The city of Venice, Italy is a world treasure. Its unique maze of bridges and canals makes it like no other place on Earth. Venice is a “must-see” when visiting Italy. And no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. Riding through the ancient canals in a gondola with a traditionally dressed gondolier is the perfect setting for a memorable ride. With many beautiful sights that are best seen from the canals, the ultimate Venice gondolier ride and serenade is the perfect addition to your trip for sightseeing, romance, or both.
Overview
What is the most quintessential way to explore and experience Venice? Being serenaded on a shared gondola ride through the city’s canals, of course. Riders have the choice between four different afternoon and evening times to experience the fantastic ride. A traditionally dressed gondolier will sing to you and the other passengers as you float by some of Venice’s most historic and well-known landmarks.
- Shared gondola ride and serenade
- Ride through the Grand Canal as well as other smaller waterways
- Float by Venetian attractions such as Palazzo Barbarigo and the Peggy Guggenheim. Collection
- Suit your schedule with four departure time options in the afternoon and evening
What to Expect:
The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Venice is its many bridges and canals. The city is known world-wide for them, and there is no better way to experience these aspects than through a gondola tour. Literally floating through history while being serenaded. Visitor’s taking part in this tour are to expect an intimate experience with the city of Venice.
First, you will decide on one of four start times in the afternoon or early evening to book. On the day of the boat ride you will go to the start point at the Gondola Station at Santa Maria del Giglio, Campiello Traghetto.
From there you will board the six-person gondola and sit back and relax has your traditionally dressed gondolier begins your journey. You will float through the wide and narrow, busy and off-the-path canals that make up the city. You will pass landmarks like the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim. Collection, and the Palazzo Barbarigo.
At one point during the boat ride, a singer will board the gondola and sing traditional songs. Mixing the sights and sounds of a historical city, creating some of the most memorable parts of your trips to Venice.
After a total of about 30-35 minutes you will return to your original launch point at the gondola pier.
About Palazzo Barbarigo
The Palazzo Barbarigo is a palace in Venice facing the city’s Grand Canal. It’s one of several villas in Venice that was built and lived in by the long-established Barbarigo family.
It was originally built sometime in 16th century, making the palace about 500 years old. The palace stands out for it’s beautiful Murano glass mosaics, inspired by the facade of the also infamous St Mark’s Basilica.
In the 1920’s the Palazzo was the company headquarters of the Pauly & C. Compagnia, the oldest Venetian glass factory in Venice. Today, there is still a Murano glass showroom in the Palazzo Barbarigo.
About the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy. Guggenheim Collection is a museum of modern art located on the Grand Canal in Venice. It was of the most visited attractions in the city. The collection of artworks has made its home in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. This is an 18th-century palace that the American heiress and collector Peggy Guggerheim lived in for over three decades.
Guggenheim began her art collection during the chaos of WWII-era Europe and built an impressive collection of Italian Futurists and their counterparts, American Modernists. Since 1951, this classic museum has been attracting many visitors with its paintings and sculptures. The beloved museum attracts up to 400,000 visitors per year.
What is Included
- Shared gondola ride with other gondolas for approximately 30 minutes
- A singer who sings while you are onboard the gondola
What is Excluded
- Pick up from the hotel and drop off
- Gratuity
- Guide
How Long in the Ride?
The ride is about 30 minutes plus/minus. It could be more or less depending on the traffic.
Where is the Departure Point
When is the Best Time to Do this Tour?
Thanks to Venice’s climate, this is tour can be enjoyed year-round. Many visitors see the moderate temperatures in April, May, September, and October as the best time to visit Venice, as this is between the cool of winter and the heat of summer. However, so long as you consider the weather and dress appropriately, this tour can be enjoyed whenever your trip to Venice is scheduled.
Who is this Tour for?
- Groups of six or fewer
- People physically able to get in and out of a boat
- People able to sit still for at least 30 minutes
- Visitors who are not predisposed to any kind of sea sickness
- Anyone who wishes to see experience Venice by gondola
Why you Should Do this Tour
This tour is the perfect way to experience pure Venice. Floating down the century’s old canals, while being serenaded with traditional Italian songs. Whether you want a romantic trip or an amazing sightseeing opportunity, this tour offers plenty of both. Anyone who wants to complete the “must-do” activities while visiting Venice should do this tour. It’s flexible cancellation policy and inclement weather rescheduling, make it a safe choice for busy visitors.
