Gondolas
 

How many people fit in one gondola? We are a family of 7 - will we fit in one?

I think only 4 or 5.

We had 6 in ours, but maybe 7 would have fit.

In Switzerland, a gondola would often mean a cable car which would hold up to 100 people or more. Otherwise, you are talking about a smaller ski lift. What country are you talking about? Where are you taking this?

Cicerone - I'm pretty sure the OP is talking about a gondola in Venice?

KC

Seven people will not fit in one private gondola in Venice . .

However, by the train station they have larger gondolas where you could probably squeeze 7 skinny people on . .

I believe six is the max, but if one is a small child, they could probably sit on an adults lap.

You might also want to consider what is called a "gondola caravan." These are groups of shared gondolas that go out as a group with each seat sold individually. Touristy, but hey, what the heck -they're fun. Each group will have a singer for the "total experience." Tickets are sold at the same office near the St.Mark square where train tickets are also sold. Get directions to the office from the tourist info building near the square.

I'd like to know more about the gondola caravans...Do you go through the smaller canals (which seems to be the preference) or only the Grand Canal? Are they cheaper than a single, priate one if we are a party of 4?

We participated in a gondola caravan two years ago. It was about an hour and went both on the Grand Canal and smaller canals. At that time the tickets were 25 Euro each. The caravans leave from near St. Marks. Ours was just after dark and was very enjoyable. We had a singer and accordian. There were 5-6 gondolas in our caravan, so get there early to choose a gondola near the musicians.

Basingstoke--
Thanks for the tip. Do you know what term they use in Venice for the gondola caravans? Thanks.

would it be required that the 2 gondolas are exactly behind one another the whole time? If not, then just split up the family into 2 gondolas.

Maire

When I first saw them It took awhile to find out what they are called. The folks in the tourist info office told me to ask for the caravans, so just ask for the gondola caravans when you buy the tickets. Depending on the canal that they are on at the time they may travel in a line or in a cluster on the larger canals.

Thanks, Basingstoke!

Sounds like cost-wise with only 4 of us, we're better off doing a single gondola, if we're willing to forego the entertainment. Have I got that right?

basingstoke1,

Thanks for the info on the caravan gondola. I'm going to venice by myself in october and though I've already taken a gondola ride the first time I went to Venice, I wanted to take one because I liked going on the smaller canals, but wasn't sure I wanted to spend 80 - 90 euros and also thought I might feel a little silly having a gondola all to myself.

Because of your post, I now have an alternative. Thanks again.

Hi! My husband and I are going to be in Venice for part of our honeymoon in August. I was going to post about Gondola's but thought I would hop in here since it was started...how do you go about getting a Gondola?
Are there stands - or is it like hailing a cab in NYC? Not sure how it works. Also is their a set price or do you negotiate with them?

THANKS :-D

Regarding Gondola Caravans. I am a bit confused.
Can 2 people ride for 25-30 euros each?
Do you have to be a part of a group?

thanks

It has been about 3 years since I booked seats in a caravan. At that time the tickets were 25 euro each. There is a train ticket office several alleys behind St. Marks and that is where I bought the tickets. You can buy one ticket or more, reserved for a particular time. Our caravan left in the evening (just after dark) from a dock near the Danielli (sp?) Hotel. I was traveling with my daughter and we got there early for the best choice of seats. There were five gondolas and we chose the one that would be next to the gondola with the singer - an elderly fellow with the widest vibrato I ever heard - it was great fun. Most of the 50 or so minutes were spent in the smaller canals. Hope this helps.

basingstoke1
Thank you for the info as to where to buy the tickets.
Sounds like the caravan will be fun and affordable.