from

$71

Venice

Gondola Ride & Venice Walking Tour

Guided TourTrusted Partner

Discover hidden Venice on a 2.5-hour tour, explore Palazzo Contarini and enjoy a serene gondola ride

Guided TourTrusted Partner

2 h 30 min


Max 15 Guests

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Finding the perfect blend of a walking tour and a gondola ride is rare but this experience offers both in one unforgettable adventure. Escape the crowds and discover a more intimate side of Venice with an off-the-beaten-path journey through hidden alleys and lesser-known treasures, such as the renowned La Fenice Theatre and Chiesa di San Moisè. Led by an expert guide, you'll uncover fascinating stories not found in guidebooks, before finishing with a gondola ride through Venice’s quieter canals.

What's included

Expert English-speaking guide

30-minute shared gondola ride

90-minute guided walking tour

Iconic Grand Canal views

Secret Venetian alleyways access

Drift through silent streets of water

Guide gratuities

Itinerary

Meeting Point in Campo San Gallo​

Your tour begins in Campo San Gallo, a quiet square steps from St. Mark’s. Meet your expert guide and prepare to dive into the winding secondary streets of the San Marco district.

See the Bovolo spiral staircase

Stop at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo to admire its iconic Gothic spiral staircase. This unique multi-arch structure is a hidden architectural masterpiece that showcases the city's artistic ingenuity.

Wander the Calle degli Avvocati

Follow your guide through narrow passages to see authentic local life away from the crowds. These quiet streets and hidden campi offer a peaceful escape into the heart of Venice.

Admire the Teatro La Fenice

Stand before Venice’s legendary opera house to learn its resilient history of destruction and rebirth. Discover why this grand venue remains a world-class center for Italian music and performance.

Visit the Chiesa di San Moisè

Explore the exterior of this ornate Baroque church, famous for its detailed stone carvings. Your guide will highlight the intricate artwork before you head toward the nearby gondola station.

Glide along the Grand Canal

Board a traditional wooden gondola for a 30-minute ride through the iconic waterways. You will pass under the Bridge of Sighs and see the majestic St. Mark’s Square from the water.

Your tour finishes at Campo San Gallo

The journey concludes back where you started in Campo San Gallo. You finish the experience with a deeper connection to Venice's hidden heritage and its timeless liquid streets.

For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change

Select participants and date

Start times are in the product’s local time

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!

Sun, 27 Sep 2026

Meeting and drop-off point

You will meet your guidein Campo San Gallo 1093, beside San Marco Square. This tour will finish back where you started.

Important Details

Good to know:

  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the areas visited, this small group tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have other mobility concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to assist you.

  • Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

  • Please Note: The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 people and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

  • Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Venice

  • 30-minute shared gondola ride

  • Audio commentary on the gondola

  • Explore hidden gems like Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and the Chiesa di San Moisè

  • Maximum group size of 15

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Water bottle

  • Camera

See what people are saying

4.87

146 Ratings

5

138

4

1

3

4

2

2

1

1

Disappointing

Lisa A.

Verified Review

May 21, 2026

While the “walking” portion of the tour was ok, it was a bit too slow. The walking portion was indeed 2 hours; however, we had to walk back to the office and wait an additional 45 minutes before the gondola portion was to begin. We were then needing to walk to the starting point of the gondola ride-15 minutes more-which meant for us that we couldn’t participate. We would’ve never made our train back to our Vrbo. The tour was not 2 hours 30 minutes, as advertised; more like close to 4 hours total from start to finish. Disappointing to pay for a gondola ride that we couldn’t do.

Guide needs guidance

Debbie B.

Verified Review

April 28, 2026

Francesco seemed like a very nice person but had very little information to share. The itinerary was not followed. Our trip lasted LONGER than described as we went all the back to the office before going all the way back for the gondola ride adding considerable time. Our 11 AM tour ended at 3 PM and we wanted to have a nice lunch but had to catch the ferry back to our ship. The extra walking with no chances to sit or use a rest room was not respectful of our time schedule given at the start of the tour. Several items were omitted from the published itinerary. The ones that were included in the tour were simply pointed and identified with very little historical information. The prominent canal was skipped because it was too crowded. We had 1 day in Venice and this tour was pretty disappointing

Fabulous

Lazard F.

Verified Review

March 02, 2026

We really enjoyed the walking tour with Anna! She obviously loves Venice and mad us love it as well. Having time for a lunch break before our gondola ride was also very good. Every thing about this tour was 5 stars!

The Quiet Heart of Venice

Addie H.

Verified Review

January 13, 2026

This experience revealed the quieter heart of Venice. The slower gondola ride, fewer crowds, and more authentic corners revealed a very genuine side of the city.

