Gondolas and other Venice, Italy Tourist Trap Tips

For over a thousand years they have taken passengers food and other wares through the canals. Traditionally made from eight sorts of wood: larch, lime, oak, elm, pine, cherry, walnut and tannen. The bow is decorated with the iron 'Ferro', symbolizing the Doge and the six districts of Venice. They used to be colourful and decorated, but since 1562 the law has required them to be black. Steering a gondola demands great skill. A ten year apprenticeship with a padrone is required before a gondolier gets a licence. Only native born Venetians can apply and the number of issued licences is limited, to keep the price at a healthty 60 - 70 Euros per hour.

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At Least Do This: Try to get a better deal with your hotel (if you're staying in Venice).
Alternative: Walk or try the vaporettos.