When the weather looked iffy for our gondola day, I contacted the company and asked about doing it a day early, and they accommodated me, even though they were full. Very much appreciated, especially since so many vendors are inflexible.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Gondola ride
Excludes
- Explanations during the tour
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Stazio Gondole San Moisè - Calle Larga XXII Marzo, near Hotel Bauer (a 5-minute walk from St Mark’s Square).
Return
- Stazio Gondole San Moisè - Calle Larga XXII Marzo, near Hotel Bauer (a 5-minute walk from St Mark’s Square).
Itinerary
See the scenic tower of the famous La Fenice Theater, rebuilt exactly as it once looked and where it was located after the great fire in 1996, which affected the whole building. You will also glide underneath an elegantly carved stone bridge, dedicated to Maria Callas, who made her first Venetian debut at La Fenice thanks to her starring role in Bellini's ‘The Puritans’.
At the beginning of your ride, admire one of the most evocative sights of Venice, the 17th century Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, overlooking the Grand Canal. It was designed as a votive offering by the entire city to celebrate the end of the terrible plague of 1630.
After the Basilica della Salute, you find Punta della Dogana that divides the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal and where the "Palla d'Oro" stands. It is a well-known gilt bronze sphere on top of the Dogana de Mar tower.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Quite expensive for less than 30 minutes. I recommend doing more research and selecting a different company. The gondolier was friendly enough but it just felt very rushed, and we were back and out of the boat in under 25 minutes.
My wife has always wanted to visit Venice and we were so much looking forward to this part of the visit. The Gondola operators were a little rude, the ride was expensive and only lasted about 25mins total and the gondolier never said a word the whole ride. Very dissapointed. Will never return.
I booked this well in advance and was so looking forward to it. The gondolier was dressed in white and appeared to be more senior than all the others we passed. In fact nearly every gondolier spoke to him. Although he never spoke to us. We spent so much for this and didn’t get our money’s worth. What a disappointment don’t waste your money booking this. There are plenty of gondolas canal side. We rarely don’t leave a tip, and even though there was a tip jar (hat and sign) we did not leave a tip.
The customer service and everything leading up to the gondola ride was smooth and organized. However, it’s solely just a quiet short boat ride. Our gondolier didn’t say a single word or give us history, or offer to take a picture or anything. We saw other gondoliers going above and beyond for people and were hoping the same for our anniversary. Cool experience, but I would say it’s not worth the money.
A nice leisurely ride, very courteous staff, quick entry facilitated by our printed ticket. We arrived mid morning and had no wait. By midday it had become very crowded.
It was nice. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We got some amazing pictures. But, it felt rushed. It didn’t live up to expectations and it cost more than we were told it would by the locals.
Venice is so much more than what We expected, pictures. movies, posters, etcetera do not compare with the Real experience of Venice; you just have to visit, And when you Do, please make some room in your agenda to visit the surrounding islands, gorgeous different towns, just minutes away but each one with each a specific atmosphere, style...
Please do not book this company. This company is extremely unprofessional. If I could give 0 stars, I would. We arrived 30 minutes prior to our reservation at 6:30 pm. When we arrived to the front, we showed our reservation booking in which we paid just about $200 (2 people). We were directed to go further down away from the original departure area because we were “at the wrong place.” So we followed directions and walked to the other side of the area of check-in (this was about a 20 minute-walk; however, at this point, since we had more than enough time before our reservation, we weren’t panicking). We walk to the other side only to be met by no one and there was no other company to attend to us. We were a bit confused as to why we were directed in this direction if no one was able to assist us. We began calling the company but the number did not go through. When we checked TripAdvisor, the pictures as to where we should meet were the original location where we were. So we decided to walk back to the original location in which we were dismissed. We walked (20 minutes) back to the original departure destination in front of the gondolas and we asked to speak with the manager. At this time, it’s 7:03 pm and we are furious that we might miss our booking. We are explaining to the manager (we show him our booking, we show him the company that we booked which matches the polo he is wearing). At this point, the same fellow that came out before and told us we were at the wrong place (Marco), comes out to tell us we are still in the wrong place. The manager then takes us to the back to see if our names put in the system. LOW AND BEHOLD. Our reservation is right in front of his eyes. He then does not apologize and basically dismissed us to the corner to get on a random ride. Then, after waiting for another 30 minutes, we finally get on the gondola ride. My friend who I was with suggested that we record the time in which we are on the gondola as we paid for a 30 minute ride. I did not think it would be a big deal as I was just happy to finally be on the gondola but I told her to go ahead. No kidding, we were on the gondola for about 16 minutes. When we asked the person that was maneuvering the gondola that we barely reached 16 minutes, he replied, “It’s more or less 30 minutes.” We were extremely furious and will make share to share with family and friends are disgust with this company. It is absolutely saddening the discrimination that we faced and I suggest that you find another company to enjoy this experience.
