All the visitors would agree on this : there are some “must-do” activities in Venice, such as:
- The visit of the doge’s palace and Basilica San Marco
- Check-out the Rialto bridge
- Take a trip to Murano and Burano
- Stop in a baccaro for Spritz and cicchetti
- Attend the Venice Carnival
- Get a traditional gondola ride !!
In fact, a traditional Venetian gondola tour along the canals is the most authentic way to experience this unique city. Why ? Because it takes you back to a time when motor boats didn’t exist, and the only way to move around the city was walking or rowing. You will notice the entrance of some old houses or palaces directly opening on the water of the canals, only remaining witnesses of these lost times.
There is no doubt this experience will provide you with great memories and sensations, that’s why we always advise visitors to give it a try ! We are pretty sure that you will not regret it ! Let’s see what are the different options !
Whether you choose a private gondola, perfect for a romantic getaway or an exclusive family outing, or opt to share the adventure with fellow travel enthusiasts on a shared gondola, everyone has the freedom to discover Venice their own way.
Best gondola tour Venice
A gondola ride through Venice's canals is a must-do activity, so much so that it almost seems like a given. You will have a truly unique view of the city. You can pick from these options:
- private tour by day;
- private evening tour;
- shared day tour;
- shared evening tour with serenade.
All experiences last 30 minutes each. On private tours you can add an aperitif on board or a serenade. Click on the tour link, see the routes, and pick the gondola ride you want.
The daytime tour is available year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while the evening tour is available from April to October and runs until 8 p.m.
Available year-round at 3 times (11:00 am - 3:00 pm - 5:15 pm); the evening tour with serenade is available from April to October at 6:30 pm.
After experiencing the magic of a gondola ride in Venice, continue to discover with us the secrets of this symbol of Venice in the world:
- Child Friendly
- Private Experience
- Sustainable
- Child Friendly
- Private Experience
- Sustainable
Best gondola tour in Venice: our group experiences
Gondola tours are a cheap way to see a city or region. By sharing the gondola with other travelers, the costs are spread out, making the experience cheaper for everyone.
You can choose a gondola day group tour or an evening group tour with traditional Venetian music.
These tours not only save money, but also give you a chance to meet people from all over the world and enrich your travel experience through cultural exchanges and social interactions. The trips are usually planned well, so people can use up their time and see important places without feeling stressed.
The presence of the gondolier adds educational value to the trip by sharing stories and historical information about the places visited.
Group gondola tours combine financial benefits with a human and social aspect. This helps travelers enjoy a unique and shared experience while exploring new places efficiently.
An alternative to a gondola group tour: a private tour
Private gondola tours offer a more exclusive and personalized experience for exploring a city or region.
Unlike group tours, where travelers share the gondola, private tours cater specifically to the needs and preferences of a single group or individual. This exclusivity allows for flexibility in scheduling and itinerary, ensuring that participants can focus on their specific interests and spend more time at each attraction.
While private tours may be more expensive than group options, they provide an intimate and tailored exploration of the destination. With a knowledgeable gondolier leading the way, participants can delve deeper into the history, culture, and stories behind each site visited.
Private gondola tours are ideal for those seeking a luxurious and personalized travel experience, where every moment is crafted to enhance enjoyment and provide a deeper understanding of the destination's treasures.
How gondola is important in Venice ?
The gondola holds significant importance in Venice as both a cultural icon and a practical means of transportation. Historically, gondolas were the primary mode of transport through Venice's intricate network of canals, serving as essential vehicles for Venetians navigating the city's waterways. Even today, they continue to be used for practical purposes such as ferrying locals and tourists across the Grand Canal and smaller canals.
Beyond their utilitarian role, gondolas are deeply ingrained in Venetian culture and tradition. They symbolize Venice's unique charm and romantic allure, often associated with images of serenading gondoliers in striped shirts navigating narrow canals lined with historic buildings. The craftsmanship of crafting and maintaining gondolas is a traditional skill passed down through generations, with strict regulations governing their construction to ensure their distinctive design and balance.
VivoVenetia, your venetian tour operator
VivoVenetia stands out as a tour operator in the Veneto region by offering a sustainable and enriching approach to tourism. Beyond iconic attractions like the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and visits to the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, VivoVenetia provides a range of tour options to suit different preferences.
One standout feature is the opportunity to explore Venetian craftsmanship through guided tours of local workshops. Visitors can choose between group tours for a shared experience or private tours that can be personalized to individual interests. In these workshops, skilled artisans demonstrate age-old techniques passed down through generations, offering insights into the precision and artistry involved in Venetian crafts. These encounters deepen understanding of the cultural significance and historical context behind each masterpiece.
By offering both group and private tours, VivoVenetia ensures that you can tailor your experiences to align with your interests while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Emphasizing local culture and artisanal heritage not only preserves Venice's unique identity but also supports the region's economy in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
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