ITALY - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1057

heading out to Piazzale Roma). Riding at night, with nearly empty boats and chandelier-lit
palace interiors viewable from the Grand Canal, is an entirely different experience.
By Traghetto
Only four bridges cross the Grand Canal, but traghetti (shuttle gondolas) ferry locals and
in-the-know tourists across the Grand Canal at seven handy locations. Just step in, hand the
gondolier €2, and enjoy the ride—standing or sitting. Note that some traghetti are seasonal,
some stop running as early as 12:30, and all stop by 18:00.
By Water Taxi
Venetian taxis, like speedboat limos, hang out at busy points along the Grand Canal. Prices
are regulated and listed on the TI's website: €15 for pick-up, then €2 per minute; €5 per
person for more than four passengers; and €10 between 22:00 and 6:00. Extra bags cost €3
apiece. (For information on taking the water taxi to/from the airport, see “Venice Connec-
tions,” at the end of this chapter.) Despite regulation, prices can be soft; negotiate and settle
onthepriceorratebeforesteppingin.Fortravelerswithlotsofluggageorsmallgroupswho
can split the cost, taxi boat rides can be a worthwhile and time-saving convenience—and
skipping across the lagoon in a classic wooden motorboat is a cool indulgence. For a little
more than €100 an hour, you can have a private, unguided taxi-boat tour.
By Gondola
If you're interested in hiring a gondolier for your own private cruise, see here .
Tours in Venice
Tours of Venice on foot and afloat abound. To sightsee on your own, download my series
of free audio tours that illuminate some of Venice's top sights and experiences: St. Mark's
Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Frari Church, and a cruise along the Grand Canal (see side-
bar on here for details).
Avventure Bellissime Venice Tours
This company offers several English-only two-hour walks, including a basic St. Mark's
Square introduction called the “Original Venice Walking Tour” (€22, includes church entry,
most days at 11:00, Sun at 14:00; 45 minutes on the square, 15 minutes in the church, one
hour along back streets), a 70-minute private boat tour of the Grand Canal (€43, daily at
16:30, eight people maximum), and excursions on the mainland (discount for Rick Steves
readers, see descriptions at www.tours-italy.com , tel. [phone], [e-mail] ,
Monica or Jonathan).