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Shared gondola rides in Venice
Select Your Experience
- This traditional gondola ride invites you to discover Venice's enchanting waterways in 30 minutes with the flexibility to choose a ride that suits you best.
- The cost-saving seating option is perfect for solo travelers, and history buffs can delight in a route under the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge's Palace to its prisons!
- Want to share a gondola with your travel buddies? Select the options that guarantee seating in the same gondola to ensure you're in the same boat.
- Let the storytelling bug bite you by opting for bilingual live commentary or a digital app in 7 languages to hear the legends behind all the Venetian landmarks you will pass.
- Marvel at the domes of Santa Maria della Salute, the waterfront entrance of the Peggy Guggenheim House Museum, and more.
Inclusions
- 30-min shared gondola ride in Venice
- Gondola and seat assigned by the gondolier
- Seating guaranteed in the same gondola (optional)
- Live commentary in English and Italian (optional)
- Digital app audio commentary in Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French & Hindi (optional)
- Special route under the Bridge of Sighs (optional)
Exclusions
- Headphones (ensure you bring your own)
- Tip: This experience starts just around the corner from St. Mark's Basilica. Combine your visits and tick off 2 bucket list items in 1 day!
- Please note that the ride includes a 20-minute introduction and the entire experience could last up to 50 mins total, depending on weather and canal traffic.
- Seating arrangements inside the gondola may vary for balance. This means you might not be able to sit next to your travel partner(s).
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Experience picture-perfect romance on a harmonious gondola cruise through the floating city of Venice.
- On this leisurely 30-minute ride, sprinkle a bit of magic onto your date with that special someone as you’re serenaded by traditional live music.
- Find hidden gems in liquid Venetian alleys; perhaps admire the quaint limestone Bridge of Sighs over the Rio del Palazzo – all from a unique perspective.
- Keep an eye out for the mesmerizing façade of Ca' d'Oro, a Gothic palace-turned-art museum along the Grand Canal.
Inclusions
- 30-minute gondola ride in Venice
- Live singer aboard one of the gondolas
- Gondola and seat assigned by the gondolier
- Tip: Embrace the Venetian lifestyle and go for a traditional aperitivo after your gondola ride. Join the locals at a canal-side bar for cicchetti (Venetian tapas)!
- The serenade performers will board a gondola in the center of the row so everyone can hear the music. Musicians may not be on every gondola.
- Please note that the ride could last less than 30 minutes depending on weather and canal traffic.
- Seating arrangements inside the gondola may vary for balance. This means you might not be able to sit next to your travel partner(s).
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy this 2-in-1 combo experience that shows you the serene canals of Venice and one of Europe's most recognizable buildings, the Doge's Palace, in the same ticket!
- Walk through the palace with a handy guidebook in hand (available in multiple languages) to better understand the palace's history.
- At St. Mark's Square Museums, you'll get a better sense of Venetian culture, its roots, history, and significance.
- Embark upon a traditional gondola ride, allowing you to kick back and take in the serene sights of Venice around you.
- Catch glimpses of the Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, New Prisons, Arch of Paradise, Marco Polo’s house, Church of San Zulian and Church of Miracles, and more.
Inclusions
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Skip-the-line entry to the Doge's Palace
- Handy guide book with stories and facts about Doge’s Palace, Basilica, Saint Mark’s square
- Access to St Mark's Square Museums
- Detailed map with public boat transportation information
Exclusions
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace and Palaces of Saint Mark' Square
- Tip: Don't miss the Map Room in the Doge's Palace, featuring huge format maps and globes of the world as known to cartographers of the Serenissimo Principe (Serene Prince).
- Please note that the ride could last less than 30 mins depending on weather and canal traffic.
- Seating arrangements inside the gondola may vary for balance. This means you might not be able to sit next to your travel partner(s).
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Get to know some of Venice's top attractions including St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, and La Fenice theatre, enjoying the best of the city on foot and by boat.
- Local guides provide fascinating insights on Venetian history and culture as you spend 2 hours wandering through the city's streets and squares.
- Glide along the Grand Canal on a 30-minute gondola ride, admiring majestic palaces and historic landmarks that line the waterways.
- Enjoy a leisurely break between tours to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of Venice, indulging in local delicacies or capturing memorable photos.
Inclusions
- 2-hour walking tour of Venice
- Expert English, Italian, Spanish, German or French-speaking guide (optional)
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Tip: Take advantage of spectacular photo ops as you get remarkable views of Doge's Palace and St. Marks’ Bell Tower.
- This activity includes a shared gondola ride of up to 5 people. Seating arrangements within a gondola may vary for balance and safety reasons.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities.
- There will be a small break between the tours.
- The tour is free for children under the age of 2, provided the children do not occupy a seat in the gondola.
- Please download the audio guide on your mobile device before embarking on a gondola.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 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.
