Shared Grand Canal rides, quiet back-canal routes and private boats belong to different Venice days. Compare time aboard, route, group size and whether music is genuinely included.
Venice · VENICE GONDOLA RIDES
54 ways to explore
Shared seats, private boats and routes through the Grand Canal create very different rides. Compare time aboard, group size, commentary and whether music is genuinely included.
Shared gondola along Venice’s Grand Canal plus app commentary and VR Gondola Gallery, with a short intro walk and classic sights included.
“Me and my husband really enjoyed the ride and also the information that they gave us on the walk would highly recommend”
Grand Canal gondola with live guide, a short walking intro, and Gondola Gallery VR, passing La Fenice, Salute, Peggy Guggenheim.
“The host was lovely I think her name was Melanie. Everything was coordinated perfectly and the gondola ride was beautiful 😍”
Shared gondola ride in Venice, $46: 30 minutes gliding from San Marco and Rialto through Canal Grande with a master gondolier.
“All was perfect except guy at counter who sold others tickets. He was very rude when we had questions.”
Shared Grand Canal gondola with live commentary and optional VR, small boats of up to five, guided stops near St Mark’s Square.
“It is not worth what it costs. The VR was ok but the guide was not. We walked to the gondola with a bit of commentary that was hard to hear and the guide was in a hurry. We boarded a gondola and went down a few areas that were dark and old. Once at the Grand Canal we were at the other end from the bridge and turned off after 20 minutes down another are and were unloading not where we started but a couple blocks away. Then you have to find your way back.”
Guided Venice walk from St Mark’s area to Scala del Bovolo and La Fenice, then a 30-minute gondola down the Grand Canal.
“Tour walking guide was informative but wouldn’t know about the gondola as we did not get to go as they are really not connected as tours. The operator in the booth was rude. I would not combine these tours.”
A 30-minute shared gondola ride in Venice’s San Marco area, gliding past palaces, bridges, and the Grand Canal for classic water-level views.
“it was tranquil and 5 people on-board is enough. A bit of confusion in finding our guide though.”
A private gondola for up to 5 passengers in Venice, gliding the Grand Canal and quieter waterways in about 30 minutes, day or night.
“We opted for the private session. Even though the trip was short, it was peaceful and quite special - we were able to see some buildings of Venice from the water. We did not choose the commentary option but our gondolier was fun and entertaining throughout to the boat ride. Would recommend.”
Skip lines at St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, then glide by gondola with commentary and VR history in a small group.
“Make sure you watch the virtual tour at the touring office. It was cool and gave interesting info about the history”
A private 30-minute gondola ride on Venice’s Grand Canal, plus the Gondola Gallery, near St. Mark’s. Audio support, short and sweet.
“Great 30 minute gondola ride of the city, although it was a much better price to book on the spot with no wait than booking on GGG.”
Skip the queue for a shared Grand Canal gondola, then enjoy VR and in-app commentary at the Gondola Gallery near St Mark’s Square.
“Here’s the deal…we set up a gondola experience because we were worried that we would not be able to find a gondola on our own. The truth is, you can do this on your own. We didn’t gain anything from this experience that we would would not have gleaned on our own. It’s was nice having set plans, so we recommend if you feel better knowing you get to do a gondola in Venice!”
Classic 30-minute shared gondola from San Marco Giardinetti, gliding the Canal Grande past Rialto and landmarks. English option, easy booking.
“Unfortunately this was not was expected. It was a shared ride with strangers - which was not indicated clearly when booking (I was not the only who expressed this) they also did not allow my daughter and I to sit together even though there was a solo traveler on our gondola who was happy to swap with me but they did not allow. They were late, for a 6pm booking start we didn't even get on the gondola until 6:12pm and largely missed the sunset. We then circled a few canals for less than 10mins before we were back at the dock and off by 6:26pm. The driver didn't really…”
A 30-minute shared gondola ride through Venice’s Canal Grande and smaller canals, with classic landmarks like Santa Maria della Salute and La Fenice.
“Excellent experience. Went through the heart of Venice and took his time.”
Best of Venice in 3.5 hours: guided St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, then a gondola canal ride near Piazza San Marco.
“Terrific experience with Elena. She was very knowledgeable and a great story teller. Brought to life today’s practices rooted in Venetian traditions.”
Private 20-minute gondola ride from Santa Maria del Giglio, gliding past Venice landmarks and quieter canals with pre-book ease.
“The staff were helpful and friendly. We turned up slightly earlier than planned as the meeting point was very easy to find but this was no problem and we put on the next available gondola. The ride was smooth and relaxing and the guide skilfully guided us around some of the smaller, quieter canals. I would definitely recommend.”
Skip-the-line St Mark’s and Doge’s Palace, a 30 minute gondola ride, and guided Murano and Burano with demonstrations.
“This was an excellent value. Our guides were great (both very charming and informative) and we felt like we really got to see everything and didn’t have any of the stress of tickets, timing, planning etc.”
