests and the gondolier on board, enjoy a more intimate and exclusive way to discover the city from the water. As you glide beneath centuries-old bridges, along the Grand Canal, and past breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Basin and San Giorgio Island, your guide brings Venice to life with stories and insights about its palaces, landmarks, and rich history. The guided experience continues at the Gondola Gallery, where your guide reveals the history, craftsmanship, and traditions of Venice’s iconic gondola, shows you the only original gondola displayed in section, and leads you through a unique 3D journey across Venice through the centuries.

What's Included

  • Private Gondola Ride Option: 30-minute gondola ride with app commentary only
  • During the gondola ride, commentary is broadcast via radio, as guests admire Venice’s palaces.
  • Journey in the past by Gondola 3D Experience (not included in the private option)
    See 5 moreSee 3 more

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point
    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Ombra del Leone

    We will pass trough the Gran Canal terrace of Ca Giustinian, one of the oldest Palace overlooking the Canal Grande.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Chiesa di San Moise (pass by)

    Close to San Marco Square, in front of St Moise (Moses) Church and the Gondola station, the guide will introduce you in the elegant and romantic world of the Gondolas.
    Read more

    Teatro La Fenice (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.
    Read more

    Canal Grande (pass by)

    The most beautiful road in the world”, this is how the Grand Canal is known as. If you look around, what you will see is almost exactly what a nobleman in the 18th century might have looked upon, and before him a Renaissance courtesan and before him a merchant in the Middle Ages.
    Read more

    Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (pass by)

    Here, as you come into the Grand Canal you admire 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
    Read more

    Punta della Dogana (pass by)

    Punta della Dogana separates the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal. For its strategic location it was the house of the Custom and of the Salt Warehouses. During the fifteenth century, the Sea Customs House, which had previously been near the Arsenale, was transferred to the western point of Dorsoduro borough.
    Read more

    Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore (pass by)

    You will have a view of the Island of san Giorgio Maggiore, with its beautiful Renaissance Church built by Palladio in the Renaissance and the belltower resembling the bigger one in St Mark’s Square. The island was once known as the Island of Cypress Trees before it became an important Benedectine monastery.
    Read more

    Giardini Reali (pass by)

    At the end you will enjoy a wonderful overview of Saint Mark’s Square. This is a spot which painters from all over the world have tried to capture in its uniqueness, but we can only recommend that you sit back and take it all in.
    Read more

    Gondola Gallery Bookshop

    The Gondola Gallery is a unique place to discover the history, craftsmanship, and traditions of Venice’s iconic gondola. With your guide, see the only original gondola displayed in section and enjoy a unique 3D journey through Venice across the centuries
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Show 8 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The live commentary will be only in English, French and Spanish. The commentary on German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian will be provided by mobile app downloaded on the own devices.
    • Private Gondola Ride - In-App Commentary Only
    • Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time

    Frequently Asked Questions (9)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Grand Canal Gondola Ride with Storytelling & Gondola Gallery™?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-21441P6

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.03
    3,462 reviews

    Average 4.03 out of 5 stars based on 3,462 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    1,905
    4 stars
    570
    3 stars
    452
    2 stars
    266
    1 star
    269
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Guided Tour of Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands around Venice with Private Boat

    Plunge yourself  into the fabulous reality of the Venetian lagoon. Let yourself be transported by a private boat through the islands! Discovering Venice by sea …More

    Plunge yourself  into the fabulous reality of the Venetian lagoon. Let yourself be transported by a private boat through the islands! Discovering Venice by sea...

    6 hours Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1)
    from
    $193

    Private Photo Shoot in the Heart of Venice

    I have been a professional photographer for 30 years. I speak Italian and English. I offer both a photoshoot and a unique experience in the …More

    I have been a professional photographer for 30 years. I speak Italian and English. I offer both a photoshoot and a unique experience in the...

    90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation
    5.0 (2)
    from
    $114

    Tour Enchanting Venice Majestic City Walk and Gondola Ride

    Explore Venice's iconic landmarks on an unforgettable journey. Visit St. Mark's Square, where architectural wonders like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Renaissance …More

    Explore Venice's iconic landmarks on an unforgettable journey. Visit St. Mark's Square, where architectural wonders like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Renaissance...

    2 hours Free Cancellation
    3.8 (6)
    from
    $136

    Sunset Traditional Boat Tour with Prosecco

    A typical wood boat will sail along Venice and admire the city on the sunset Your captain Marco will show a unique Venice and with …More

    A typical wood boat will sail along Venice and admire the city on the sunset Your captain Marco will show a unique Venice and with...

    1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.7 (43)
    from
    $91

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Musica a Palazzo 'Traveling Opera' Performance in Venice

    Experience the magic of ‘traveling opera’ during a 2-hour operatic performance at the grand Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto in Venice. Performed by the acclaimed Musica a Palazzo …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Experience the magic of ‘traveling opera’ during a 2-hour operatic performance at the grand Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto in Venice. Performed by the acclaimed Musica a Palazzo...

    2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.8 (685)
    from
    $111

    Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery

    Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and...

    3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.7 (2,354)
    from
    $169

    St. Mark's, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride with Murano and Burano

    This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits …More

    This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits...

    9 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
    4.8 (1,066)
    from
    $174

    Exclusive Prosecco Wine Tour - from Venice

    Enjoy an exclusive small-group Prosecco wine tour from Venice, hosted by Riccardo a certified sommelier. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a …More

    Enjoy an exclusive small-group Prosecco wine tour from Venice, hosted by Riccardo a certified sommelier. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a...

    6 hours Free Cancellation
    5.0 (220)
    from
    $199

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Private Gondola Ride Option: 30-minute gondola ride with app commentary only
    • During the gondola ride, commentary is broadcast via radio, as guests admire Venice’s palaces.
    • Journey in the past by Gondola 3D Experience (not included in the private option)
    • 30-minute Gondola Ride (approx.)
    • Skip the line service
    • App commentary in Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
    • 20-minute introduction to the gondola experience
    • Gondola Gallery: guided visit through the history, traditions, and craftsmanship of the gondola

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
    • The Gondola Ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather or high/low tide (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
    • The itinerary may change in the event of wind or bad weather
    • The live commentary will be only in English, French and Spanish. The commentary on German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian will be provided by mobile app downloaded on the own devices.
    • Private Gondola Ride - In-App Commentary Only
    • Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time
    • 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.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name