- Dive right in with skip the line access to St. Mark's Basilica, as your guide helps unveil its dazzling gold mosaics in the language of your choice.
- Soak in the charm of Venice with a leisurely half hour gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller waterways near the Salute Basilica.
- Marvel at architectural wonders like La Fenice Theatre, and the Murano glass mosaics of Palazzo Barbarigo inspired by St. Marks' Basilica!
- Enjoy a leisurely break between the 2 tours to explore the city, indulge in local delicacies, or simply soak up the Venetian vibes.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, Italian, Spanish, German or French-speaking guide
- 30-minute shared gondola ride in Venice
- Tip: Stop in at a local trattoria for an authentic Venetian Lunch, try local favourites like risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto) or fritto misto (mixed fried seafood).
St. Mark's Basilica
- Strict dress code: All guests must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees to enter the basilica.
- Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- A ramp is available at the Porta del Fiori (Door of Flowers) entrance on the left-hand side of the basilica.
- The Museum on the upper floor of the basilica is served by both a lift and stair lifts.
Venice Gondola Ride
- Seating arrangements within a gondola may vary for balance and safety reasons, it may not be possible to sit next to your partner.
- The gondola ride is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Please note that the tour may not operate under exceptional high tide conditions or during religious functions at the basilica. In the event of cancellation, your tour will either be rescheduled or refunded for your convenience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore the best of Venice on this guided day tour, including seamless skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
- Glide through historic canals on a 30-minute gondola ride, led by an expert gondolier who shares captivating stories.
- Learn all about the history of St. Mark's and the political significance of the Doge's Palace from an expert English-speaking guide.
- Pick what suits your plan; a half or full-day trip. Extend your tour to journey into the colorful towns of Murano and Burano Islands.
- With an optional visit to the islands, be ready to immerse in the artisanal magic of glass-blowing and lace-making workshops.
Inclusions
- Full/half-day tour of Venice (as per option selected)
- Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English-speaking guide
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Round-trip transfers to/from Murano & Burano Islands (optional)
- Glass-blowing demonstration (optional)
- Lace-making demonstration (optional)
Half-day tour
- St Marks Basilica
- Doge's Palace
- 30-minute gondola ride
Full-day tour
- St Marks Basilica
- Doge's Palace
- 30-minute gondola ride
- Glass-blowing demonstration at Murano Island
- Lace-making demonstration at Burano Island
- Tip: Take advantage of the local expert knowledge! Request your gondolier to point out the lesser-known sights along the canals.
St. Mark's Basilica
- Strict dress code: All guests must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees to enter the basilica.
- Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- A ramp is available at the Porta del Fiori (Door of Flowers) entrance on the left-hand side of the basilica.
- The Museum on the upper floor of the basilica is served by both a lift and stair lifts.
Doge's Palace
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
- Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armory are not wheelchair accessible.
Venice Gondola Ride
- Seating arrangements within a gondola may vary for balance and safety reasons, it may not be possible to sit next to your partner.
- The gondola ride is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Please note that the tour may not operate under exceptional high tide conditions or during religious functions at the basilica. In the event of cancellation, your tour will either be rescheduled or refunded for your convenience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cruises and Gondola Rides in VeniceShared ride
A gondola ride is one of the most quintessential Venetian experiences. And for those looking to enjoy without burning holes in their pocket, a shared gondola ride is the perfect choice. Hop on a gondola with fellow travelers and explore the iconic canals of Venice. Read on to know about what a shared gondola ride in Venice will look like.
The shared gondola ride experience
Views
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 detail
Make new friends
In 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?
Upgrades are available (though optional)
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.
Why go for a shared gondola ride?
Budget trip
- For those on a budget, this is a great option as it is the basic experience.
- Payment is for the entire gondola which is €80, not per head. So if a gondola has 5 passengers, this cost will be split amongst them.
- Your overall experience is uncompromised as you're still getting to see popular sights like Doge's Palace, St. Marks Basilica and more.
You'll be a green traveler
- Choosing a shared gondola ride reduces the overall number of gondolas needed for individual rides, potentially resulting in a lower environmental impact on the delicate ecosystem of the canals.
- Gondolas are propelled by oars, but some use small electric motors for maneuvering in tight spaces or assisting in windy conditions. Sharing a gondola means fewer gondolas and motors in operation, potentially reducing overall fuel consumption and related emissions.
Hear from our guests
Frequently asked questions about shared gondola rides in Venice
What is a shared gondola ride in Venice?
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.
How much does a shared gondola ride cost?
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.
How long does a shared gondola ride last?
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.
Do I need to book my shared gondola ride in advance?
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.
What Venice attractions can I see during my shared gondola ride?
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.
How many people will I be sharing the gondola with?
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.
Can I request a specific route for my shared gondola ride?
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.
What are the advantages of a shared gondola ride?
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.
When is the best time of day to take 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.
Do shared gondola rides offer the same ambiance and experience as private rides?
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.
