Venice and Gondola Rides

While visiting Venice (Venezia) last weekend I had the incredible experience or riding in a gondola! Typically it is about 60-80 Euro for a 50 minute ride. Sometimes it is possible to bargain the price down to around 50 Euro. I went with my three friends and we each forked over 20 Euro. Sure this is expensive, but in my opinion worth it. We went on a sunny, yet cool day- perfect for a gondola ride. I have heard it recommended to take a gondola ride at night, yet I found that during the day you can get a better view of the homes, churches and restaurants that back up right onto the canal.

The gondola is a traditional rowing boat that was once a major source of public transport in Venice, but now they serve primarily as a vehicle to separate Euros from tourists. The reality is that you cannot go to Venice and not take a gondola ride -- and the gondaliers know it. There are several hundred people who make their livings as Gondoliers along the canals in Venice. Our Gondolier's name was Marco, he showed off his steering skills by getting very close to corners of buildings and then, with a smooth turn of his oar, we would just miss collision.

It's not just modern day tourists who have fallen to the allure of the gondola. In "The Innocents Abroad," Mark Twain talks about life in Venice and gondolas. These wooden boats are as much a symbol of Venice as the Empire State Building is for New York.

I highly recommend bringing lunch and a cold bottle of local Prosecco along for your ride!

Ciao for now!