Gondolas' main stop

Gondolas in Venice

Because of its popularity and for the curiosity they create, gondolas deserve a special section. Every person who travels to Venice must take a walk on a gondola across Venice channels. And if you are a couple, it's a must!

Very important: There are two types of promenades, with and without serenata. Serenata is a man singing 'O Sole Mío' in the gondola while sailing across the channels.

Gondola without serenata:

While walking across Venice streets, you'll find plenty of "gondolieri" who will offer you a promenade on gondola. Don't accept the first propposal, but if they offer you a good price, take it, because they can "detect" if you've been searching a gondola for a reasonable price, and then they won't say you anything. Gondola is a good activity for the first or second day, don't leave it for the end.

A typical gondolieri

These "gondolieri" are the ones who don't sing serenata. Try asking them if the tour includes the serenata. All of them will answer the same: "Well, it's better not to". ;-)

Take into account:

• There are two types of gondolas:
  - Very lovely gondolas, well cared, perfectly painted, with flowers, shining and with nice seats.
  - More simple gondolas, not as lovely as the other ones neither well cared.
• You can haggle. For the lovely gondolas the best price they will offer you is 60 € for thirty minutes and 100 € for 50 minutes. For the more simple ones, the 50 minutes promenade can cost you 80 €.
• When it's getting dark the prices go up.

Gondola with serenata:

If you want them to sing while sailing across the channels, don't ask to the gondolieri on the streets. Naturally, it's more expensive with serenata. Go to the tourism office and ask directly to them, there are companies that organize this kind of activities, although we can't tell you the prices, because when we were there we couldn't find any company that did it.

If you want serenata, the best option is to book the gondola promenade directly through Internet.

Visit this website, they offer a 50 minutes promenade for less than 42 € per person. But we aware, gondolas aren't private, that is, there can be up to 6 people on the same gondola. If you want a promenade with serenata and dinner, it can cost you 88 € per person.

Up to here our Venice guide. We hope you have enjoyed it and helps you make the most of Venice!