Things You Should Know
- Confirmation for the tour will be given at the time of booking
- Due to Gondola size, there is a maximum of six people per booking
- There are no preassigned seats, so your party may not all sit together
- In the event of inclement weather, you may reschedule your ride or accept a full refund
- You must cancel at least 24 hours before tour start time to receive a full refund
Pros
- Good for the price and value
- Romantic ride
- Affordable
Cons
- The serenade is for a group of gondolas and not individual
- The gondoliers don’t pay enough attention to their clients, they often speak between them while riding.
Conclusion
Venice offers more than enough memorable and enjoyable activities for groups of all sizes. And whether you’re an intimate group of two or full group of six, this gondola ride will be ideal. Missing out on a chance to tour Venice in a traditional gondola would be very unfortunate, as it is so essential to the history and feel of the city. Be sure to book yours as early as possible, to be sure you do not miss out on such a memorable experience.
Check Availability on Viator
More Tour reviews
- Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence
- Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
- The Ultimate Cinque Terre Day Trip From Florence
- Gondola Rides in Venice
Have you been on the Venice gondola serenade ride? If so you are welcome to share your experience int he comment s below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Having done this in the past, I fully agree. I was even there during a colder time of year and wasn’t sure if I’d want to be out on the water, but it was such a wonderful experience. Walking among Venice is great but the trip on a gondola with serenade is an experience that you just cannot get anywhere else.
I’m curious as to what is expected as far as tipping goes… is this common and what is the normal price range?
Sure it is quite common to tip in Venice. 5 to 10 % of the sum you paid for the trip will be fine.
I hope it helped. Please let me know if you need more info; I’ll be glad to help. Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a beautiful day.
Hello Daniella, this a very good post on one of my wish list cuties in the world. I have always anticipated a good ride on the Gondola where I get to take a ride along the canals. It seems to me like Venice is a place that is not only beautiful but also holds a while lot of history as well. I hope that someday, I will be able to visit the beautiful city and take this your. I will bookmark this post. Thanks.
Hi there,
I hope for you too, if you are in Venice don’t miss this tour:)
Let me know if you need help. I’ll be more than happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day!
Hi,
I’m really interested in this. My sister lives in Italy. I want to visit her soon. I’ve read about the Venice Festival that ends in the celebration of Christian Lent. I think this will be a good time to visit. Don’t know when it happens.
Please can you provide information on the period of this carnival? I think it will be a good time to see the waterways and have a great experience with the many bridges and canals. The Palazzo Barbarigo looks really beautiful. The view is wow. I appreciate your detailed description of Venice Gondola.
Hi there,
The Carnaval of Venice will be held between the 8 to 25 of February. Just be aware that Venice gets really pricey at the Carnaval time, but it’s an experience, not miss!
Let me know if you need help. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day!
The Gondola ride seems like a ride better than just an ordinary ride. I like the thought of being able to enjoy some Italian songs while on the ride. Venice is one of the best cities in the world and there’s no surprise that there is such awesomeness to indulge in. I will like a ride too. Great post here. I am going to give this ride a try. Thanks!
Hi John,
Yes, a Gondola ride in Venice is exceptional and romantic:)
You should try it if you happen to visit Venice.
However, let me know if you need help. I’ll be glad to assist.
Thank you for passing by and for the comment!
Venice is one of the places I’ve always wanted to visit; I’ve especially always wanted to ride the Venice Gondolas. What I can’t decide is what time of day that would be best. It seems like a sunset ride would be spectacular however with the limited sunlight, some of the sights might be difficult to view.
How well are the various attractions lit up during the evening hours? Do you think taking a ride at or just after sunset would diminish the visuals of the ride? Thanks so much for your insight, much appreciated!
Hi Shan,
That’s a great question. Thank you for asking!
The attractions are lit up but, it’s a little darker than during the day. You won’t be able to see everything, but it is extremely romantic and fun. Also, be aware that Gondola prices go up in the evening. 80 Euros for 40 minutes during the day and around 120 Euro after 7 pm.
I hope it helped.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day!