I am searching viator for a gondola ride and there seems to be problems finding meeting locations and a general lack of satisfaction. Most offer no commentary and are shared rides.
Is it easy to just pick up one as we stroll around?
Posted by
Massachusetts
1422 posts
Here are previous discussions that should help you with your question:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/venice-private-gondola-ride
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/grand-canal-tour-venice
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/gondolas-in-venice
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8202 posts
No need to book in advance
Just go to one of the many gondola stands at the time of your choosing and hire then
Price is set for one gondola ,x number of riders
Posted by
OP
44 posts
As always, thanks for the info.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2648 posts
hey hey Edward L
stay away from viator, they charge per person. rides are usually per gondola.
there are so many gondolas to chose from all over, you really can't chose who is good or who is bad. stay away from the grand canal pick up, it is so so busy like a crowded hiway, every kind of boat travels it, go into back canals.
we used the singing gondolier "lucky luca" ([email protected]). emailed him and he returned message with what days he has available and we picked one. there was 4 of us friends, picked us up near the jewish ghetto in canareggio area and away we went through smaller canals, did cross the busy grand canal, brought a bottle of prosecco/plastic glasses to celebrate 2 friends who had never been to venice and squeezed together with luca for a selfie with all of us in picture. chose daytime or nighttime (day is cheaper). think we paid 70E and of course a tip. we were so happy and satisfied with him and his gorgeous/clean gondola that's been in his family for years.
email him for questions and answers and you decide, can't go wrong from our adventure. good luck & have fun
aloha
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1999 posts
You do not need to book a gondola ride in advance. Just decide to do it as you are walking around. I don't recommend taking a gondola ride on the Grand Canal or near St. Mark's Square because you will get stuck in gondola traffic jams. We picked up our gondola at Campo S. Barnaba in Dorsoduro and told the gondolier we want to stay on the back canals. It was heaven! We saw only 3 other gondolas.
Posted by
Switzerland
43 posts
+1 for exactly what @kmkwoo said!
Posted by
St. Paul, Minnesota
26 posts
Just returned from our trip and we had a great ride. The gondolier even sang.
Did research before we went and we walked to the following:
“Christian's relaxing gondola rides”.
This route is away from larger crowds and long lines. He takes you on the more authentic parts of the canal with some time on the Grand Canal.
The cost was €90 for a 20 minute or so ride during the day, but we gave him €100.
Here is a link to the location and a number of other reviews.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Christian's+relaxing+gondola+rides/@45.4338204,12.3320095,17z/data=!4m16!1m9!3m8!1s0x477eb1f3a6c09e6b:0xf24f7ec2774b9c65!2sChristian's+relaxing+gondola+rides!8m2!3d45.4338204!4d12.3320095!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2F11r_n9bn0r!3m5!1s0x477eb1f3a6c09e6b:0xf24f7ec2774b9c65!8m2!3d45.4338204!4d12.3320095!16s%2Fg%2F11r_n9bn0r?authuser=0&hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D