Venice: Private Grand Canal Gondola Ride with Optional Musicians
Active
30m - 45m
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A 30-minute private gondola ride reveals the essence of Venice, gliding along the Grand Canal and into quiet backwaters. Enjoy stunning views of landmarks like Santa Maria della Salute and Ca’ Dario Palace as you pass beneath charming bridges. Choose a private ride for a peaceful, intimate journey or enhance the magic with live musicians on board.
- Private gondola for a more personal and romantic experience
- Option to add live musicians for an unforgettable atmosphere
- Glide past iconic sights and hidden corners
- Professional gondolier navigating scenic canals
Available options
Private Gondola
Choose this option for a private gondola ride for up to 5 people and enjoy Venice’s canals at your own pace.
Private Gondola with Musicians
Choose this option for a private gondola ride for up to 3 people, with live musicians serenading you along Venice’s canals.
What's included
Professional gondolier
Live serenade with musicians on board (if private serenade option selected)
Private gondola for a more personal experience.
30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals
Meeting point assistant
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your dedicated meeting point assistant near St. Mark’s Square for a relaxed five-minute walk to the pier. Pass the iconic Doge’s Palace and take in the charm of Venice’s old town before stepping aboard your private gondola. Settle in and glide gently through the serene waterways of Venice.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Glide through Venice’s most scenic canals aboard your private gondola, admiring the city from the water. Pass iconic landmarks and enjoy unforgettable views of the domes of Santa Maria della Salute Church.
3
Admire the elegant facades of historic palaces as you glide along the Grand Canal in your private gondola. Add a romantic touch with the serenade option, featuring live music from musicians on board.
4
Next, spot the mysterious Ca’ Dario Palace on the Grand Canal, known for its Gothic style and haunting legends.
5
Catch a glimpse of the historic Gran Teatro La Fenice, one of Venice’s most celebrated opera houses, as you pass through the city’s quieter canals.
6
Take in the grandeur of the Baroque Church of San Moisè, with its ornate façade rising above the calm, narrow waterways.
What's not included
Live tour guide or commentary
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive at the meeting point 5–10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
All passengers count toward the gondola’s maximum capacity, regardless of age. There are no discounted rates for infants or young children.
The gondola ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and follows a standard route based on the designated gondola station. The route may vary depending on tidal levels or canal traffic.
In case of adverse weather or unusual tidal conditions, both the duration and itinerary may be modified.
Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests (including children). If musical accompaniment is requested, the capacity is limited to 3 guests.
Meeting point
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Your guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.
Important notes
Your meeting point assistant will provide your gondola tickets and lead you to the pier.
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
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
