Heading to Venice end of may and looking to do a gondola tour through the city. Anyone recommend a good company or person they have used before?
Posted by
Massachusetts
1106 posts
Some previous discussions on the topic:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/venice-private-gondola-ride
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/grand-canal-tour-venice
Posted by
Canada
65 posts
We are also planning to visit Venice, and gondola tour is on our list!
Reading some older similar topics, I understand that there is no need to pre-book in advance, and that it's easy to book right at the spot. This is very good for us as it provides flexibility.
I see that the price is about 80 euro for the tours before 7 pm and more after (perhaps, because of the sunset and that being more romantic?). The trip is only 30 min, not sure if that's enough... I feel I may want more! :)
Some people suggest that it's better to talk directly to gondolier, rather than booking through the company. I am wondering if it's possible to agree on a longer tour? Also, I think I would really love to have a tour with a singing gondolier!
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2604 posts
You can always ask the gondelier before getting aboard. The gondolas are all over the city. There was one on the small canal outside our hotel and we just got aboard.
Posted by
Walpole, NH
24 posts
Just left Venice. Most rides are 20-30 min for 80-90 euro. We found a gondolier off a small canal and spent a few minutes talking to him about the ride. We wanted to stay mostly on the small canals and except for a short bit on the grand canal, he accommodated us and did a wonderful job telling us about the buildings we were passing. So take your time talking to them and settle on your price/length before boarding.