20 Great Things to do in Venice 1/20 - Gondola

Experience Venice: The Timeless Gondola Ride

One of the most iconic symbols of Venice, the gondola, has gracefully navigated the city's canals for centuries. A trip to Venice feels incomplete without experiencing the serene beauty of its waterways from the plush seats of a traditional gondola.

Why Choose a Gondola Ride?

While Venice offers numerous modes of transportation, nothing compares to the charm and intimacy of a gondola ride. It's not just about getting from one point to another; it's about immersing oneself in the city's history, culture, and unparalleled romantic ambience. Gliding through the canals, you'll witness Venice from a unique vantage point, catching glimpses of hidden courtyards, majestic palazzos, and everyday Venetian life.

Planning Your Gondola Experience

The Istituzione per la Conservazione della Gondola e Tutela del Gondoliere, also known as the Gondola Board, is an excellent resource for those looking to delve deeper into this Venetian tradition. They offer recommended itineraries to ensure you capture the essence of Venice during your ride. You can explore their suggestions on their official website: www.gondolavenezia.it.

Pricing Details

The cost of a gondola ride is based on the duration and time of day. Here are the updated fees:

Daytime Rides (8 am - 7 pm): €100 for a 40-minute ride. If you wish to extend the experience, it's an additional €50 for every subsequent 20 minutes.

Evening Rides (7 pm - 8 am): The canals take on a different charm as the sun sets; the fee reflects this unique experience. It's €120 for a 40-minute ride and an extra €60 for every 20 minutes.

These prices are for the entire gondola, accommodating up to six passengers. It's a flat rate, making it a perfect experience to share with family or friends.

Final Thoughts

A gondola ride is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a journey into the heart of Venice. Whether you're seeking romance, history, or a moment of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle, a gondola ride promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo By: Marco Secchi

20 Great Things to do in Venice 11/20 – Buy a Gondola!

Ok not a real Gondola but the best thing after that. Alberto Penzo in his wonderful shop  at S Polo 2681 sells amazing Venetians boats reproductions, not the tacky plastic ones you see walking around, we are talking about real gondolas! The Venetian lagoon has a well-established ship-building tradition. Couple that with an intense passion for boat making and you have a stunning collection of gondola model boat kits constantly in production and on sale.

Gilberto Penzo, born in Chioggia in 1954 from a family of craftsmen and shipbuilders, lives in Venice where for many years he has been conducting a vast research, gathering and organizing information about traditional Venetian boats. Explanations and direct examples of the last remaining gondola builders (squerariòi), surveys of ancient templates and patterns, and - in ideal cases - the direct measurement of intact boats, are the sources which allow the author to reconstruct their forms and the construction methods used. These have given rise to a series of books, construction plans, models for museums and private collections, restorations ans reconstructions of boats.With a group of friends who share the same interest, he founded the association Arzanà in 1992 which specializes in the study and conservation of historical Venetian boats.

If you are not coming to Venice soon you can get them here

The Mascareta

Images from Venice  - Fotografie di Venezia...***Agreed Fee's Apply To All Image Use***.Marco Secchi /Xianpix.tel +44 (0)207 1939846.tel +39 02 400 47313. e-mail sales@xianpix.com.www.marcosecchi.com (Marco Secchi) The mascareta is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian Lagoon. For centuries gondolas were the chief means of transportation and most common water craft within Venice. In modern times the iconic boats still have a role in public transport in the city, serving as traghetti (ferries) over the Grand Canal. They are also used in special regattas (rowing races) held amongst gondoliers. It is similar to punting, except it uses an oar to propel it instead of a pole.

 

Old wood

Images from Venice  - Fotografie di Venezia...***Agreed Fee's Apply To All Image Use***.Marco Secchi /Xianpix.tel +44 (0)207 1939846.tel +39 02 400 47313. e-mail sales@xianpix.com.www.marcosecchi.com (Marco Secchi) If gondolas are the most famous boat in Venice, they are not the only one. All kind of crafts go tirelessly all over town. A large part of them are made out of modern materials, but many old and classical wooden hulls are still in use.