When travelling to different destinations around the world, there are certain activities that may seem a little cliché but there is often a good reason as to why they became so common and standard in the first place. Trying different things, looking for authentic and lesser-known gems, and peeking past the more stereotypical tourist attractions to find more is all well and good but trying to be too cool can be exhausting. Sometimes, it is simply nice to embrace the obvious and to tick them off your bucket list. It is worth just throwing yourself into things, especially if they are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Take, for example, a vacation in Venice in one of our incredible Italy Villas: you may or may not be back in this magical city, why not indulge in a gondola ride? Sure, it’s very touristy but it is a unique and romantic way to explore the city's canals and is one of the most iconic experiences in Venice.
If you are interested in experiencing it for yourself, here's everything you need to know about taking a gondola ride on holiday in Venice:
- Gondolas are traditional Venetian boats that have been used in the city for centuries, and they are steered by a gondolier who stands at the back of the boat and uses a single oar to manoeuvre through the canals.
- When you book a gondola ride on vacation in Venice, you can go on a whistle-stop tour to see some of the city's most famous landmarks from the water, including the Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace, and the Basilica di San Marco. It’s also a great way to get a glimpse of the city's hidden corners and charming narrow canals that are inaccessible by foot.
- Prices vary quite a bit! Depending on the gondolier, the time of the year, the type of gondola (some are quite elaborately decorated and some are more basic), if it is private or not, the length of your excursion, and more. If you take a shared gondola, you can split the cost with other travellers, which will bring down the price.
- According to the official gondolier website, gondola trips cost €80.00 for 40 minutes with a maximum of 6 people allowed on. Each additional 20 minutes on top of that will cost €40.00. Personalised night-time trips will cost €100.00, with each additional 20 minutes costing €50.00. However, sites like Viator allow you to book excursions in advance, with prices starting at €35.00 for thirty minutes. These tours that are booked in advance do have specific pick-up and drop-off points and are more set, while the other tours can be more readily customised.
- Heading out to find a gondolier who is free and striking up a conversation can mean you might get a better deal on the day, especially if you are one of their first trips of the day. It all depends on your luck.
- If you really want to do the most inexpensive version and just get a nice picture, you can head to the Rialto Bridge and use the nearby Gondola Traghetto that costs just €2. This journey will only last around 3 minutes as it only takes you from one side of the canal to the other but if you’re stuck on time or on a budget or not interested in a longer excursion, it is a great option.
- Be sure to talk to your gondolier. You can discuss all sorts of details including the length of the ride, the price, and the route that you want to take. Some gondola rides are shorter and only cover a small area of the city, while others are longer and cover more ground. If you have specific landmarks or sights that you want to see, be sure to communicate this to your gondolier before the ride.
- It is worth considering where you are getting on, if you are just finding a free gondolier on the day. If you have specific landmarks in mind that you definitely want to see, then you should aim to find a gondola somewhat nearby. Plus, certain areas like the canal near the train station are popular and busy and you may pay more money for your trip because of this.
- As traffic jams of gondole are not uncommon and if you don’t feel like being stuck in a queue waiting to pass through an area of canal for a chunk of your trip, then you can ask the gondolier to go along a less travelled route.
- If you have found a relaxing villa in Venice want peace and quiet, do specifically ask for less busy routes. Quieter canals are ideal for taking a breather from the tourist crowds and busy-ness that can take over Venice, especially at peak tourism times throughout the year. Float along and watch the world go by! Or, if you’re after some romance (especially if you might be asking an important question), then this is a good way to go.
- Dress for the occasion. Looking nice in your pictures is great but getting in and out of the gondola can be a little tricky so comfortable shoes that won’t slip off your feet and don’t have a high heel area better suited. Plus, you are going to be exposed to the elements so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
- Don’t forget to ask your gondolier to take pictures for you! You can take your own snaps, as well, of course, but these professionals are used to taking photographs for their customers and it is considered part of the service. Make the most of it and get some nice pictures with your loved ones.
In conclusion, a gondola ride is a must even if it might be a little bit cheesy! Browse our vacation rentals in Venice or check out Italy Villas for a range of holiday rentals in the Veneto region and plan a trip into the city and then enjoy the beauty of the canals and architecture. Make a special memory in this magical place.
