I know this may be a strange question, but can you bring wine or a snack to eat when taking a gondola ride (not the vaporettas)? I can't find mention of it either way on any of the threads here.

Thanks!

I wouldn't give somebody $100+ to tell me to not eat or drink while I'm trying to have a "romantic" experience.

ama- I can't imagine that a gondolier would turn away business... I think it would be prudent to ask the gondolier before getting on the gondola. Plus, it's not like you'd be the first person to have say wine and cheese, etc on a gondola!

Enjoy!

Thank you!

Yes, I will definitely ask before I get on, but just wanted to make sure that it wasn't out of the bounds of reasonableness (is that a word?) to even consider it.

It may be frowned upon depending on the gondolier. I would definitely ask first. You may chose the one fellow who has been picking up crumbs from tourists once too often.

The gondolier helped us open our bottle of wine, which we very much enjoyed during our ride under a full moon.

If he disapproved, he hid his feelings well.

I don't think we had any snacks, though.

Byrd

Those gondolas cost thousands of dollars, very intricate work....I like 'picnic' style events, but I think in this case it would be more enjoyable to simply relax and watch Venice glide by. Pouring drinks, holding and balancing them, sounds a little distracting from the experience. Now if one were going to become engaged while enjoying the ride, perhaps a small champagne toast.

Yes I have taken wine on board but not snacks. I think that is a bit nervy. Maybe with a big tip the crumbs would be ok though.

Hi am,

I have been trying to visualize a couple serenely gliding down a Venetian canal in a gondola while munching on chicken McNuggets, and it keeps escaping me.

A 1/2 bottle of wine and 2 glasses: yes.

Snacks: no.

amamax2 - You might be able to save money on your gondola ride if you approach the gondoliers the right way.

On the train from Venice to Florence, my sister and I sat next to a few honeymooning couples. We found out that my sister and I had been quoted up to 50% less for a gondola ride than the couples, purely because we were clearly not there for the romantic ride.

If you have the time or inclination, send the female in your couple past the gondoliers alone and sans ring. Once they start asking if you want a ride, act only slightly interested and say, "how much for me and a friend?" Hold out for a low price, and you might save a bundle!

>We found out that my sister and I had been quoted up to 50% less for a gondola ride than the couples, purely because we were clearly not there for the romantic ride. <

Then why bother at all?

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

ira, I am cracking up! I guess "snacks" wasn't really the right word - more like a pastry or something sweet.

I completely understand what everyone is saying regarding the gondolas and crumbs, etc - that is why I asked - wasn't sure if it was done or not.

And slangevar - I will keep that in mind.

Thanks again!

ira - we actually didn't bother. We took another poster's advice and just enjoyed Venice from the inexpensive water buses. But if I went back with a boyfriend, I would try my trick...