We would love to take an evening ride on a gondola that has a singer/musician and that rides on the side canals, not the Grand Canal when we are there. I know this will be expensive, but it will probably be a once in a lifetime experience and we just want to do it! How do we find a ride that features music and singing without going thru a tour agency, such as Viator. Or is it better to pre-book it thru an agency before we leave for our trip. We will be there mid-September. Thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco
993 posts
I'm not sure about the singing - but there were gondolas everywhere on every canal when we went... you just go up and get one. I guess you would have to figure out about the singing - hopefully someone else has experience with that part!
Kim
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
This is something you can do just by showing up at a Gondola Station in Venice and agreeing the route and the price with the operator. A couple of stations near San Marco are marked on the color map in Rick's Italy or Venice books. Expect to pay about €100 per boat for 40 minutes after 19:00. Boats hold 6 passengers (if you find some friends). Hiring a singer and accordianist to ride in your boat costs about €130 more. During the peak romance hours, you could enjoy someone else's musician in passing.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8458 posts
Find a spot where they congregate, during the day, and tell the boss that you want a singer for that evening. Arrange a time and pay a deposit.
Do not avoid the Grand Canal - that is the best part, because it is all lit up and its what you really want to experience. Don't worry its dark enough no one will know its you singing along to the Volare chorus. The side canals are dark, narrow and smelly, so the singing is out of place there.
Oh, and you'll need to visit the ATM before any of that.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
There are about 500 gondoliers in Venice. Most hang out along the Grand Canal. The can be found in some inner canals but you will need to know where these are. Most start at the Grand Canal and then wander in through the smaller canals. 100Euro for about 40 minutes. You can share the cost with other people riding in the boat. Some of the smaller canals can be a bit crowded with boats as you can see in this picture. http://gyazo.com/5f227fd576c9d7d6fa9e9211076c77de
Posted by
OP
Matthews, NC, USA
123 posts
Thanks so much for your help, all! We're looking forward to it!