" know those of you seasoned Italy visitors probably think this question cheesy (it is), but I wondered on whether or not a Venetian gondola ride is something I should budget for (do not want to spend more than $50 unless it's something I will regret big-time). I will be travelling with my sister, not my hubby on this trip in 2 weeks. I like playing the "tourist" role if it means that I will get to experience something that I would not otherwise; however, I do not like the idea of being ripped off due to my falling for the hype. Is it weird because the ride is supposed to be romantic? If not, any cost-cutting tips?"

you know, there are questions that no one can answer for you. This is one of them.

I thank you all for the responses about your own experiences in Venice with or without the gondola. We've decided to do it, because it's our first trip. Next time when in Italy, I will just take the water taxis (I am assuming that's the local vaporetto or traghetto). I just wanted to know if there were big rip-offs to avoid, as in most cities around the world.

Actually water taxis and the vaporetto are two entirely different things. (first being private very nice looking speed boat kinds of thing and fairly expensive, second is more like a public bus/boat and cheap).

Venice experience wouldn't be complete without that gondola ride. It surely is worth it!


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We didn't take a gondola ride, and I don't regret it - we had a great time in Venice - but I guess I also don't know what I'm missing! It is expensive, if it is worth doing really depends on your budget. If I had twice the budget (or it cost half as much) I would have done it. We had two nice meals for the same cost. . .

Dear Susan:

My husband and I did not do a gondola ride in 1994. He wanted to, but I was being a tightwad. I regreted it and swore the next time in Venice, we would do the godola ride.

In 2002, I visted Venice with my mom and sister. Mom opted out, but my sister and I enjoyed our gondola ride. It was expensive, but worth it. I have to go back though and do a ride with my hubby!!

Babs,

I am guessing it would be worth it if we could go with a Miss American contestant. How do I arrange that?

I'm curious. Would it be freezing to do this during Carnivale in February?
And does one need a mask in Feb?

nfmasek,

We took a gondola ride in February 2003 and it was delightful. We wore jackets, took a bottle of wine and cups, and watched the full moon as we floated along.

We were there the week before carnivale, I think. At any rate, we didn't need a mask.

Byrd

Do you tip the gondolier? Anyone??

I beleive that the gondoliers are all private operators, so they are making the full amount you pay them. I don't think you need to give an additional tip.

Thank you, sockboy!

I thought I'd share our experience regarding the pricing of gondola rides.

We started inquiring about prices starting at the Rialto bridge. 120 euros was the first price quoted. As we ventured a few minutes further, the rate was 80 euros for a trip of the same length. Our Gondolier didn't sing for us. He said it would bring on the rain.

I was simply amazed at the skill that they have when manuvering such tight turns and narrow passages. I can't even drive a grocery cart as proficiently.

I have never been to venice but I am going in two weeks, I have been everywhere else and for sure In paris I climbed the eiffel tower, In rio I went to corcodoba and carnival, In england picadilly circus, in New York Time square, In Spain the sagrada famillia, In Germany to a brew House, Canada Niagara Falls and the CN tower, Mexico the mayan ruins. Back in Montreal I encourage all my visitors to take a caleche ride.

And definitely even if the price was 1000 euros I will be in line with the rest of the tourist for a gondola ride. After you spend around 10k for a trip what 100 bucks,

The original plan was to take one, but after watching the faces of all of the tourist in them, I wasn't sure I wanted to. Nobody looked like they were really having fun, the drivers looked bored, the tourist had forced smiles, and it didn't look romantic. We finally took one only because one in the party had her heart set on it. I found it to be expensive, smelly (on the small canals), not that thrilling--and certainly not romantic. However, because of a strike, we had to take a water taxi to and from the train station and took one back and forth to Murano. THAT WAS FUN! And worth every penny. It was cool and breezy--we stood up in the back. I would do this again before a gondola.

Please take a gondola ride while you are there. It is incredibly romantic - yes it's a little expensive, but it is so worth it. You will get an entirely different view of Venice by gondola. DO IT!!!!!

" have never been to venice but I am going in two weeks, I have been everywhere else and for sure In paris I climbed the eiffel tower, In rio I went to corcodoba and carnival, In england picadilly circus, in New York Time square, In Spain the sagrada famillia, In Germany to a brew House, Canada Niagara Falls and the CN tower, Mexico the mayan ruins. Back in Montreal I encourage all my visitors to take a caleche ride."

No wonder the word "tourist" translates in so many languages as "sucker."

I'm with Amart on that one! I'd spring for one of those sexy speedboat water taxis any day, over a gondola ride lined up w/ all the other tourists ;-)