What is a trip to Venice without experiencing the canals and waterways on a Gondola ride! Here we’ll provide everything you need to know from how much it costs, where to go, when to go and the history behind the unique boats and their Gondoliers.
How much does it cost?
The average cost of a gondola ride is £67 / €80 / $83 for 30-40 minutes but after 7pm this can increase to £82 / €100 / $104. This is for the ride, not per person and most gondolas can take up to 6 people.
If you see a Gondolier (the person who rows a gondola) often in their distinctive striped shirts, black trousers and straw hats you can try and negotiate a price but don’t expect to be successful especially during peak season (June – August).
If you are a solo traveller or don’t mind being on a ride with other people or at a time an operator provides, you can get rides from £29 / €35 / $37.
Most payments are made in cash, especially if you’re dealing face to face with a Gondolier, but if you buy online or from a booth payment via card can be made.
Where do I book a Gondola?
You really don’t have to go far in Venice to find a Gondolier and their gondola that you can just ask for a ride. There are booths that you’ll see signs for that also sell tickets near the canals and there are many operators across the city. However in the peak season (June – August) where there is an influx of tourists it is best to book online to secure a timed slot and avoid longer waiting times. .
One of the best websites to book online and possibly pick up a discount is Venice Gondola | GetYourGuide. You can see the options of times, routes and where a pick up and drop off is. This is useful if there is a specific part of Venice that you would like to explore.
When do they operate?
Gondola rides are all year round except of course when there is extreme weather such as high winds or storms.
Their operating hours are generally 9am to 7pm but you can find gondoliers that will take you out after this time but you will pay extra.
Mornings are generally quieter on the canals and in the summer can be a better time to go to avoid the crowds and the heat. The waterways do get busy in the summer but the experience is still great and such a unique little adventure and a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective.
Will my Gondolier sing?
Not all of them do but as there are so many operators in the city, and if you are booking through a booth or face to face, you can request a Gondolier that will sing! Some will provide commentary but if this is something you are specifically looking for make sure this is requested or booked for online. Don’t assume that there will be guided commentary or singing generally though.
If you want to go ‘next level’ gondoliering, with musicians playing traditional Venetian music, check out Gondola Serenade where you can have a private gondola with an accordionist or guitarist and singer on board with you. Costs are from £247 / €300 / $311 but they only take up to three people to allow space for the musicians!
Do I tip my Gondolier?
Tipping is not necessary nor expected however if you received excellent service, maybe had a personalised route or you enjoyed the entertainment then a small tip of 5-10% would be polite and appreciated.
What is the history of the Gondolas?
Gondolas originated in the 11th Century as a means to transport goods and people between the islands in the lagoon. Whilst the origins of the name Gondola are not exactly known it is thought that the word comes from the Latin word ‘Gundula’ meaning water vessel.
The present shape is from the 17th Century and their ornate features and materials were as a sign of wealth and status as only the wealthiest of Venetians could afford to have them.
What are the boats made of?
They were originally simple boats carved out of tree trunks but over the centuries evolved into the current wooden sleek flat hulled designs able to easily and elegantly negotiate around the tight corners of the canals.
You’ll often hear the Gondoliers calling out as they approach a turn and you’ll be amazed how expertly they manage to miss each other and the buildings by mere centimetres!
Most gondolas are up to 11 metres long, 1.6 metres wide and weigh 700 lbs / 350 kg. They are hand made and are crafted in Venice from now only five workshops dating back to the 1700’s in the Squero (skweh-roh), which is a site for the construction and restoration of gondolas.
Each gondola takes up to four months to build and can cost anywhere from €40k-€100k depending on its design features and ornateness. Over 280 pieces of wood are nailed together, not glued, and the curvature of the wood is still done in the traditional method with water and fire.
A gondola is usually designed to a specific Gondolier and there are three very key aspects to the boat which give it its functionality and uniqueness:
- The oarlock or Forcola of which its intricate design supports the oar and allows the Gondolier to manoeuvre the boat changing the position of the oar depending on what they want to do ie turn, go backwards, forwards and even sideways which is possible as its flat bottom and keel-less. Each Forcola is uniquely designed and hand crafted to suit the Gondolier.
- At the front or the prow of each gondola is a Ferro. This is an iron comb shaped ornament that is both protective (protecting the bow from collisions) and decorative with a unique shape that symbolizes Venice’s history and culture forming an S that represents the Grand Canal’s curves with the six ‘teeth’ on the front representing the six quarters of Venice. It is also specially designed to balance the weight of the Gondolier.
- Each gondola is constructed asymmetrically with the left side wider than the right side by 24 cm so that it glides leaning to one side allowing the Gondolier to balance.
Who are the Gondoliers?
The profession of Venice’s 400 Gondoliers is protected by the ‘Institution for the Protection and Conservation of Gondolas and Gondoliers’ which is headquartered in the historical center of Venice.
This guild issues a limited number of licences after nearly 400 hours or six months of training which includes comprehensive exams testing the knowledge of Venetian history, landmarks, foreign language skills as well as the very crucial practical skills of handling the gondola.
Visit a traditional Gondola builder
The Squero San Trovaso is one of the most famous and oldest gondola building and restoration yards in Venice. It is located in the district of Dorsoduro not far from the Accademia Bridge and a short 30 minute workshop tour can be arranged where you can learn about the history and craftsmanship and watch a gondola being built or repaired. Visit their website Squero di San Trovaso for contact information.
It is strongly advised to message them well in advance to arrange a visit. This is not a usual tourist attraction and no bookings or payments can be made online and it is still a 400 year old working boatyard so its best to make contact beforehand as you may not be able to just turn up and enter.
A highly recommended little excursion to see one of the most unique experiences in the world and gives an even greater appreciation of the amazing history of Venice’s gondolas and its people.
