GONDOLA RIDE
Taking a ride on a gondola is a classic Venetian tradition that most tourists love. Although many of our friends are gondoliers we have never actually taken a ride ourselves but we know that most families visiting Venice will want to. So here’s some information on how to do it.
PRICES
Prices start from €80 for a 40 minute ride (up to 6 people).
Additional time is charged €40 for every extra 20 minutes.
In the evening (after 1900) the price increases to €100 for 40 minutes and €50 for every additional 20 minutes.
Make sure you agree your price with the gondolier beforehand. The official rates are regulated and usually there is a price list next to the bridge where they have the gondola.
Online you can book trips with music, singers, private tours etc. Email kidsinvenicefamilyguide.com if you want additional information.
Pay in cash at the end of the ride (they don’t accept any other type of payment). The trip will end at the same place that it started.
WHERE TO BOOK
You do not need to book in advance but obviously that is also possible. You can get a gondola from pretty much every other bridge in the centre. Just go up to the Gondolier and ask him if he’ll take you. There are certain places where there are lots of gondolas, such as in front of Saint Mark’s square, behind the Bauer hotel, near Rialto bridge, and front of the Hard Rock café “Bacino Orseolo” where many are moored during the night.
Pick your location wisely depending on what you want to see – do you want to take a trip down Grand Canal or do you prefer sauntering up some of the quieter canals in the backstreets? Most of our guests have preferred to take a a ride around the quieter canals, which you can do by going to the backstreets and approaching a Gondolier on one of the quieter bridges or squares.
If you book online check carefully to see whether you are paying for the whole gondola or per person. There are lots of agencies that sell trips or you can book with www.gondolabauer.it
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
Kids can sit on your lap up to age 2. You cannot take prams onboard. Either leave it at your hotel/apartment or leave it at a left luggage office.
INSIDER TIP
Remember that you can also cross the Grand Canal on the Gondola Ferry for just a few Euros.
