Gondola Serenade
Written by Viator, August 2010
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Gondola Serenade Reviews
We've found 304 Gondola Serenade reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Reply by Viator, July 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
My overall rating on this gondola ride from 1 to 10 with 10 being awesome I would give this company we used a 2. The gondola drivers were rude not friendly they did not ant to be bother with questions and while driving the gondola they were on their cell phones it was cold nothing personal or romantic about it. We noticed other tours on the canal were attentive and very personal and romantic. My advice to Viator is use another vendor I would not recommend this vendor at all we were very disappointed it was our 25th wedding anniversary and we were looking forward to our serenade ride all day and could not believe how awful it was. The singing was even bad. Sorry to have to write this but it is the absolute truth next time I would just venture on my own through the canals there are many vendors out there that can do a much better job
Reply by Viator, July 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Be warned, we would recommend going with a Gondalier when in Venice but book when there as you can turn away if they are as rude as they were with us. We were told to "Sit there" when asked a question. You go out with several other gondola's so are waiting untill all are ready. The serenade is on 1 gondola only and the gondaliers were talking amongst themselves so you couldn't hear the serenade. It took a long time to get onto the Grand Canal and then that was only about 15 mins, (total time was 1 hour). Staff were lovely to those travellers who booked while there, we saw at least 2 groups of 5 - 6 going out with a free bottle of wine and a smile. Whereas we were left to sit on 1 side and wait till our time came, and then left floating in the water while the other gondolas caught up
Dont book, spend the extra when there with another gondolier
Reply by Viator, July 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
This was ok but the details don't tell you that there will be 4 strangers in the gondola with you, I was approximately sitting 1m away from my husband and couldnt even hold his hand let alone give him a kiss on our honeymoon. Also, this ride was a pack of 6 gondolas and the serenade was 4 gondolas ahead of us. Very misleading and really not worth it, this is not romantic or enjoyable.
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner
This was a wonderful canal ride with excellant accordian player and wondrful singer. We all (8 gondola's) enjoyed the Serenade very much. The restuarant was difficult to find, but the food was excellant and the owner very gracious. I hope he gets more business.
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Traveling in a group of six, this was the way to go. Having a gondola for just us was like having a private ride. Serenade was the height of cheese, but - hey - it added to the novelty. Not positive that the price is competitive, but for convenience and a guarentee that you WILL ride, it can't be beat. Good for first time visitors, but I'll look for a more intimate experience next time.
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
The Gondola ride was great and we really enjoyed the Serenade, however, there was a huge delay on schedule and we had to wait around for an hour for start of our Gondola ride. Our departure time was scheduled for 6:30pm and we ended up departing at 7:30pm, having a baby with me it was not easy to wait for an hour standing up on line!! The worst part was there were other gondola's that were available on the next canal and if it wasn't because of the pre-paid arrangement I could have walked to the next bridge and get in another gondola!
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
A gondola ride is of course iconic and it is a joy to glide down the Grand canal looking at the decaying elegant palaces. However, I wish the ride was longer. I know they probably don't like tourists but this is their job so I wish the gondoliers were less jaded and friendlier. Also, FYI there is one serenader for a fleet of gondolas that traverse the canal together, not one for each gondola, if this is important to you, and there are 6 passengers to a gondola.
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
The gondola ride was very good but we were not serenaded!
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner
Gondola and Serenade was beautiful! Wow what a voice. The dinner would have been great if someone had been there to show us where to go. After walking for 45 min in the wrong direction, finally someone helped us locate the restaurant-We were so tired at we could not enjoy the food- just buy the gondola ride skip the food.
Reply by Viator, June 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
In a word - DISAPPOINTING. Gondola Ride and Serenade with about 10 gondolas in a group,6 people squashed into each gondola and one gondaleer serenading all of us was not the romantic experience we were after.
Reply by Viator, May 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Fantastic gondola ride. The serenader was in one boat in a group of four gondolas. We were in the gondola closest to the serenader and had a great time. The tour does not go under or near the Rialto Bridge.
Reply by Viator, May 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
It was amazing - exactly as described. We were a family of 6, so we had our own gondola. There were about 10 gondolas altogether however they maneuvered the gondola's into two groups so everyone got a chance to be serenaded. Our Gondolier was very informative - offering a few history tips too!
Reply by Viator, May 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Brilliant, just a wee short trip on the Grand Canal but it's the quieter side street type canals that are stunningly awesome. The Grand Canal's like a busy highway whereas the side ones are like a peaceful country road. The serenade was top notch too.
Reply by Viator, May 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Great fun. The 7.30pm Gondola is definitely the time to do it as it is just before sunset and the light off the canals and buildings is amazing. Obviously you share the boat but having a serenade makes up for it. If you want to get the best seat make sure you are there super early otherwise you might get a seat without your lover! :-( We were lucky.
Reply by Viator, May 2012
Doing what: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Definitely worth the cost! What fun! The serenades were great and really added to the charm of the ride and city.
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