If Venice is your dream destination, then make the most of your visit and join us for a half-hour private ride on an authentic Venetian gondola!

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Overview

Nothing conveys the romance of Venice like a gondola -- these elegant, black, hand-built wooden boats have been an unmistakable feature of the city for almost 1,000 years!

Choose between two different routes that allow you to explore the major monuments and picturesque byways of the Sestiere San Marco or the Sestiere San Polo, on either side of the Grand Canal.

• Classic Venice: Meet the gondolier at Calle Vallaresso in front of Harry's Bar, right off Piazza San Marco. Glide along the Grand Canal by the Punta della Dogana and the monumental church of the Salute. A series of side canals leads to the backside of the Teatro La Fenice, the Palazzo Ca' Corner and the palace where Mozart stayed during the Carnival of 1771. Return past the Campo San Moise' to your starting point.


• Hidden Venice: Meet the gondolier at the San Toma' traghetto stop on the Grand Canal, on Venice's quieter Left Bank. Glide along the Grand Canal almost as far as the Rialto Bridge and return downstream past the aristocratic palaces of the Mocenigo, Ca' Garzoni, Pisani Moretta and Dona'. A small side canal leads to the expanse of Campo San Polo; return past the 15th century Palazzo Bernardo to your starting point.

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Additional Information

Please note that this is NOT a guided tour. The gondolier usually does not speak to clients nor provide any information about Venice. Each gondola can accommodate up to 6 people and the boat ride lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The gondola ride can be booked with or without music. Please select the option that is best for you when checking out.

The gondola ride with music includes a singer (Neapolitan and Venetian songs), accompanied by either an accordion or guitar.

Please note that pricing for the gondola with music includes both the ride and music. Gondola rides with music after 7:00pm is still subject to availability.

Gondolas cannot operate in the event of inclement weather or high tides. If the gondolier has to cancel the service, the cost will refunded.

Please also note that Select Italy cannot be held responsible for the Gonodolier's service and selection of the travel route. Furthermore, there is no set rule on how gondoliers should dress: some of them wear a white shirt with a long collar (the traditional gondolier's outfit), while others wear a black-and-white striped t-shirt or casual t-shirts in various colors.



Sites Included: Routes may differ depending on the season, the tides, the amount of boat traffic and the time of day. At the height of the tourist season (June, July, August), the Hidden Venice route may offer a less crowded, more enjoyable ride.

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