I've seen a few times on this site that gondola ride prices are not negotiable. but today I read in Rick's Italy book that prices are indeed negotiable. So what was your experience- negotiable or not? If so, what price did you negotiate?
Second, is it customary to tip the gondolier?
Some people have been able to negotiate lower prices with gondoliers far away from the popular spots.
As for tipping, these guys are each the owner of their own business over which they collectively have a monopoly and they charge a fortune. I wouldn't tip.
Hi Angela, We negotiated a price 10E less, but as the previous poster said, it was away from the heavily touristed areas. We did not tip, but my husband did buy him a beer after. So however you look at it, we did pay the 80E, but for us, it was worth every penny. Aside from the price, I would recommend a gondolier away from the crowds, just so you aren't a part of the crowds. Once off the Grand Canal, we were the only ones on the back "roads". Also, we felt a little something was in order, as our gondolier, who was fantastic, appeared to be working, or perhaps training, with the a 2nd gondolier who appeared to be the owner of the 2 gondoliers at the stop. I know many here do not think the high price is worth it, but if you are lucky to get a good gondolier like we did, it really is worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. (btw you can bring your own bottle of wine with you:))
Thanks for the tips- especially the one about the wine! Based on what I've read i was expecting to pay about 100 e, and I'm ok with that for the unique experience.
A group of us hired several gondolas for the asking price at the main canal. And, low and behold, a musician (accordion) who also sang jumped into the gondola that my soon to be wife and I were in. An experience I will remember as long as I live. I would recommend it to anyone who can possibly afford it.
I've tried haggling over the prices with the gondoliers, but they'll show you the "official" printed price list, which they inevitably have on the inside of their hat and tell you that by law they can't lower the prices. However, I've found that the time is negotiable. The base daytime rate for a ride is 80 euro for about 30-40 minutes (I can't remember exactly), and you can sometimes talk them into their "intermediate" level ride, which would ordinarily be 100 euro, for 80. I've never tipped, and they've never seemed offended.
I just LOVE this travelers helpline!!! I would have never considered, or thought about, bringing our own bottle of wine in the gondola!!! What a great idea to add to a perfect scenario!! We will be staying in Venice for 4 nights, next year and we're counting down the days!! Happy Travels my friends!
