Description
There is no quicker way to feel Venice than from the water, and a shared gondola ride puts you there for roughly half an hour. Your gondolier, recognisable by the blue and white striped shirt, pushes off into the narrow side canals of the San Marco area, where palaces line the water and the boat slips under city bridges.
The boat then slips out onto the Grand Canal, the wide, iconic waterway of the city. From here the view opens up, and the Salute Church is the landmark to look for across the water. It is also a good moment for photos.
- A seat on a traditional Venetian gondola, shared with up to five passengers
- Help getting on board
- An audio introduction, if you choose that option
Some things are worth knowing before you go. The gondolier is there to row, not to guide: he does not have to speak your language, sing or give commentary. The ride can be a little shorter than half an hour when the canals are busy, and if the tide is high the route under the Bridge of Sighs may be swapped for another one. The ride goes ahead in the rain, unless exceptional weather forces a cancellation.
Seats are assigned for balance, so you may not always sit beside your partner. Choosing the random seat option can place a group on different gondolas, so book together if you want to share a boat. The ride is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.