The quintessential "Venice Experience" is to take a gondola ride. I've never done it because the cost is outrageously expensive... about $120 for 35 minutes. For that kind of money, I'd rather take a ride of an entirely different kind.
But, alas, Venice is sinking and all that, and I didn't want to regret that I never rode in a gondola when I had the chance. So I didn't think about the money and decided to go for it.
Worth every penny.
It may be touristy and trite, but it really is the best way to experience this remarkable city...
The gondoliers have a fairly tough job that requires quite a bit of skill...
If you're ever in Venice, save some money for a gondola ride, it's worth the price.
There are two problems which plague a photographer in Venice. 1) Everything is leaning or warped or crooked, so trying to line up shots can drive you a little crazy. And 2) The stupid pigeons are everywhere and mess up a surprising number of shots you're trying to take. I've got dozens of photos that ended up being bird photos...
When I was last in Venice, I went to the top of the Campanile Bell Tower where I got this incredible panorama shot of the city. But it was rainy and dreary, and I longed to take another panorama in better weather. Like today. Which was sunshine and blue skies as far as the eye could see.
The problem is that something has changed since I was here last. There are heavy metal grates in place, so I couldn't really move my camera enough to take a panorama. I don't remember how I did it last time. Perhaps the grate is new? Or maybe they used to allow you to climb the stairs up past the observation deck and that's closed now? I can't figure it out. I guess I should be thankful that I've got one, even though it's in bad weather. Oh well. It's still a nice view...
After goofing around St. Mark's Square for a while, I decided to explore the area north of Rialto. It's there that the only McDonald's in Venice is located, and I wanted to use their free WiFi. Except the WiFi wasn't working, so I ended up going to Mickey-Dees for nuthin...
Annnnd... I'm done playing tourist for the day. Time to seek out the perfect Venetian restaurant for dinner.
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gorgeous! breathtaking! I’m jealous!
so do the gondoliers sing while rowing? or maybe that’s just in las vegas…
My favorite framed picture on my wall is one taken from a gondola as we’re going under a bridge, much like the one above!
Our dude was named Mario. Which I may or may not have related to the driver Mario Andretti while screaming for him to put his brother “into the wall” as we passed another gondola full of students in our program.
I loved my day trip to Venice. I never even looked at Gondola rides, instead spending my money on a nice local artists’ sepia photo to hang on my wall. I find it funny how your pictures look so much like mine…..I’m sure in person/hi res your are so much better.
I love traveling vicariously to all the places you photograph so vividly. Glad the weather is cooperating with you!
I am sorry to hear that Venice is sinking 🙁 I would love to come visit to see the city of lagoon and canals. When will that be? Dunno..
You spent the day taking photos of the city, but what about you? These are just great and beautiful photos!
The place looks amazing.
We totally went on a gondola ride when we were there. I thought it was a total blast. And I loved all the pigeons in St. Mark’s square… I don’t think they got in the way of my photos though 😉
I must figure out a way to visit this incredible city someday soon. The views of the city are impressive. And it looks like that gondola ride was equally fun.