We booked this ride for 30 minutes but it didn’t even last 15 minutes and when we asked the staff, he said it’s okay, it’s normal. No way, waste of money if this is normal or it’s swindling!
Grand canal and smaller waterways. But only 20 min. Confusing getting there, they told me to go elsewhere and then the other group sent me back. &150 for 5 seems high given the tours on the spot are 80 euros for 30 min.
Was extremely crowded and slightly disorganized. Our gondolier was rude and in a bad mood. Wouldn't let my family take pictures or move at all on the boat. Service was terrible. Just save yourself the time effort and money and go somewhere else for a ride. Pick a small company with good reviews. The ride itself was much shorter than the promised 30mins. It was just barely 20mins and the route was so ugly. Construction and abandoned hotels and a smelly canal was our experience… INCREDIBLY underwhelming as I have been on other gondola rides before and they have NEVER been as bad as that.
We were provided an address for departure, but upon arriving, there were lots of people trying to figure out how to "check in" for the ride. A very large tour group was there and the tour guide was commandeering all the available gondolas. Finally, the second time I approached an employee, we were escorted to a gondola. Our driver was nice, but he did not point out any sights or interact with us at all. We enjoyed staying on some of the smaller canals before heading out to the grand canal. Our 30-minute ride was cut short by 10 minutes.
Alright. Definitely wasn’t thirty minutes. Circled a block or two at most. Lasted 15-20 minutes………..
Disappointing experience, but was just enough for my family to say we rode on real Venetian gondola. Upon check-in, I had to email a screen shot of my booking to the gondola company, so that they could get paid by the online booking company. The gondolier was silent the entire ride. I don’t think we even rode by any of the supposed sites in the tour description. Had I known, we probably would have just went in line at one of the gondola stations nearby.
Company never showed up. We were at the meeting place, and they never showed up. We didn’t get to go on the gondola ride, because the vendor was a no show.
This was a lot of money for what you get. It was literally just a boat ride. No singing, no music, boat driver didn’t talk to us, no one offered to take our photos. I felt like I needed to do this because it what you do in Venice, but it was kind of overrated.
The ride itself was fine- it was actually only 20 minutes. This tour is double the price on trip advisor. It was hard to find where we needed to be - and it was all the way across the island. When you think of a gondola ride- think of taxi cabs in New York- they’re everywhere. I could have picked 300 other rides before I got to the one I paid for. When I got there, nobody could tell me if I was in the right place and kept sending us to other booths. And it turns out I was in the right place all along. Then a 60.00 water taxi fee back. Do yourself a favor. Wait until you get there and find the first boat that will take you out. You’ll save a ton of money, a ton of walking and a ton of confusion.
Unfortunately we were completely unable to find the contract after going back and forth between several Gondola stops. No one answered the phone when we tried to call for help and we ended up taking another private Gondola tour which was only 80 euro. A disappointing hour spent frantically trying to find this with my family. I have never booked anything via Trip Advisor before and I am now reluctant to do it again.
Very expensive, gondola driver talked in cell phone entire time, very busy part of Venice. When we arrived at meeting place. They told me they did not have me down for tour and immediately dismissed us as not part of their tour. I then pulled up confirmation to prove I was part of it. Very unorganized.
The gondola ride is what it is, half an hour of making a circuit from the Grand Canal to a few smaller canals, and back to the starting point. Expensive but iconic Venice. No complaints, but not really worth the expense. Our gondolier didn't speak to anyone except other gondoliers as we passed by them. My issue was misinformation in the directions provided by the tour group. The map link in Trip Advisor shows one location, the written directions, a completely different location a few minutes away. We went to the GPS guided location, showed a gondolier our phone for confirmation, and he sent us to the location written on the confirmation. We went there and a second gondolier said they didn't have our reservation, but at least he was helpful enough to make a phone call from my phone, confirming that yes, we did have a reservation at the location the GPS sent us to. We arrived back there and the first gondolier was visibly annoyed that we didn't believe him that we didn't belong there. I found someone else that would listen, and had them call the tour operator. Finally they acknowledged that we were in the correct place. We got going 15 minutes late, and I was wondering if our tour would be cut short. Thankfully they did give us the full 30 minutes, possibly because they knew they weren't at all helpful from the start, who knows.
