Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride and Walking Tour

Venice, the floating city, has long captivated travelers with its enchanting blend of history, architecture, and culture. The Grand Canal Gondola Ride and Walking Tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the very essence of this remarkable destination. As visitors embark on this 3-hour journey, they’ll discover iconic landmarks, uncover the city’s rich heritage, and glide along the serene waterways in a traditional gondola. With expert guidance and breathtaking vistas, this tour promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. The only question that remains is, what secrets will Venice unveil to those who venture forth?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Venice.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 3-hour experience that includes a 30-minute gondola ride and a guided walking tour of Venice’s iconic landmarks.
• The tour covers the Rialto and St. Mark’s areas, featuring attractions like Marco Polo’s house and the Bridge of Sighs.
• Audio receivers are provided for groups over 10, and a mobile app offers audio commentary during the gondola ride.
• The tour is priced starting from $64.69 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to significant walking involved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 3-hour tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience of Venice, combining a 30-minute gondola ride and a guided walking tour of the historical city center.

Priced from $64.69 per person, the tour provides a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance, along with a "reserve now, pay later" option.

The walking tour explores the Rialto and St. Mark’s areas, highlighting landmarks like Marco Polo’s house and Santa Maria Formosa.

The gondola ride offers a unique perspective, gliding under the Bridge of Sighs into the San Marco Basin.

The tour includes audio receivers for groups over 10, multilingual assistance, and a mobile app with audio commentary for the gondola ride.

Itinerary and Highlights

The walking tour takes visitors on an exploration of the Rialto and St. Marks area, highlighting iconic landmarks like Marco Polo’s house and Santa Maria Formosa.

The gondola ride offers a unique perspective, gliding under the Bridge of Sighs into the picturesque San Marco Basin.

Travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history and architecture while enjoying the serene waterways.

The tour includes audio receiver devices for larger groups, multilingual assistance, and a mobile app with audio commentary to enhance the gondola experience.

This carefully curated itinerary combines the best of Venice’s sights and experiences, providing a comprehensive and memorable tour.

Meeting Point and Important Information

According to the tour information, the meeting point for this experience is the Venice Tours Office in Campo San Gallo, near St. Mark’s Square.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Participants are encouraged to download the mobile app, which provides navigation assistance and audio commentary for the gondola ride.

Tour Schedule

When does the tour take place?

The tour schedule varies by season. From October 1st to March 31st, the walking tour is at 9:15 AM and the gondola ride is at 11:30 AM.

During the same period, another option is the walking tour at 11:00 AM followed by the gondola ride at 2:20 PM.

Additional timings are available for different dates, so customers should check the schedule when booking.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours in total, allowing visitors to experience the highlights of Venice through the combined gondola ride and walking exploration of the historical city center.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars for this tour, based on 136 reviews.

Highlights of the feedback include the informative and knowledgeable guides, as well as the well-organized gondola ride. Positive reviews emphasize the tour’s good value for money and the overall enjoyable experience.

While most customers were satisfied, some have noted minor issues, such as the tour not being wheelchair accessible.

Gondola Ride Experience

As part of this tour, visitors embark on a 30-minute gondola ride that offers a unique perspective of Venice’s waterways.

Gliding silently under the Bridge of Sighs, they’ll get a glimpse into the history and architecture of the city from the water. The mobile app provides audio commentary, allowing guests to learn about the landmarks they pass, such as the San Marco Basin.

With a skilled gondolier navigating the narrow canals, the gondola ride provides a peaceful and immersive experience.

This tranquil journey complements the guided walking tour, offering a well-rounded exploration of Venice’s renowned sights and enchanting ambiance.

Walking Tour Highlights

The walking tour portion of this experience allows visitors to explore Venice’s historical city center, showcasing renowned landmarks and providing insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage. During the guided walking tour, guests will visit the iconic Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, home to the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights include Marco Polo’s house and the picturesque Santa Maria Formosa square. The tour also utilizes audio receiver devices for groups over 10 and provides multilingual assistance, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all.

Landmark	Significance
Rialto Bridge	One of Venice’s most famous bridges
St. Mark’s Square	The central plaza of Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica	A stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture
Marco Polo’s House	The birthplace of the famous explorer
Santa Maria Formosa	A charming square with a picturesque church

Booking and Cancellation

Booking for this combined Venice gondola ride and walking tour is convenient, with a reserve now & pay later option that allows securing a spot without upfront payment.

The tour is priced at $64.69 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their Venice itinerary with confidence.

The tour package includes the 30-minute gondola ride and guided walking exploration of the historical city center, lasting around 3 hours in total.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Guests can download a mobile app for navigation and audio commentary during the gondola ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include any stops for eating or drinking. You’ll need to purchase any refreshments separately before or after the tour activities.

Is There a Minimum Number of People Required for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum number of people required. Participants can book the tour as individuals or in a group, and it will proceed as scheduled regardless of group size.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Audio Commentary?

The tour allows customers to request a specific language for the audio commentary on the gondola ride. The mobile app provides multilingual assistance, enabling participants to enjoy the guided experience in their preferred language.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Gondola Ride?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for the gondola ride. The tour includes mobile app with audio commentary that you can use during the gondola portion of the experience.

Is There a Discount Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors. Children under 6 are free, while those aged 6-17 receive a reduced rate. Seniors over 65 may also be eligible for a discounted ticket price.

Recap

The Grand Canal Gondola Ride and Walking Tour in Venice offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and enchanting beauty. Combining a serene gondola ride and a guided walking exploration of iconic landmarks, this tour provides a seamless blend of culture and sightseeing that’s a must-do for any visitor to the Floating City. With rave customer reviews and a reasonable price tag, it’s the perfect way to experience the timeless allure of Venice.

You can check if your dates are available here: