Traditional gondola ride on Venice’s Grand Canal
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The gondola is one of Venice’s most recognisable symbols – just as iconic as the city’s winding canals. However, this unique vessel hasn’t always looked the way it does today. It’s changed over time, evolving alongside Venice itself, shaped by history and tradition.
These boats aren’t just pretty, they’re built using time-honoured techniques, each detail carrying symbolic meaning. The comb-like teeth of the iron prow – known as rebbi – represent the six sestieri, or districts, of Venice. It’s not just decorative either – the iron helps balance the gondolier’s weight and its flowing ‘S’ shape mirrors the curves of the Grand Canal.
If you really want to get into the Venetian spirit, a gondola tour is a dreamy way to soak up the city’s sights. You’ll float past elegant old buildings, slide under bridges and feel the atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind place built on water.
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Know in advance:
* The gondola ride runs even if it’s raining. However, in case of heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled, and you’ll be offered a full refund or the chance to reschedule. Please note that no refund will be provided for no shows or late arrivals
* The experience lasts around 25 to 30 minutes, including the time it takes to board and disembark
* This is a shared gondola ride, with up to five people per boat, so you might be sharing the experience with other guests
* There’ll be assistance on board, but please note that the tour doesn’t include live commentary
* On certain dates, you may need to register and pay an access fee to enter Venice. We recommend checking the official Comune di Venezia website for the latest details and how to register or pay in advance.