Venice for Visitors logo



Gondolas and Gondola Rides

Page 2
Continued from page 1

Where to hire a gondola

You'll find gondolas and gondoliers throughout the main tourist areas, from Tronchetto and the Piazzale Roma (where motorists park their cars) to the Rialto Bridge area, the Doge's Palace, and busy pedestrian crossings along the secondary canals. Chances are, you'll encounter men who politely ask "Gondola?" as you walk past the flotillas of parked boats.

Grand Canal photo

ABOVE: Two gondolas pass a vaporetto on the Grand Canal. INSET BELOW: Parked gondolas with oars tucked away, and a gondola flotilla in a side canal.

Tips:

  • gondolas photoDecide what kind of trip you want, then find a gondola stand in the area nearest your destination. For example, if you'd like to experience the hubbub of the Grand Canal, hire a gondola near the Doge's Palace or the Rialto Bridge. If, on the other hand, you'd rather tour the quiet and romantic side canals, book a gondola away from the vaporetti and water taxis. (The latter may be the best idea if boats make you nervous or if you're inclined to seasickness.)

  • gondolas photoIf you'd rather not haggle with gondoliers, or if you prefer music with your ride, consider booking a tour through a travel agency. Viator offers online reservations for the Gondola Serenade Tour and other excursions; you can book ahead and lock in the price by prepaying in your own currency.

  • Are you interested in  quick gondola ride that will cost you less than a candy beer? See page 3.

Next page: Cheaper alternatives and Web links


In this article:

Related articles:

The premier travel-planning site
for Venice, Italy since 1997

Durant and Cheryl Imboden


Too many bridges, too little time?
Choose from handpicked Venice hotels (in all price ranges) within 0, 1, or 2 bridges of airport buses, taxis, trains, cruise piers, and airport-boat stops. We show maps, directions, booking links, and hotel Web sites.
» Click for easy-to-reach hotels



Venice for Cruisers:

L'AUSTRAL in Venice

(c) iStockphoto.com/Robin Ahle

Need a car in Europe?

Auto Europe guarantees the lowest rental rates for standard cars, sports cars, SUVs, luxury cars, chauffered sedans, and RVs. Its Web site also has driving information for 38 countries.

If you live outside the EU, a tax-free Renault or Peugeot tourist lease can be cheaper than renting. Minimum driver age is 18, there' s no upper age limit, and rates include insurance. See: Short-term car leasing.


Our blogs:


Mobile pages banner

 


Copyright © 1996-2013 Durant & Cheryl Imboden and their licensors.
All rights reserved.