Home > Venice > Private Tour: Venice Gondola Ride with Serenade
USD $98.00
Private Tour: Venice Gondola Ride with Serenade
Venice, Italy
Soak up the romance of Venice on a 35-minute private gondola ride! The elegant gondola boat seats between 2 and 4 people, meaning it’s a perfect intimate experience for just you and your special someone, or a small family group. As your gondolier serenades you with Italian songs and punts you around the canals, look out at Venice’s elegant palaces, buildings and boats. Your route includes the captivating Grand Canal as well as several atmospheric side canals.
Head to Campo San Luca in central Venice either during the day or at night – whatever time suits you best – and then hop aboard your elegant gondola boat. With just your group (2-4 people maximum) on board, plus your own gondolier, your boat will glide away into the waters of the Grand Canal.
Once the main form of transport around the beautiful water-logged city of Venice, gondolas have more or less been replaced by the vaporetti (water buses) for getting quickly around. But nothing beats a pleasant glide around Venice by traditional gondola boat, passing the city’s Gothic palazzos and elegant bridges at a gentle pace.
Look out at the hustle and bustle of the ancient Grand Canal, seeing vaporetti, water taxis and other gondolas passing by, and then cruise along some of the quieter canals that act as side streets through the city. Sit back and relax as your gondolier serenades you with a song, and soak up the romantic atmosphere of Venice from the canals.
After 35 minutes out on the water, glide back to the start point where your gondola ride finishes.
This was one of the highlights of the trip for me and my family. We were serenaded by a male singer and a woman who played the accordion. Both were very good. One of the songs was Volare,and the singer encouraged us to join in the chorus, which we were happy to do. It was a lot of fun and a great way to end our trip. Some may consider it cheesy and expensive, but when in Venice...
Review by: Doug P, April 2018
My husband surprised me while in Venice with this thoughtful journey through Venice's canals. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I will never forget it!
Review by: Grace W, October 2017
This was one of the planned highlights of our trip and we had invested in it accordingly. We found the meeting point and waited to meet an agent who took us to a boarding point where we waited for a while to get to our gondola. It took a while. When we got on the trip was special, we had a guitarist and a lady singer who serenaded us on a half hour tour through the canals. We did feel privileged and special whilst we were there
Review by: david b, September 2017
The trip was poor value for the money . Paid for 30 minutes of singing and received only about 4 songs
Review by: Robert I, September 2017
My wife and I were celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary so decided what better way than a gondola ride with a serenade. It was amazing...with an accordian player and a singer, my wife and I and the gondolier we passed through the quiet canals of Venice. People on the bridges we passed under took pictures and cheered and some even tossed long stemmed roses to us...truly an amazing experience!
Review by: Justin G, September 2017
Amazing! Worth every penny. Expensive but worth it. It was pouring rain as we walked to the meeting point. As soon as we arrived at the campo the rain let up and blue skies arrived. The office was closed, but they had a sign with my name on it notifying the meeting time would be a few minutes later. No problem, because there is a wonderful bar right next door. My wife and I had a nice chardonnay for 5 euro total... excellent. Our guide arrived and led us to the departure point for the gondala. As previous commentators have said, try to stay off your phone/camera. As you glide down the canals, every tourist on every bridge will be taking your picture / video... my wife felt like a celebrity. It's only 40 min / 4 songs, but you have your own private gondalier, accordian player, and singer. Work some extra and splurge.... YOLO
Review by: Andrew L, September 2017
Great experience! Reached out to the company Bucintoro Viaggi in advance by email to confirm the meeting point and they had someone standing there with a sign with my name so no problems at all with finding them. The musicians guitarist and singer were awesome and attracted a lot of attention from pedestrians and riders in other gondolas. It's a bit pricey and the ride goes by quickly but was worth it for the experience.
Review by: Tina J, July 2017
Has such an amazing personal experience with the gondala and serenade has such a good time! Would recommend it to anyone who is planning a gondala ride however the private one with a serenade is the most amazing experience that we will never forget! Thank you so much for the great experience with the fun loving gondileia and the amazing singers who made our trip the most magical experience ever!
Review by: Kathleen F, July 2017
It was excellent!! The accordion and singer were amazing!!! We would highly recommend it.
Review by: Mike A, July 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Yiyuan T, July 2017
Based on previous reviews, we were excited to book this tour. However, we were greatly disappointed. The singer didn't even know how to sing two of the most famous Italian songs, and basically just remained silent or occasionally hummed two words or so while the accordionist who did a great job played his part, that's it! We could feel his careless attitude and unprofessionalism. You will be better off just booking a gondola ride without serenade! The only reason we booked this tour is because of the serenade, but we were greatly disappointed and felt it was a below expectation experience.
