Venice: Carnival Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal

A nice tour. Good gondola trip. Walking tour wasn’t much! Get there early to have your name ticked off the list. Lots of people queuing for several tours all in... read moreGet there early to have your name ticked off the list. Lots of people queuing for several tours all in the one line. Walking tour was ok. Gondola ride was pleasant with another couple who were luckily very nice. Commentary disappeared while on Gondola as there was too much distance between us and tour guide. Recommend but there are better tours in Venice. read less

Awesome time The father/son who run this family business are wonderful. True craftsmanship and very knowledgeable.

Unique Unique experience, coming back home with something unusual and not the same old things. It was amazing

A lot of fun once there The meeting point was very difficult to locate, but the private Góndola ride was excellent. I would do it again... read moreThe meeting point was very difficult to locate, but the private Góndola ride was excellent. I would do it again without hesitation. read less

Must do experience Me and partner had the best experience with this activity! 100% recommend to anyone visiting Venice to go and have... read moreMe and partner had the best experience with this activity! 100% recommend to anyone visiting Venice to go and have a lesson here. Our teacher was really friendly and fun. Learned a lot about the history of glass and the chance to make a pendent each! read less

Great tour! Highly recommended The tour was great! The guide gave us some interesting details about the building and history of Venice in general.

Touching, funny and Interactive Museum in the main square of Venice I was there in April and it was fantastic, the old palace, the experience, the meaning. It is very interactive,... read moreI was there in April and it was fantastic, the old palace, the experience, the meaning. It is very interactive, for family, for friends, for single, for everyone. read less

Must have ride I and my wife were not sure if we wanted to go for this gondola ride. But finally, we opted... read moreI and my wife were not sure if we wanted to go for this gondola ride. But finally, we opted for one, and I am glad we did. It is a different experience, particularly the commentary from gondolier makes the ride even more interesting. yes - it is expensive, but an experience worth paying for. In April, the price seems to have increased a bit, and it was pretty much 80E for 30 min ride. They say 30-35 min, but our ride was over in 25 min, which we did not exactly like. but still worth the money and time spent. read less

Scenic views Location for the meet-up point was really easy to find. The group seemed really big at the start so it... read moreLocation for the meet-up point was really easy to find. The group seemed really big at the start so it took a while for everyone to be checked off the list and sorted into smaller teams.
The mini tour lasted around 10 minutes and getting into the gondola with other people was quick and easy as the guides were professional and efficient.
It was a really memorable experience that is definitely worth the money. Would highly recommend! read less

Great! A wonderful experience and so helpful and kind. Loved it! Would recommend for children and adults! Just have fun!

Highlight of our trip Massimiliano was awesome! He made a beautiful dancer with such ease. He was jolly in his explanations and patient with... read moreMassimiliano was awesome! He made a beautiful dancer with such ease. He was jolly in his explanations and patient with us. We made a couple of beautiful pendants. read less

Must do In Venice, Interactive and magic experience Magic experience, the building itself is something stunning and the experience is so touching and interactive...It is a must in Venice

Exceptional Absolutely phenomenal your - I learned so much and he kept it exceptionally interesting. I highly recommend you make time... read moreAbsolutely phenomenal your - I learned so much and he kept it exceptionally interesting. I highly recommend you make time to experience this side of Venice read less

Unusual Walking Tour Venice with Francesco Francesco was a fantastic host for us and he showed us a side of Venice we would not have seen... read moreFrancesco was a fantastic host for us and he showed us a side of Venice we would not have seen otherwise. He was informative and patient. read less

Amazing Rachel is phenomenal! She was so courteous and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this tour. The gondola ride was incredible and... read moreRachel is phenomenal! She was so courteous and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this tour. The gondola ride was incredible and the driver made us laugh! This experience will be one I'll share when I get home! #thebest read less

Worth doing the Gondola ride needs to be longer as the the circuit is very short we spent a lot of time stationary Good experience, very busy, amazing skills the Gondoliers have in controlling the boats, tour guide was helpful .. headset commentary... read moreGood experience, very busy, amazing skills the Gondoliers have in controlling the boats, tour guide was helpful .. headset commentary equipment needs improving.. kept cutting out because of range wise .. read less

Gondola ride with more! Excellent tour, didn’t even know we were getting a walking part before the Gondola ride, so that was fantastic. Rene... read moreExcellent tour, didn’t even know we were getting a walking part before the Gondola ride, so that was fantastic. Rene was superb and was really informative and funny, highly recommend. read less

Gondola trip The trip was very well organised from the start. The historical information en route to the meeting point for the... read moreThe trip was very well organised from the start. The historical information en route to the meeting point for the gondolas was very interesting and helped you to understand how Venice worked originally. The gondola journey was very enjoyable, and felt relatively personal with only 5 of us onboard. There wasn't much commentary during this journey but we enjoyed the peacefulness and travelling up & down the canals.
Our guide was amusing, personable and very easy to understand. read less

A must for anyone with limited time Skipping the line and quality of the guide who was very knowledgeable. This is the way to go unless you... read moreSkipping the line and quality of the guide who was very knowledgeable. This is the way to go unless you like wasting time standing in line. read less

Very lovely experience Really lovely experience but the commentary was done via a radio and the connection was poor. Otherwise a delightful trip.

