subject: How to Experience Venice [print this page] Drift beneath bridges, alongside cafes, under balconies and through the energetic Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier escorts you down the Grand Canal for a gondola ride you'll never forget. A romantic Gondola ride in Venice unmasks all the passion that makes Venice a city everyone must visit.
The magic of this unique city will become evident as you drift by gondola through the shimmering Grand Canal and make your way into inner canals spanned by tiny bridges that comprise a labyrinth of land and water. Gondolas have been a tradition in Venice for many, many years. At first, gondolas were used for transporting goods down the narrow canals of Venice, today gondolas are primarily used for tourism and ceremonial functions. Taking a gondola ride in Venice shows you a totally different view of the city than experiencing it on foot. The ideal time for a gondola ride in Venice is as the sun is setting when the waterways are less crowded with other boats.
A gondola ride along the Venice's Grand Canal is thought to be one of the most romantic experiences in the world. The seat at the back is ideal for a couple to sit comfortably and enjoy the sights along the Grand Canal.
Having a gondolier propel your gondola down the Venetian canals and sing beautiful Italian songs is something you will always remember. On your romantic gondola trip you will pass stunning buildings, historic churches and cozy cafes that Venice is known for.
Unfortunately, the gondoliers often attempt to run a variety of scams. Keep in mind that a gondola should be painted black and that the gondolier should be a local Venetian to have learned the techniques and trades of this profession
You must still decide to go through with a romantic gondola ride, despite the scams. Seek out the Tronchetto, or the Piazzale Roma to the Ponte di Rialto and the Doge's Palace. At any one of these locations, you will most likely run into gondoliers that offer that unique Venetian experience.
The price of a gondola ride in Venice varies. The price for 50 minutes is usually 70. However, these so-called official rates are not usually followed, so you may end up spending up to 100. This doesn't even guarantee you the promised 50-minute gondola ride. Price increases may also occur if you ask the gondolier to perform a song. This happens because gondoliers invest greatly in their gondolas. It costs about 20,000 for a hand-built wooden gondola that can last up to 20 years. Aside from having to make a profit off of their investment, their standard of living is also relatively higher, as living in Venice can be quite expensive.
