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Riverfront Gondola Tours

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Riverfront Gondola Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Where to Embark on the Best Gondola Ride in Fort Lauderdale

Here in Fort Lauderdale, there are so many ways to get around! Locals and visitors alike cruise the city aboard yachts, jet skis, airboats, Segways, bicycles, skateboards and more. One of the most unique modes of transportation available here is a gondola! Aboard this Venetian vessel is a perfect way to see the city of Fort Lauderdale, which consists of countless Intracoastal Waterway canals. We compiled the three best places to try a gondola ride in Fort Lauderdale !

Before embarking on a gondola ride in Fort Lauderdale , be sure to try some of the area’s other amazing activities! Here in “The Venice of America,” you can soak up the sun at one of our many beaches, enjoy a festive seasonal event, or visit one-of-a-kind local boutiques. Whatever you’re looking to do, our complimentary Fort Lauderdale Vacation Guide can help you plan the details! It’s the area’s best resource for hand-picked dining, shopping, and adventuring recommendations. Request access today!

What Is a Gondola?

A gondola is a centuries-old means of transportation traditionally used in the canals of Venice, Italy. The unique, canoe-like boats are propelled by a gondolier, who uses a rowing oar. Even though gondolas have been in use since medieval times, variations are still used in lagoons and canals all over the world for public transportation and recreational tours. Here in Fort Lauderdale, gondolas are larger and more elaborate than traditional versions. They offer a perspective of “The Venice of America” that you’ve never before seen!

Las Olas Gondola

Las Olas Gondola, Inc. offers one of the most memorable gondola rides in Fort Lauderdale! This 15-year-old company is ideal for romantic excursions and proposals, but is kid-friendly if you want to bring the family along for the ride. Prepare to be charmed as you glide through the glistening waters of Las Olas for a total of 75 minutes! Your gondolier will be located in the back of the boat playing mood music, and you’ll enjoy your own private cabin in the center of the boat. Glasses, ice, and plates are included for guests who want to bring their own refreshments. Another perk of touring with Las Olas Gondola? You can opt to include a message in a bottle and a rose for surprising your sweetheart. This company operates rain or shine, seven days a week.

Gondolas West

Gondolas West in Fort Lauderdale offers another one of the area’s best rides! This company is a great choice for environmentally conscious folks seeking a tranquil, nature-centric ride through the city’s most intimate channels. Instead of touring past manmade mansions and yachts, Gondolas West takes groups of up to six people through serene areas draped with tropical foliage. The boats themselves are virtually silent and emissions-free, and offer plenty of comfortable seating space. At the center of the boat, there’s even a table with cupholders! Tours of varying durations can be reserved through the Gondolas West Booking Calendar .

Riverfront Gondola Tours

Embark on a Riverfront Gondola Tour and experience Fort Lauderdale’s many breathtakingly beautiful sights. On one of these gondola rides, you’ll encounter waterfront homes, large yachts, and native wildlife like iguanas and manatees! This company’s eco-friendly, electric boats hold six people. Complimentary cold water and tableware are also provided. Another defining feature of Riverfront Gondola Tours is their seasonal offerings. During the holiday season, be sure to go on a Christmas Light Tour to see all of the city’s stunning holiday lights!

Stay Near All of the Best Attractions in Fort Lauderdale!

After experiencing an amazing gondola ride in Fort Lauderdale, come back to comfort and luxury at your very own Fort Lauderdale Stays vacation rental . Our immaculately clean and fully stocked rentals are perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, and even business trips. Whatever your reason for visiting beautiful Fort Lauderdale, know that you’ll be taken care of when you stay in any of our Las Olas , Fort Lauderdale Beach , Imperial Point , Wilton Manors , or Poinsettia Heights homes. Many of our rentals are even pet-friendly!

Ready for the tropical trip of a lifetime? Book your gondola ride in Fort Lauderdale, then reserve your perfect home away from home today! We look forward to hosting you in “The Venice of America” very soon!

romantic gondola rides & tours

The only authentic venetian gondola in florida, do something different.

Prepare yourself to be charmed with the most memorable gondola rides on the canals in Fort Lauderdale – the Venice of America. We are available for all occasions: engagements, proposals, romantic rides, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, etc. We have been operating in Fort Lauderdale for 15 years and offer a variety of options.

Families with children welcome!

The Gondola Ride Sit back and relax and see some of the most luxurious homes and gardens in Fort Lauderdale from a prospective that you can only appreciate on the water at the cozy speed of a gondola. Enjoy a real inspiring experience.

