Me and my wife are going to be in Venice in 2 days and I’m trying to book a nighttime gondola ride for us especially since it’s my wife’s birthday. When I look online they are either not true nighttime rides or they are sold out? Should I risk not prepaying online and just seek out one myself that evening? I’m not sure if I will end up not being able to get one that night or if I do it will be 200€ or more?
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2299 posts
hey emptycrystal44
don't book it online. while walking around you can watch the gondaliers and if you see one you like tell him you'd like the ride, look in the small canals instead of busy grand canal. you probably will cross it. it is per boat not person and may run about 80 to 100 euros for 30 minutes, just ask him or her before you get it
aloha
Posted by
Campbell River, Canada
361 posts
emtycrystal144, No need to book a gondola experience online. In fact you will see many along the various canals in your walkabouts. Before booking a trip I suggest that you speak to a few and ask them questions trying to gauge their interest in sharing info about the sites that you pass as well as their communications skills. If you want music, singing etc. that will cost you more and is not offered by all gondoliers. The above post is correct about costs as far as I remember. Have a great experience!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8423 posts
I'll say it a bit differently. When you are there in Venice, walking around during the day that you want the evening ride, talk to the gondoliers then. That is, make arrangements for one for that evening, during the day. At some of the gathering points, there is a person who more or less acts as the dispatcher, and they can deal with you. Too many things that can happen between now and then that can screw up your schedule. There are plenty of them, and they all want your business.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32713 posts
How are you defining night-time? Sunset or actual late night? What time of year?
Posted by
Houston, TX
487 posts
Gondola fares are set by the city so the price will not go up if you book at the last minute, many people do not make a reservation. Do note that prices go up after 7:00. Someone suggested making a reservation during the day for something that evening. If you do that, just remember how to get back to the correct location as Venice can be confusing to get around.
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio
303 posts
We were in Venice in early May, and there are MANY gondoliers at many places. The information I compiled about gondola rides is this: Know the current official fares before you go. Information can be found on www.italyogue.com. The average ride is 40 min. Agree to a price and duration before you go. After 7 pm the price rises. If the gondolier charges too much, walk away. Find a gondola nearest your destination, and the quiet side canals are more romantic than the busy Grand Canal! We took a vaporetto ride up the Grand Canal at sunset thinking the lights from the buildings on the water would be lovely. Guess what! Not many buildings were illuminated! A big disappointment!
We decided not to spend all that money on a gondola ride, but I understand it would be special for you.