Loved it. A very interesting tour. We had fun and saw beautiful places. Loved it. The gondolier was extremely proficient. It's insane... read moreA very interesting tour. We had fun and saw beautiful places. Loved it. The gondolier was extremely proficient. It's insane how close they can get to the other boats and buildings, never once touching anything but water. read less

Amazing The host was very interactive and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended. Worth every penny. I ended up with a gondola by... read moreThe host was very interactive and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended. Worth every penny. I ended up with a gondola by myself with my girlfriend . read less

Best hour spent This was an amazing experience. It was so relaxing to paint and spend time with my spouse. We learned so... read moreThis was an amazing experience. It was so relaxing to paint and spend time with my spouse. We learned so much history about each style of masks. Definitely recommend if you have an hour. read less

Gondola experience. A worthwhile experience and a great way to experience a gondola. So pleased we did it this way. ... read moreA worthwhile experience and a great way to experience a gondola. So pleased we did it this way. Great to be with others too. read less

Excellent Valentina was very knowledgeable and kind! Great experience on this day! Would recommend you take the tour! Definitely wear comfy... read moreValentina was very knowledgeable and kind! Great experience on this day! Would recommend you take the tour! Definitely wear comfy shoes and take water w/ you if you go on a sunny day! read less

Amazing tour Amazing tour; Francesco was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone in Venice for a way to learn about... read moreAmazing tour; Francesco was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone in Venice for a way to learn about the city read less

Outstanding! Great experience,definitely worth the money! Funny gondolier, charming views, entertaining guide!Top

Wonderful way to begin your Venetian experience! Carolyn was amazing! She is a true master of her craft. The cicchetti, entree, and dessert she guided us through... read moreCarolyn was amazing! She is a true master of her craft. The cicchetti, entree, and dessert she guided us through were delicious and we got several tips on navigating Venice well. Highly recommend! read less

Walk and talk Venice Great information, good insight from a kind lifetime local. Take a stroll on the lessor known areas of the Venetian hoods.

Mr @ Mrs Ocampo Stunning!!!! Rene our guía so professional, friendly, well spoken. The itinerary very interesting we enjoy the experience

Great gondola ride Very nice experience!! A very well organised trip! I totally recommend it!
Could be a little longer though:)

Humorous and historical tour Enjoyed history and side treks away from the crowds. Guide smartly dressed and had an enjoyable comical monologue throughout. Change... read moreEnjoyed history and side treks away from the crowds. Guide smartly dressed and had an enjoyable comical monologue throughout. Change of pace. I enjoyed his humor. read less

A memory to treasure from Venice This was a magical experience. It was everything we hoped it would be. We’ve got to make our own glass... read moreThis was a magical experience. It was everything we hoped it would be. We’ve got to make our own glass ornaments under supervision of a master who could not have been kinder, more patient or m more enthusiastic. read less

Walking tour of Venice A very beatiful walking tour of Venice, visiting unusual places.
The italian guide ( Francesco ) has explained a lot... read moreA very beatiful walking tour of Venice, visiting unusual places.
The italian guide ( Francesco ) has explained a lot of things about Venice, and its history read less

Great tour Great tour with a great guide. Really enjoyed experiencing venice with amazing wine and food. Would recommend. 5 stars

A must visit trip with a fantastic experience! Amazing experience with a friendly tour guide! Such a lovely gondola trip that allows the visitors understanding the value of... read moreAmazing experience with a friendly tour guide! Such a lovely gondola trip that allows the visitors understanding the value of Venice historical city read less

A great experience when in Venice Massimiliano is a skilled artisan and has great teaching skills. He has developed a lesson plan which firstly demonstrates... read moreMassimiliano is a skilled artisan and has great teaching skills. He has developed a lesson plan which firstly demonstrates some of his skills of the craft and then a more straightforward project for participants involving some of the easier to handle techniques to make a small glass pendant. He guides participants patiently and supportively through this by first providing a demonstration, then a dry run without heat and finally the melting and manipulation of the glass in the heat with Massimiliano aiding with the more complex part in twisting the hanging hook.
We can highly recommend this as an activity when visiting Venice as well as providing a personal souvenir of the visit. read less

Interesting tour Very interesting tour - learnt lots all about the history of Venice. Very knowledgeable and English was good.