Review by: Jen T, July 2017
We had an accordion player, singer, and the gondolier on with us and it was magical! This is such a touristy thing to do but when you go to Venice, you have to do it. Having the serenade was definitely the exception rather than the norm from what we saw. We toured small canals and did a little on the Grand Canal as well.
Review by: walkingthedogs, June 2017
The serenade was amazing. We were the only people on the canals having a live serenade. Wonderful!
Review by: Tess S, June 2017
They were not aware that we were booked. Had to call many different people to scramble to get a singer and musician. Once they arrived looking and sounding like 1980 and #39;s lounge singer. Not like the other gondola singers with opera sounding voices. We were ripped off for all the money we spent.
Review by: John G, May 2017
Beautiful ride with an accordian player and a woman with a beautiful voice. Definitely pay up to do this ride, it is quite an experience. It poured rain the night we were scheduled, but fortunately Aviator tours graciously met us in the pouring rain and worked out the details to get us on this tour the following night, which I really appreciated. As a note to all my gentleman friends on how to get the most out of this ride. I chose to record a great deal of my experience on my cell phone. I couldnt resist. Meanwhile, my wife sat back in a very unromantic setting as her obsessive husband recorded. If you really want a memorable experience, put down your cell phone, put your arm around your wife and soak up the moment.
Review by: Dorothy C, May 2017
We did the private gondola ride with serenade. It was absolutely magical. We went out at 7:30pm so the sun was just setting. I would recommend this option.
Review by: Yvonne H, May 2017
This was an amazing experience! Having a private tour with a singer and accordion player was so much fun!!! I highly recommend this tour.
Review by: nigelgillham277, April 2017
This was well worth the money, once in a lifetime experience. Great fun, great experience.
Review by: cyanks, April 2017
AWESOME! What's better than being serenaded while in a gondola in Venice.....nothing. A must do!
Review by: John B, April 2017
If you go to Venice, you have to go for the gondola ride. And if you are with the love of your life, you absolutely must have the gondola all to yourself. Well, other than the singer and musician. Really wonderful, a great memory that will last us forever.
Review by: Christopher D, March 2017
This was an amazing experience for me and what was to become my fiancee. As the gondola turned onto the grand canal, the sun beaming over the basilica of St Mary and being serenaded to Vecchia Venezia the best moment of my life happened as She looked down at the ring as time stood still and said yes
Review by: Mike, February 2017
The Gondola ride and the Serenade were really nice, but the mess before we found the right place were less nice... I'm glad we checked everything in good time before the ride because otherwise there wouldn't have been any ride. The voucher told us to meet up at the office of the agency, and when we talked to a clerk at the office we were told to go to one gondola station. When we came to the gondola station they had no idea about what we were talking about since they had no bookings or serenades. After some phone calls we found out that we should be at a completely different gondola station._br/_ So...if you book this tour, please make sure that you got a confirmation from the gondola station, otherwise there will probably not be any ride for you.
Review by: Niall P, February 2017
A wonderful Venetian experience, to serenade the ladies. Taken around both back, quiet canals and along the main ones as well. _br/_ The gent singing the serenades had a great voice and the musical accompaniment was good also, with melodic interludes in between._br/_ While we saw a lot, sadly it was over so quickly. Time flies when you enjoy yourself!_br/_ If you want to treat the lady in your life, I highly recommend this trip.
Review by: Joseph L, November 2016
Our private tour in Venice Gondola Ride with Serenade was absolutely amazing. We had it as a family of four. It was incomparable. The musician, esp. the vocalist singer was brilliant! He sings well and his voice was modulated. We would highly recomnend this tour and if given chance,we and #39;ll do it again
Review by: Mary R, November 2016
This was a highlight of our trip. We really enjoyed this amazing experience. Well worth the money !
Review by: Alvin G, November 2016
I got to venice off the ship to find our way to the company address it was very confusing to walk the winding streets and find the place nearly impossible if it were not for the help of local people we would have been very late then to walk to another starting point on the canal we should have met here .. it is not necessary to book this activity ahead of time there are really many gondola places and open opportunities just to walk up and get a ride paid way too much money for this service should have been about 80 per person we paid over 300 the singer did not do much the singer and player should have been dressed up more formal for this cost they were just plain daily street wear jeans I told my girl it would be romantic and special and it was less than expected
Review by: Pauline D, October 2016
Absolute rip off you can buy the same trip easily once in Venice . Complained to no avail .
Review by: Bob and Michele, October 2016
One of the best things we did in Venice. It brought tears to her eyes. She loved it! It was perfect.
