GONDOLA RIDES IN VENICE

I have just come back from Venice and although I didn't go for a gondola ride I did hear a ride quoted as 80 Euro. How long for I don't know. The quote is generally for the trip not per person. I did see 2 couples who didn't know each other negotiate with a gondolier and share the trip. You can do this by hanging out at the gondola stops and talking to who ever is waiting.

When we took our gondola ride in 2001, it was for the entire boat, not per person. We paid about $65 USD back then, so given the lousy exchange rate of the USD to the euro, 80 euros is probably about right. FYI, we were originally quoted about $100 USD (200,000 lira). We were warned ahead of time that prices are negotiable and that you should just walk away if they don't budge. It was so true. The 4th prices was $65 (plus tip). Three gondoliers ran after us, offering a lower price than the previous. And each one knowing that we spoke English. How amazing. :)

We were in Venice last Sept/Oct and took a gondola ride. It ran 80e for 30 minutes. We took our ride at sunset and it was marvelous. If you don't want to spend that much money, buy a day ticket on one of the vaporetti. My friend and I did that and rode the boat all around. You can get on and off as you wish.
Debby

You can also get a gondola ride from American Express, near St. Mark's square. There are six people in each boat and several boats get together and there is usually someone singing and playing an accordion. It is at sunset and lasts about an hour and was so much fun. I would totally encourage it. However, if there are several people in your party it would probably be just as cheap to get one on your own. There were just two of us and at first we felt funny going with complete strangers but after a few minutes, everyone was having a good time.