Not to be missed! Absolutely beautiful! The artwork was beyond description. This was our favourite place to visit in Venice! It... read moreAbsolutely beautiful! The artwork was beyond description. This was our favourite place to visit in Venice! It was so nice to be able to take our time going through so that we could appreciate it all. read less

very well organized tour The tour was very well organized. The moment we showed up, we were each given the number the gondola we... read moreThe tour was very well organized. The moment we showed up, we were each given the number the gondola we were supposed to go on and in 5 minutes the tour started. We had a short walk when our guide told us some information about Venice. We boarded the gondolas in groups of five and had a very pleasant ride along the small canals and a little bit in Canale Grande. read less

Great experience and reasonable priced Fantastic gondola experience led by a knowledgable and friendly guide. Met our guide, René, near St Mark’s and followed him... read moreFantastic gondola experience led by a knowledgable and friendly guide. Met our guide, René, near St Mark’s and followed him on a short walk to the gondolas. While on board he talked about various points of interest on the route, the home Mozart lived in when in Venice and the opera house etc.
Roughly a quarter the price of the standard gondola tariffs seen throughout the city, and a great way to experience something unique to Venice.
We’d definitely recommend and would book again when next in Venice. read less

If only it wasn’t Easter week It would have been a perfect trip had there been fewer people on board, on the tour, in the shops... read moreIt would have been a perfect trip had there been fewer people on board, on the tour, in the shops and in the streets. From what I could hear of the tour, it must have been very interesting. It was a very windy day, making it quite uncomfortable sitting upstairs in the open. I would like to go back and spend more free time wandering around on my own. read less

Great, fun experience in Venice This was a terrific experience for me and my daughter. It was fun and easy to do. We... read moreThis was a terrific experience for me and my daughter. It was fun and easy to do. We came home with the masks we made as a souvenir. The shop is small but it does have some air conditioning. The owner is nice and talented. I would 100% do this again and encourage anyone to do it. read less

Family Gondola Ride We met at the place as instructed.
We were 1/2 hour early and they took a us.
The Guides name was Luka,... read moreWe met at the place as instructed.
We were 1/2 hour early and they took a us.
The Guides name was Luka, very fun, very chatty, enjoyed very much.
There were 5 of us in gondola. Being out on the grand canal was fantastic read less

Amazing experience Never been to Venice so I know the Gondola is a must, it was just to get the full expwirh... read moreNever been to Venice so I know the Gondola is a must, it was just to get the full expwirh my kids, what I loved it the relaxation wizzing through the lovely canel’s in Venice. read less

Amazing amazing experience, touching and interactive. Unique I'd say. Everyone needs to go once in a lifetime

Fun and unusual tour guide Really interesting and unusual facts about some buildings that we had no idea about their history.
Our guide Francesco was... read moreReally interesting and unusual facts about some buildings that we had no idea about their history.
Our guide Francesco was born in Venice so had great stories of when he was growing up. He was warm and generous with his time and was funny to. read less

Nice 30 min gondola ride, mostly on the smaller canals Nice gondola and gondolier. You will travel on the smaller canals and have a short ride in the grand... read moreNice gondola and gondolier. You will travel on the smaller canals and have a short ride in the grand canal. The ride was ~30 minutes and not 50 minutes. Gondolier was friendly and talkative about the city. This was a fun trip. But not a trip to hear about history of Venice. Just keep this in mind when you book. read less

Family Tour Francisco was very good taking his time explaining the sights. He was very patient with my 3 yr... read moreFrancisco was very good taking his time explaining the sights. He was very patient with my 3 yr old grandson.!!!!!!!!!!!!! read less

Unforgettable experience Amazing experience, we enjoyed an incredibile exhibition where you can admire and interact with various art objects. Highly recommended!!

WOW having Nicola as a teacher is an honor. I would do that again and again. I really suggest this experience

Great experience Very interesting exhibition in a beautiful palace near San Marco; the experience was very nice and the staff was kind.