Review by: JoEllen H, September 2016
OMG this was amazing, we were the envy of alot of the people in other gondolas. Our singer was spectacular, people were cheering along with us._br/_ The private ride is well worth the extra cost.
Review by: Michael M A, September 2016
My wife thought we were just taking a regular gondola ride. She was very surprised to see the singer and accordion player climb on board as well! While the tour is pricey, it was worth it. Both musicians were fantastic! I noticed that as soon as the singer starts, your boat instantly becomes a magnet for cell phone video. Everyone walking by was filming us. If that kind of thing makes you uncomfortable, this isn't the tour for you. We don't mind that so we had a blast! Our gondolier was great, too. Very quiet, but when he spoke he was very funny. I would definitely do this tour again!!!
Review by: Victoria T, August 2016
Yes, it is expensive. But if you want a romantic boat ride, this is it. In the two days we spent in Venice, we rarely saw any other gondolas with serenades. It really stuck out as something special and we really enjoyed our specific soloist - his voice was wonderful and I know we will always associate our ride with our time in the city.
Review by: Lacey B, August 2016
Great entertainment. Very nice experience!
Review by: Jennifer P, August 2016
Thought this would be cheesy but was actually a cool experience. Accordion player and singer were extremely talented. There were many gondolas in the small canals but this is the only one I saw with music and singing. Everything went smoothly and was well organized.
Review by: Nicholas A, August 2016
Magical experience. I was surprised that more people did not take advantage of this wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity. The singer and musician were delightful, on-time and completely engaged throughout the entire ride. All the passing boats and people on the bridges pulled out their cameras to capture the our excitement. I caputure many momemts on my iPhone that will be cherished for many years to come. I highly recommend. Be prepared to find the office which is tricky to find so use your GPS. From there they walk you to the loading area where you will be placed in your gondola along with awaiting singer and musician. It could not have been more enjoyable!
Review by: Richard S, July 2016
Unbelievable experience!!! Best gondolier ever and the serenade was so beautiful!!
Review by: Carlos G, July 2016
Very overpriced during high season, but well worth it. Unforgettable experience..,
Review by: J Oliver B, July 2016
The gondola ride was shorter than expected. _br/_ The serenade was very good and interactive.
Review by: Klas Otto S, June 2016
Good singer and musician but not many sights to see on the trip. We amused many other tourists.
Review by: Arturo A, June 2016
The people from the agency walked us over to the where the gondola was and since we booked a private one for 2 they ensured that was what we got. the gondola people kept trying to put us a group gondola. the musicians were professional and great. this was truly a great experience
Review by: Hitesh S, June 2016
Mixed feelings, the bad... the singer was playing on his phone during the first few mins not singing. He then even took a call and had a conversation!
Review by: Vance A, May 2016
The gondola ride was great!!! Although it rained some lightly, the gondolier and the musicians were great. They had great attitudes and made it fun even with the rain.
Review by: Patricia R, February 2016
Excellent! Great time! Enjoyed from start to finish; I highly would recommend!
Review by: Isaac M, November 2015
We had a gondola ride with the premiere service. It included the driver, a guitar player and a singer. The ride was very charming and entertaining. The cost was just under 500 Cdn. for about 1/2 ride. Very expensive but a great gift coming from our children.
Review by: anna v, November 2015
this worth doing it. the music was a once in a lifetime experience as we make the way thought the Canals of Venice.
Review by: Hamilton G, October 2015
We had a hard time meeting with Bruno, however once we were on the gondola and had our serenade, the tour was great and really got us in the mood of Venice.
Review by: Linda C, October 2015
The place to meet prior to boarding the gondola was difficult to find, but we got there using Google Maps._br/_ The experience was the greatest. They put a guitarist and a singer on the boat with us and it was the highlight of our trip. When my wife booked this signing thing I at first chocked at the cost, but after the experience I have to admit it was worth it. I did not put a five star on it because it was too short a ride -- 30 minutes. bc
Review by: kbgr2014, September 2015
Very romantic, although serenader would forget the lines sometimes and just hum.. Worth doing.
Review by: Sheila S, September 2015
It was amazing. I did not expect an accordion player and a singer in addition to the gondola driver When we booked the tour, we thought it was just a singing gondola driver. It was our 50th wedding anniversary and we wanted a private gondola and we couldn't have asked for more. They played and sang beautifully. So romantic it still brings tears to my eyes.
Review by: Juan C, August 2015
Although we would have wanted it to be longer, it was only because of how wonderful it was. We loved every second of it. It is a little bit pricey, but totally worth it.
Review by: Anthea C, August 2015
The ride and the serenade were first class. Did we need to prebook?? Not sure there were only about half a dozen people in the queue. The board said 41 Euros for a 30 minute serenaded gondola ride I paid about 233!!
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