Zion G.

Verified Review

January 13, 2026

Calm, Guiding Voice

Xavier D.

Verified Review

January 12, 2026

The guide's voice was gentle and clear, and the stories perfectly complemented each location. It created a calm atmosphere where listening and looking around felt completely natural.

Secret Walkways

Clara E.

Verified Review

January 11, 2026

This walk revealed tranquil lanes and charming little squares, far removed from the bustling crowds. Our guide was articulate and shared captivating stories. The gondola ride at the end felt truly exceptional.

Perfect for First-Timers

Ian R.

Verified Review

January 10, 2026

Anyone visiting Venice for the first time would benefit from this tour. The route explains the city's layout, history, and daily life and then caps it off with that quintessential gondola ride.

Gunnar D.

Verified Review

January 10, 2026

Highlighting Hidden Gems

Sloane B.

Verified Review

January 09, 2026

The tour focused on charming, out-of-the-way places. The beautiful palace staircase, tucked-away courtyards, and little bridges were all true highlights.

Gentle Waters

Adam F.

Verified Review

January 07, 2026

The shared gondola experience was serene and gentle, navigating smaller, less frequented canals. It felt like discovering a softer, more secretive side of Venice.

A Slow Stroll on Hidden Streets

Sadie L.

Verified Review

January 05, 2026

Walking through the quiet backstreets instead of the crowded squares offered a completely different perspective on Venice. The guide pointed out so many beautiful hidden details that are easy to miss on your own.

Mina H.

Verified Review

January 05, 2026

Morning Stroll

Austin H.

Verified Review

January 03, 2026

A leisurely and pleasant way to kick off the day in Venice. The walking portion wasn't overly long, and the visit to the spiral staircase was a delightful surprise.

Like a Scene from a Movie

Mabel S.

Verified Review

January 01, 2026

The quiet streets, soft light, and gentle gondola ride made the whole experience feel like a movie. Every corner seemed romantic, without feeling forced or overly staged.

Evening Romance

Dominic S.

Verified Review

December 30, 2025

Ideal for couples seeking quiet, intimate moments. The soft light, narrow streets, and concluding gondola ride fostered a warm and romantic ambiance.

Katja G.

Verified Review

December 30, 2025

Golden Evening Light

Eliza G.

Verified Review

December 27, 2025

The soft, fading light over the canals and rooftops created such a gentle mood. Walking through the small streets and then floating along the water felt like stepping into a film.

Kind Guide

Nick S.

Verified Review

December 24, 2025

Our guide spoke with patience and genuine kindness. Questions were always encouraged, and even those who were initially shy felt at ease within the group. Overall, a very welcoming atmosphere.

Unexpected Trip Highlight

Rose M.

Verified Review

December 20, 2025

I didn't expect this shorter experience to be such a standout. The combination of walking, learning, and the tranquil gondola ride turned out to be one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.

Simple Venice Stories

Jordan B.

Verified Review

December 16, 2025

The guide wove complex history into simple, engaging stories. Venice began to feel like so much more than just pretty scenery - a place with real character and depth.

Stetson P.

Verified Review

December 16, 2025

Local Streets

Hattie W.

Verified Review

December 12, 2025

This tour provided a genuine sense of local Venetian life. The narrow alleys, laundry hanging above, and tiny bridges showcased a different perspective of Venice, away from the main tourist thoroughfares.

The Magic of Water Reflections

Ezra B.

Verified Review

December 08, 2025

Watching the reflections of the old buildings shimmering in the water during the gondola ride felt almost dreamlike. The quieter route made it feel like a private, special moment.

Quiet Lanes

Aurora H.

Verified Review

December 04, 2025

Strolling away from the main square offered a welcome sense of spaciousness. Subtle echoes, the sound of footsteps, and the gentle lapping of water created a peaceful and almost dreamlike city atmosphere.

FAQs

Where to meet?

You will meet your guidein Campo San Gallo 1093, beside San Marco Square. This tour will finish back where you started.

What to bring?

Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

Unfortunately, due to the areas visited, this small group tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have other mobility concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to assist you.

Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?

In rare cases when the tour is canceled, we will inform you as soon as possible. The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides, but in such cases, it can be rescheduled for the next day, or a refund will be provided.

Can I bring my pet?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine. However, in cases of extreme weather, the itinerary may be adjusted, or the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

No, food is not included in the price of this tour, and we recommend bringing water with you. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of restaurants and bars after the tour.

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Children are welcome on this tour. Children under 2 years old can join the tour for free. Please note that strollers are not always accessible on this tour, and infants must not sit on laps due to limited seating.

How many people share a gondola, and how long does the ride last?

The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 people and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You will meet your guide at the designated meeting point.