Lovely history tour with gondola ride Our guide was very nice and knowledgeable- impressive set of language skills (he spoke over 5 languages fluently!)
It was... read moreOur guide was very nice and knowledgeable- impressive set of language skills (he spoke over 5 languages fluently!)
It was about 15 minutes of walking with history of the canals, Venice and gondola boats followed by 15-25 minute gondola ride. We were about 4-5 per boat.
Considering that a regular gondola ride is anywhere between 80-150 euros cash, this was well worth the price to see a quaint part of Venice. read less

Couples Gondola Trip This is a must when visiting the floating city of Venice. Great route through the back canals, and finally leading... read moreThis is a must when visiting the floating city of Venice. Great route through the back canals, and finally leading to Grand Canal. Great value for money, and a lot cheaper than the €80+ for a private ride. read less

Amazing tour Amazing tour; Francesco was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone in Venice for a way to learn about... read moreAmazing tour; Francesco was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Would recommend to everyone in Venice for a way to learn about the city read less

Amazing I had the most wonderful experience. Carolyn is a very nice, passionate person. She knows and tells you everything you... read moreI had the most wonderful experience. Carolyn is a very nice, passionate person. She knows and tells you everything you need to know to up your pasta/ italian dish game. She speaks fluent english and is a natural teacher. I would defininately reccomend this class to anyone visiting venice. Also, try to book this class in the first days in venice: Carolyn has a lot of great tips for venice too! read less

Mask Making! Booked via Viatour, its a little tricky to find but hey its Venice! 🙂
Once we arrived we were asked... read moreBooked via Viatour, its a little tricky to find but hey its Venice! 🙂
Once we arrived we were asked to choose a mask and asked to choose colours, we got told the history of the Venetian masks which was very interesting.
Its nice to have a break and get away from the hustle of Venice in this small workshop, there are also some amazing masks you can purchase from the shop.
The shop was still open to the public which at times was a little irritating as we were trying to listen to the history and had to stop while customers came in, the workshop is small so can only really fit a few people inside so its a bit awkward when the public comes in and you are sitting there on a tour.
Overall this is a great place to visit and we were both really pleased with our masks, make sure to ask for glaze over the top for an extra 2 euros it makes all the difference! This is suitable for adults and children of all ages. read less

It was worth it Overall it was about an hour. You get a mini walking tour towards the gondola rides and then you get... read moreOverall it was about an hour. You get a mini walking tour towards the gondola rides and then you get assigned a gondola (no more your there) You are on the gondola ride for about 30 minutes. A gondola ride is a definite must do in Venice. read less

Great experience Brief Venice introduction, 30 minute ride and much cheaper than if you pay it directly in gondola "stations". The only... read moreBrief Venice introduction, 30 minute ride and much cheaper than if you pay it directly in gondola "stations". The only thing to make it greater would be to go more minutes in the grand canal, other than that excellent! read less

Something different After initial confusion about where exactly to stand and wait we boarded our boat for this very extension and enjoyable... read moreAfter initial confusion about where exactly to stand and wait we boarded our boat for this very extension and enjoyable trip. If you are doing the afternoon visit, then you have to wait around near pier 1A until the boat can find somewhere to berth (which may or may not be here exactly!) The guide will then come out with the blue sign for 'Lagoon tours' so just be on the look out and ask around if in any doubt.
The first island was Murano where we were herded straight into a demonstration on glass blowing and the obligatory visit to the (expensive) gift shop. There wasn't time to walk about and discover the island unfortunately. After this we sailed to the tiny island of Torcello. Again just a quick visit really. By the time we walked to the church it was time to walk back to the boat again! Our third island visit was Burano and we wished we could have spent more time here on this colourful island.
Although good value for money, maybe it is too ambitious to squeeze in 3 islands into 4 hours duration and overall the trip felt rather rushed. Our guide was great and cleverly spoke in 4 different languages.. read less

A nice gondola ride, but some wait Overall this was a lot of fun! Our first time in a gondola in Venice! We are a... read moreOverall this was a lot of fun! Our first time in a gondola in Venice! We are a Dad and two couples (my two kids and their spouses).
We met at the start, and a big group of people were there and they divided us into 10 groups of five, we walked a few blocks to the canal, waited to load the gondolas and off we went. The ride was about 15 minutes through some canals inside the city. It was nice. I probably would have done our gondola experience more spontaneously had I known instead of this big tour feeling experience buying tickets in advance - we didn’t need to. There are gondoliers all over the city available all day and evening. read less

Well worth it!! Well worth our time! Francesco was an excellent guide. He spoke clearly in English and told stories of things in... read moreWell worth our time! Francesco was an excellent guide. He spoke clearly in English and told stories of things in Venice that were very interesting and would be difficult to find out on your own. Our only suggestion is that the tour guide walk a bit more slowly between stops to allow time for photos. read less

Good experience but couldn’t hear commentary I loved the gondola ride - truly a bucket list item well checked off. I also enjoyed how we spent... read moreI loved the gondola ride - truly a bucket list item well checked off. I also enjoyed how we spent the majority of our time in the smaller side canals rather than the crowded Grand Canal. However, the audio devices did not have a long range and even though we were only two boats away from the guide we could not hear the commentary. read less