Located in St. Mark's Square, the open-market portion of the Grand Canal Shoppes, the gondola ride is The Venetian's most popular attraction. So popular, in fact, that the Venetian had to hire more gondoliers to meet demand -- and it still sells out every day. Modeled after authentic Venetian gondolas, there are several gondolas on the canal and in the lagoon at any given time. Each gondola seats four, so smaller parties may be paired with others. Private gondolas may be rented for an additional charge. There also is a wedding gondola, decorated in white and gold, that serves as the site for numerous wedding ceremonies.
The indoor gondolas make their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes, beneath bridges and below the quaint shops and cafés that line the canal running through the Grand Canal Shoppes. The half-mile ride lasts about 14 minutes and is a way to get a unique view of the shops. Surrounded by a ceiling emulating blue sky as well as architecture inspired by Venetian landmarks, a gondola trip down the Grand Canal delivers a unique Vegas experience.
The outdoor ride lasts 12 minutes. Passengers glide along a 31,235-square-foot lagoon located at the front of the Venetian resort. The outdoor gondolas are subject to closure due to heavy wind or rain.