Discover Venice's enchanting waterways on a traditional gondola with the flexibility to choose a ride that suits you best.
Discover Venice's enchanting waterways on a traditional gondola with the flexibility to choose a ride that suits you best.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Lovers in tune, have a pitch-perfect romance on this harmonious gondola cruise through the floating city of Venice.
Lovers in tune, have a pitch-perfect romance on this harmonious gondola cruise through the floating city of Venice.
Inclusions
Enjoy some of Venice's best sights on foot and by boat, from St. Mark's Square to Rialto Bridge and Fenice Theater.
Enjoy some of Venice's best sights on foot and by boat, from St. Mark's Square to Rialto Bridge and Fenice Theater.
Inclusions
Tick off 2 bucket list experiences in Venice at once! Follow an expert guide through St. Mark's Basilica, then catch a famous water taxi.
Tick off 2 bucket list experiences in Venice at once! Follow an expert guide through St. Mark's Basilica, then catch a famous water taxi.
Inclusions
St. Mark's Basilica
Venice Gondola Ride
Explore the best of Venice as you skip the lines to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
Explore the best of Venice as you skip the lines to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
Inclusions
Half-day tour
Full-day tour
St. Mark's Basilica
Doge's Palace
Venice Gondola Ride
Prepare to be wowed by the sights, smells and sounds of Venice as you cruise down her iconic waterways. Look out for monuments like the Doge's Palace or St. Marks Basilica and sail under the single-arched Rialto Bridge. Feel the swell of the subtle waves and soak in all that Venice has to offer from the gondola.
The Venice gondola ride experience in detailIn most shared rides, you will be seated at random. This means, if you are traveling in a group, you might be separated from your cohort. Worry not, as the starting and dropping points of a gondola ride are the same, so you can always rejoin your friends/family once your ride ends. Besides, what better way to make new friends than on the canals of dreamy Venice, right?
If your dear one absolutely has to be near, you can avail the option to upgrade for same-gondola seating, even in a shared ride. With an upgrade, you can also avail a live commentary in English or Italian, or get an audio app in a variety of languages including Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, French and Hindi.
Pros
Cons
Budget friendly: These rides are easy on the pocket and you can get the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
Random seating: Unfortunately, seating arrangements are decided by the gondolier and the guest rarely has a say. Groups may be split up as a result.
Socializing: Here's a chance to make new friends in a new city as shared rides usually follow random seating.
Longer wait times: Most shared rides only begin once the gondola has been filled up. This might mean waiting an extra few minutes for your ride to begin.
Option to still book out the gondola: If you specifically wish to sit with your cohort, you can book a group seating option that can include up to 5 people.
Lack of privacy: Unlike a private gondola ride, you'll be sharing the experience with up to 5 or 6 other passengers. This means less privacy for conversation.
A shared gondola ride in Venice is an affordable way to experience Venice's charm on a traditional gondola. You'll share the gondola with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy the experience without breaking the bank.
A 30-minute shared ride starts from €30 per person, while a private ride might be €80-150+ per gondola. These prices can go up if you decide to take an after-hours shared gondola ride, or if you book a serenade ride.
Typically, a shared gondola ride in Venice lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the route and package you choose. It's enough time to soak in the mesmerizing views and capture some memorable photos.
It's highly recommended to book your shared gondola ride in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you secure your spot and avoid disappointment, as gondola rides are a popular activity in Venice.
During your shared gondola ride, you'll glide through the historic waterways of Venice, passing by stunning architecture, charming bridges, and bustling piazzas. You'll also get a unique perspective of famous landmarks like the Doge's Palace, St. Marks Basilica, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.
The number of people sharing the gondola can vary depending on the package and availability. Typically, a shared gondola accommodates up to 6 passengers (including the gondolier), ensuring an intimate yet social experience.
While you may express preferences, the specific route of your shared gondola ride is usually determined by the gondolier and can be influenced by factors like weather conditions and canal traffic.
Affordability, shorter waiting times, potential for interesting interactions with fellow passengers, and a fun, social experience are some of the benefits of taking a shared gondola ride.
Ideally, taking a shared gondola ride before 7pm is advised as the charges are at a €20 surplus post 7pm i.e. gondola ride charges are €100. However, if the price is not a factor, then taking a night ride is a unique experience and shared rides are available in the evening too.
While the experience won't be as personalized as a private ride, you can still enjoy the beauty of the canals, the iconic gondola ride itself, and the gondolier's navigation skills. Sharing the experience with others can even add a different dimension to your Venetian memories.