Gondola fares

This is from the official Ente Gondola site (http://www.gondolavenezia.it/storia_tariffe.asp?Pag=43). Even though they are offical they are more of "guidlines". Do negotiate with them and make sure you agree on the return time. Their 40 minutes could easily have you back in only 30 min. So make sure you agree to a time.

During the day 80 euro for up to 6 people for 40 minutes. Then 40 euro for extra 20 min.
At night it's 100 euro, and the extra 20 min is 50 euro.

If you want the singing and muscian that is an extra cost

Yes you'll see tour companies running them for cheaper but you'll probably be with a full 6 people on the gondola. If you want a private one just walk around and talk to the differnt gondoliers and find someone who like and negotate with that person.

Robert, thanks for the advice!

It shouldn't be too hard to get them to stick to those prices. If you're carrying one of Rick's guidebooks, you can see related info on p. 112 of Italy or p. 331 of Venice.

Hey Laura, thanks!
By chance, is any of this information mentioned in either Best of or Through the Back Door?

We had a lovely time listening to a gondolier singing ... from a bridge crossing a smaller canal as the gondola paid for by other people passed below. One of our favorite Venice memories and at no cost to us. But, of course, you can't count on somebody else's gondola being on hand at the right time.

Whoever you get, ask them how much time will be on the Grand Canal, vs the side canals. Hokey as it may seem, if you're going to do the gondola, you should get the full experience, after dark, with singer, on the GC. Volare!