We had reserved an appointment at 10 AM but arrived early. We boarded the gondola around 9:40 and were back at the dock by 10:02, so it wasn’t the full 30 minutes it was advertised as. The canals were packed with boats making their morning supply deliveries to businesses, which didn’t make for a very picturesque experience.
I loved everything about it. I loved the fact that it was a private ride. I just wish it was longer than 30mins. and that it had Italian music.
Great experience, brilliant sunshine during our 35 minute trip. Gondolier was first class. 80 euros well spent. A treat for our niece who thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We didn't have to queue just turned up and paid and away we went. We got our Gondola outside of the Monaco hotel which is a 5 minute walk along the canal side from St. Marks square.
Absolutely loved the experience, was a bit disappointed we paid for 30 minutes and we barely got 25 minutes think it was more like 22 minutes. All seemed a bit chaotic when arriving to go on the ride
Beautiful and romantic, our driver had a great personality, breathtaking views of Venice, Wished it was longer, don’t forget to get a bellini at Harry’s bar nearby
Probably the best 30 min of our trip. I booked this in advance knowing full well that it's the most touristy thing to do. However, this did not disappoint. Going through the little canals on a beautiful afternoon and then the moment that we cruised out to the Grand Canal just about took my breath away. We were incredibly fortunate to have the most perfect weather and absolutely enjoyed every minute of this experience. 10/10 would recommend.
Accidentally booked on the wrong day - emailed trip advisor and the company within 10 minutes of booking - and was told there was nothing they could do. No changes are allowed.
They were careful getting us in and out safely. Our guide spoke fairly good English and answered questions above providing the general information. It was very unclear where it was because the Hotel Bauer referenced in directions is under construction so we were a bit stressed as we were on the other side where another company was located. The cost at 150.00 Euro was a lot for under 30 minute ride.
Amazing tour!))) We enjoyed the ride, good organization. The gondolier was very funny )) Boat tour was for up to 5 people, but in fact it was private ride for me and my BF
We booked this as a birthday present. We actually arrived a bit late, but they sorted us out and still had the full 30 minutes.
Enjoyed the ride and it was nice to know we had something reserved ahead of time however gondolas we’re pretty available everywhere and only 80 euros.
Riding the gondola was a bucket list checked off. However, when it says a private tour we didn't expect an amusement park ride...one gondola after another...get on here and get off there.
The GPS doesn’t take you there, unfortunately, however a nice stranger helped us. When we arrived early like requested we got right on h the private gondola. It was a very peaceful ride and the gondolier occasionally pointed out spots of interest.
Arrived early and was immediately given a gondola. Gondolier was friendly, funny, and offered to take our photo at the end of the trip. Whilst in Venice I saw many gondola businesses offering trips for 80-100€ so you may be able to find a cheaper ride if you buy one there but I can’t complain about the service we had. We went down some thin canals and also onto the grand canal.
Not worth it to rebook this. The weather was so hot we literally could not go, and the vendor refused to cancel. Beautiful place but turning into total tourist trap.
Sunset ride through the area near San Marco Square. Lovely to see the city in such an intimate way. Guide didn't say a word but it was fine, we just enjoyed the view.
Easy to book and clear guidance on where is the departure spot. I believe that the cost for a private 30min ride is acceptable! The ride itself was enjoyable! Recommended!
Tutti molto disponibili, un particolare grazie al gondoliere una persona gentile e premurosa...ha risposto a tutte le nostre curiosità e ci ha anche dato delle indicazioni sui palazzi e su alcune storie tradizionali, è stata una bellissima esperienza che consiglio anche a chi ha dei bambini i miei si sono divertiti tantissimo.
Despite the seasonal abundance and crowd, a beautiful experience and lasting impression. Courteous treatment and kindness. Everyone was very helpful.
Why should you pay 135€ here when a 30min gondola ride costs 80€ (and 100€ in the evening) everywhere?! You just don't know if you book before..
First time in a gondola, interesting ride both in the smaller canals and in the Grand Canal. Experience to be repeated perhaps in the evening.
Sehr gutes Erlebnis und beeindruckend wie so viele Gondol einander vorbeifahren in den engen Kanalen. Freundliche Gondoliere
Venezia in gondola sembra un quadro, il silenzio dei canali più nascosti..un luogo dove sembra che il tempo si sia fermato...da provare assolutamente
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