4 (274)
Venice
Venice Gondola Ride: Hidden Canals & Top Sights
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Overview
Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights offers a special way to see Venice from the water. Instead of busy streets, imagine floating on calm canals in your own gondola.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a private and relaxing look at Venice. You can choose how long you want your ride to be. The shortest ride takes you to the San Polo area, where you can see how buildings used to face the canals like streets. If you pick a longer ride, you'll go to the Grand Canal and see famous spots like the Rialto Bridge. The longest ride even goes to St. Mark’s Square. Along the way, you might spot the Carmelite Church, Torres’ neo-medieval home, Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, Cicogna Palace and San Polo, Grand Canal and Calatrava Bridge, Degli Scalzi Bridge, Pisani-Moretta Palace, San Polo, Rialto Bridge, Ca’ Farsetti, Ca’ d’Oro and Rialto Market, Rialto Market, San Marco Square, Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, Chiesa della Salute.
A friendly gondoliere will guide the gondola. The gondoliere knows a lot about Venice and can share interesting stories. This private tour includes a gondoliere and a choice of how long the tour will be: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours. Getting to the meeting point is not included. 
Highlights
See Venice from the Water: Float along the canals in a private gondola for a unique view of the city.
Choose Your Route: Pick a tour length to see different parts of Venice, from hidden canals to famous landmarks.
Expert Gondolier: A friendly and knowledgeable gondolier will guide you and share stories about Venice.
Private Experience: Enjoy a romantic and intimate tour, just for your group.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the romantic and unique experience, but some wished for longer rides and easier meeting points.
Customers loved the romantic and relaxing experience.
Many enjoyed the knowledgeable and friendly gondoliers.
Some visitors appreciated seeing Venice from a unique perspective.
The private setting was a highlight for many couples.
A few customers felt the ride was too short.
Some visitors mentioned difficulty finding the meeting point.
The Journey
Carmelite Church and Torres’ neo-medieval home
Begin your journey by drifting past the Carmelite Church, a Renaissance masterpiece where centuries of history resonate. Then, be captivated by the fairytale charm of Torres' neo-medieval home, an embodiment of Venetian romance that whispers sweet nothings to passersby. This juxtaposition of sacred history and whimsical architecture offers a unique glimpse into Venice's diverse aesthetic sensibilities.
Palazzo Ca' Zenobio
Step into the lavish halls of Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, where elegance and intrigue intertwine. This stunning palace is renowned for its opulent interiors and vibrant atmosphere. Keep an eye out—you might even witness a film shoot, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your Venetian adventure.
Cicogna Palace and San Polo
Cruise along Fondamenta Briati to catch a glimpse of the Cicogna Palace's tranquil courtyard, complete with a cool Istrian stone well. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of San Polo, Venice’s largest square. Here, the scent of fresh pastries wafts from lively taverns, inviting you to explore historic churches and the birthplace of playwright Carlo Goldoni in this authentic corner of the city.
Grand Canal and Calatrava Bridge
Embark on a traditional Venetian gondola and glide along the iconic Grand Canal, affectionately known as the “Canalasso.” As your gondolier expertly navigates the waterways, marvel at Venice's timeless beauty from a unique perspective. Be sure to ask about the striking Calatrava Bridge, a modern glass structure that offers a privileged and enchanting view, especially when illuminated in the evening.
Degli Scalzi Bridge
As you glide along the Grand Canal, admire the elegant Degli Scalzi Bridge. Constructed in 1846, this architectural landmark provides a vital connection between the bustling districts of San Polo, Rialto, and Santa Margherita with the railway station. Witness how this bridge ushered in a new era of accessibility for Venice, blending modern convenience with timeless charm.
Pisani-Moretta Palace
Continue along the Grand Canal and be captivated by the striking façade of the Pisani-Moretta Palace, an outstanding example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its elegant design, structured into three grand sections and framed by intricate stonework, reflects the city’s noble heritage. This palace stands as a testament to Venice's rich architectural legacy and aristocratic past.
San Polo
Welcome to San Polo, the largest square in Venice and a vibrant heart of local life. This historic district is known for its unique blend of tradition and enterprise. Here, homes and workshops once stood side by side, embodying the classic Venetian “shop-house” lifestyle. Experience the authentic Venetian spirit in this bustling and historically rich square.
Rialto Bridge
The highlight of this itinerary is the magnificent Rialto Bridge—the city’s oldest and most celebrated crossing. No matter the hour, it’s a favorite spot for capturing memories. From the water, you’ll enjoy a privileged view, offering a fresh and elegant perspective of the lively mix of traditional shops and restaurants. The bridge owes its name to the nearby market, which gained prominence by the mid-13th century, forever linking commerce and culture in the heart of Venice.
Ca’ Farsetti
As you pass along the Grand Canal, your attention will be drawn to the stately façade of Ca’ Farsetti, one of Venice’s most distinguished palaces. Built in the 13th century in the Venetian-Byzantine style, this historic building now serves as the City Hall. Its elegant arches and noble columns reflect centuries of civic pride and political heritage.
Ca’ d’Oro and Rialto Market
At the eastern end of the bridge once stood the old mint, giving rise to its former name, Ponte della Moneta. As you approach the dazzling Ca’ d’Oro, admire its façade—once believed to be adorned with real gold. From the canal, the Rialto Market bursts into view with vibrant colors, lively voices, and the scent of fresh produce drifting through the air, offering a sensory feast of Venetian life.
Rialto Market
From the canal, the Rialto Market bursts into view with vibrant colors, lively voices, and the scent of fresh produce drifting through the air.
San Marco Square
Step into San Marco Square — Venice’s grand “living room of Europe,” where history and elegance meet. Your gondolier will guide you past the majestic cathedral and bell tower, rebuilt in 1902 after centuries of awe. Immerse yourself in the heart of Venetian culture and history in this iconic square.
Bridge of Sighs
Pass under the iconic Bridge of Sighs, where centuries of secrets and stories linger in the silence of stone. Legend says a kiss beneath it at sunset seals a love that lasts forever. Let the romantic allure and historical weight of this legendary bridge captivate your imagination.
Doge’s Palace
Beneath the shadowed arches of the Doge’s Palace, secrets of a powerful republic linger in silence. Once home to rulers and prisoners alike, its walls still whisper tales of intrigue and hidden justice. Explore the depths of Venetian history and the stories of power, betrayal, and justice within this magnificent palace.
Chiesa della Salute
Admire the majestic Chiesa della Salute, rising gracefully at the Grand Canal’s edge—a symbol of Venice’s resilience and devotion. Built in gratitude after the plague, its baroque beauty tells a story of hope carved in stone and light. Be moved by the artistic grandeur and the poignant history of this iconic Venetian landmark.
Know Before You Go
This private gondola tour includes a friendly and expert local gondoliere. The 2-hour tour enjoys the full itinerary, the 1.5-hour tour goes up to Rialto Market before returning to the meeting point, the 60-minute tour goes up to San Polo before returning to the meeting point, and the 30-minute tour goes up to Palazzo Briati before returning to the meeting point. Choose from a 30-minute, 1-hour, 1.5-hour, or 2-hour tour. Transportation to the meeting point is not included.
Hot Tip
Some people have a hard time finding the spot to meet the gondola. So, go early to make sure you're not late for your tour. Also, think about booking a longer ride to see more of the cool places in Venice!
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