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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Venice
- Gondola Rides
Gondola Rides
Surely one of Italy's most iconic images is that of gondolas
being oared through the narrow canals of Venice by stripe-shirted,
serenading gondoliers. These flat-bottomed boats are unique to the
canals and waterways of Venice, and taking a ride in one is
considered by many to be an obligatory tourist activity while on
holiday in Italy. Although you will pay dearly for the experience
(up to EUR80 for a 40-minute trip), taking a gondola ride in Venice
is sure to leave you with a warm and lasting memory of your
vacation in Italy. Tourists are encouraged to make the most of the
investment, however: take a trip down the back canals of Venice,
and not the Grand Canal which is too crowded and impersonal; pick
an ornately-carved gondola, with a comfortable seat and blankets if
it's cold; and be sure to ask your gondolier if he is of the
singing variety before getting into the boat - although it is
compulsory for them to wear black pants, striped shirts, closed
shoes and (weather-permitting) their straw hats, they are not
actually required to sing.
Gondolas are available throughout Venice and can be hailed as
one would an ordinary taxi. If you book one through a hotel or tour
company, you will probably end up paying a surcharge.
Information & Facts
Admission
EUR80 for a 40-minute ride (negotiable)
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.