Gondola/Bridge Of Sighs/Serenade
 

We are traveling to Venice (family of 4). We would like to reserve (and not be totally taken) a gondola that would be our party only, with serenading AND going under the Brige Of Sighs. Also a tour that is not "cut short". We also would like to see how gondolas are made and/or repaired. I saw something on the travel channel about this but upon research it sounds as if it is closed to the public?

As to the gondola workshop tours -there used to be an American named Thom Price-who would do workshop tours out of his "squero" -Venetian for "gondola workshop"- in Cannaregio, -however, he put his squero up for sale last year, no longer has his website, and is no longer in Venice, I understand. The 400 strong gondolier association in Venice is notorious for not allowing outsiders into their association, so I've heard it had to do partly with that issue.

There is a large squero workshop-the Squero of San Trovaso, on the rio of San Trovaso, but as you stated, it is not open to the public. You can walk by there, though, and see some of the gondola work being done from the outside. It's just off the Zattere in Dorsoduro.

As far as getting the best deal on a gondola ride-you need to move away from San Marco, and visit some of the lesser frequented gondola stations-there's one by the Chiesa dei Miracoli, for example, one by Ca d'Oro, and Campo SS Apostoli, just to name a few, any station that is away from the waterfront, and further from the tourist crowds, where you may be able to bargain and get a better deal on a gondola ride. However, gondola rates are set by the city, and are posted on their official website:

www.gondolavenezia.it/history_tariffe.asp?Pag=43

As you can see, they are not inexpensive, but well worth it-I don't think it would be a problem to go through the Bridge of Sighs, but serenading for your gondola only is going to cost extra.

Thank you. Your advice seems helpful!

Girlspytravel - any suggestions on a less touristy view of Venice on a gondola?

You might like to visit the Naval History Museum. Last time I was there (3 years ago), there were several gondolas, including Peggy Guggenheim's, and an explanation for their asymmetric bow shape, which can only really be appreciated when they are out of the water.