Shared Gondola Ride in Venice
Description
A gondola ride is the most traditional, enchanting and unique way to explore Venice and experience its unique atmosphere. A tour through the canals and inner waterways of this city which will make us feel as stepping into a far, old time, still alive and pulsing in this magic corner of the Earth. Let yourself slide along the peaceful canals of Venice, enjoying the silence away from the crowds and the picturesque views which can be admired only from this one-of-a-kind perspective. By no doubt, a tour to come into contact with the deepest side of Venice.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Exit on the Grand Canal with your gondola ride and then continue on inner and quieter canals.
Enjoy your gondola ride around inner and quieter canals.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that it is a shared gondola (up to 5 people each gondola) so the gondola will be shared with other people
- Please note that since it's a shared tour, there might be a queue, so you might wait a while to get on your gondola.
- Please note that no refund will be accepted for no shows or late arrivals. The Gondola Ride will take place also with rain, in the event of exceptional high tide in Venice or heavy rain the tour might be cancelled by the organization and full refund will be provided
- No luggage, bags or strollers allowed
- At 18.30 departure, 4 people per gondola max capacity
- Please be aware that on certain dates, registration and payment of an access contribution will be necessary to visit the city of Venice. We encourage you to check all the information and procedures for registration or payment on the dedicated website of Comune di Venezia.
- It is possible that someone would not be seated in the desired place next to their partner, due to organizational and weight distribution
Reviews(170)
They left us hanging. We were 20 feet away at an actual gondola pickup spot, thinking that was the spot. We were then told at 5:15 ( the time of our appt) that we had to go 20 feet away at a different spot. We got there at 5:20 and nobody there. Then called and told we were too late and did not get our money back. We’ve spent loads of money at Viator over the years on vacations, never will use them again period.
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you missed your tour, but we would like to clarify the situation. The meeting point is clearly indicated in the booking voucher and in the instructions sent before the activity. Unfortunately, waiting at a different gondola stop, even if it was nearby, meant that our staff had no way of knowing you were there. By the time you reached the correct meeting point at 5:20 PM, our team had already left with the group and the tour had departed. As this was the last gondola tour of the day, it was not possible to delay the departure or arrange another departure. We also remind all guests that the emergency contact number provided in the voucher should be used before the scheduled start time if there is any difficulty finding the meeting point. Had you contacted us before 5:15 PM, we would have been happy to guide you to the correct location and ensure you completed check-in with our staff. We understand your disappointment, but in this case the missed tour was the result of arriving at the wrong location, despite the meeting instructions and contact information being clearly provided in advance. Kind regards
Less than 20 min ride. Still had to wait in a line despite having to book a specific time. The route was a small loop with lots of gondola traffic and little scenic value.
The boatman was incredibly skilled. He was able to steer our boat expertly around many obstacles. My husband and I were lucky to get the very comfortable seats in the back of the gondola. The other couple was quite displeased to have to sit on small benches without backs for the ride. When she complained, the helper on shore told her, “I don’t make the gondolas or the rules, if you don’t like it, get off the boat.” This seemed to be the basic attitude of the folks associated with the tour. I was surprised. We spent over a week in Florence and around Tuscany and it’s the first time we encountered anyone who was less than kind and polite. For them, it’s only about making money. The trip itself was good. The gondolier was silent, but extremely skilled.
We had too many for a single gondola so we had to split up. My husband and I took one while our teens took a second. My husband and I had a great captain who pointed out interesting sights and was very kind. My kids had a very different experience. Their driver pulled the gondola parallel with his friends and they talked to each other the whole time. That may have been fine but their conversation consisted of insulting their customers and mocking each other’s passengers. My guess is they were assuming no one understood his Italian. Unfortunately, one of my kids understood Italian enough to translate his insults. Such a shame since my husband and I had a good driver. There are a lot of gondola companies in Venice, I can’t say I would chose this one again if we went back.
The guides arrived at the meeting point in time. After all the travelers arrived, they walked together to the canal. The gondoliers were already waiting for us there. Our local gondolieri spoke very good English and was super friendly. We would recommend the half-hour gondola ride to anyone.
For the price I had expected a private gondola ride, not to be shepherded with a large group and filed onto a gondola with others who we didn’t know, without any explanation of the activity, or where it would end. The instructions for the meeting point were also unclear and several people were lost.
Some groups with same number of people as my group were able use the gondola for themselves…when everyone paid the same amount….
I loved the charming and traditional boat ride on the Gondola. I only wished that I had booked a longer ride. The views were spectacular of the open river and canals.
Finding location was very difficult. The organizer was very rude and uncooperative. The Gondola operator also wa totally not bothered. An unhappy experience though the ride was ok
My wife and I turned up at the arranged time and no know was there. I complained to Viator and they were not helpful at all refusing to give me a refund. I even sent pictures of my location, time and evidence to show the kiosk at the meeting point was locked with no one in sight. Luckily, my wife suggested we go the next day to find the local office. We couldn't find their office but went to the same meet up place and saw some tour operators that were the same as ours. We explained the situation to them and they were so helpful and put us in the next Gondola experience. We had such a lovely time and are so thankful to Andrei for putting us in the next ride. All i can say is if your experience is cancelled or they don't show up, try and go there the following day and the locals are far more helpful than any customer service they advise you to contact on the brochure. Thank you Andrei and the Gondola people.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review – we're truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your gondola experience and that Andrea and our team were able to assist you. We would, however, like to clarify a few important details for the benefit of future guests. Our tours operate on a strict schedule, and it is essential to arrive at the meeting point on time and to contact our emergency number immediately if any issues arise. In this case, the call came too late for us to assist at the originally scheduled time, and unfortunately, we were not informed of the plan to return the following day. While we were glad to accommodate you the next day — thanks to the kindness of our team and the fact that there was availability — this is not something we can guarantee for everyone.