• Night Light Romantic Cruises
• Sunset Cruise **Most Popular**
• Full Moon Cruises
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Our ride is 75 minutes long. The gondolier is in rear and you have your own private cabin in center, we play music on the ride and have a cocktail table next to you. We provide ice, glasses, and plates so you can bring wine, champagne, soda etc. and finger foods to have on your ride.

There is also a message in a bottle set with a silky rose. Your own romantic message is inserted into the bottle, and the gondolier will find it “along the way in the river.” This is a very impressive way to express your feelings or to “pop the question.” This service is an extra fee.

If you have any special requests for a certain event or if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 800-277-1390 or 954-727-8870 or request a reservation online .

We also offer gift certificates for Mother’s Day, Christmas, Birthdays, Engagements and other special events.

See our terms and conditions .

Proposal & Romantic Specialists!

Gondola pictures.

©2023 las olas gondola, llc

How the cable car works

Three stations, ski slopes, and marriage registrations

Discover Moscow visited the Moscow cable car and explains how it works and what you can do here, from getting married to going down the ski slope

What can be seen on the cable car

The Moscow cable car began operating in 2018. It has three stations: the upper one is Vorobyovy Gory, the middle one is Novaya Liga on the Vorobyovskaya Embankment (used in winter when the ski slope is open), and the lower one is near Luzhniki stadium. A one-way trip on the cable car takes 8 minutes. It soars over the Moskva River and a 360 -view of the south of the capital: the high-rises of Moscow-City, a nature reserve, and kilometers of embankments. The cable car’s route is 707 meters long.

It receives up to 1.5 million visitors per year, and the New Year holidays and the summer are the busiest seasons. A one-way trip costs 200–250 rubles, and a round trip costs 300–450 rubles.

On May 8, 2022, a Guinness world record was set on the cable car: 30 couples got married in the gondolas. After that, an official marriage registration office was opened there.

Structure of the mechanism

Every cable car is unique in length and height and has its own characteristics. The Moscow system was specially developed by the Swiss company Bartholet.

In the principles of its operation, the cable car is similar to a garland of Christmas decorations: a rope with attached gondolas (there are 35 of them) is stretched between the stations and moved by gears. For the most part, it looks like an ordinary rope, as dozens of woven metal strands make the structure durable and safe.

In summer, only closed gondolas are used, but open ones are added in winter. One of the main features of the Moscow cable car is its “quick arrow” technology. There is a sensor at the middle station which distinguishes between the gondolas and the chairs. It sends the gondolas further and turns the chairs around. Everything is automated, with no manual control.

The cable car’s technical staff includes mechanics, electricians, operators, and attendants. They perform weekly maintenance, inspecting and lubricating the machinery and cables. There is a gondola garage near the middle station where they are stored and inspected and minor repair work is performed.

Only thunderstorms and strong winds interrupt the operation of the cable car. There are wind speed sensors installed at high-altitude points. If the wind gusts exceed 15 meters per second or there is a thunderstorm, the stations are closed, tickets are not sold, and lightning rods are attached to the cables.

Who works there, and how

Denis Kovalenko, Cable Car Administrator

I am in charge of coordinating the cable car’s operations. This involves the coordination of personnel: cashiers and turnstile ticket collectors.

The best time to ride the cable car is in the evening, when the city is lit up and the gondola offers a spectacular view. Those are the best moments for us and our visitors. The most difficult thing is working with people. The main load falls mainly on weekends and holidays. Much depends on the weather. Even when there is heavy visitor traffic, we can fit them in the gondolas, as each one has 8 seats. There is a difficult in that, however, as many people think that they can occupy an entire gondola and ride singly or in twos. We are grateful when visitors understanding the full load of the gondolas during peak hours. This allows us to reduce the waiting time. About 1,500 people per hour can pass through the stations at peak times.

Denis Kulakov, station shift engineer

Walkie-talkie and frost

It is my responsibility to ensure safety in loading and unloading, compliance with technical standards at the station, and proper operation. There are often lines, and some people have to be persuaded to sit in a gondola with others. Many people come with children, and part of our job is to ensure that children do not get into gondolas separately their parents.

We work on a “2-by-2” schedule. There are two duty operators at each station, and we change places every hour. The duty operator must always be on the platform, even if there are no people at all or if it is 30 degrees below zero.

The most important thing for us is the walkie-talkie. We exchange important information with duty operators at other stations. For example, people with bicycles need to be advised quickly on how to get out, because the gondolas travel through the stations without stopping. We give our colleague the gondola number and ask them to keep a close eye on it.

We have special buttons to slow the cable car down or even stop it. For the safety of passengers, the system works instantly.

We take an exam every six months. We work out various simulated emergency situations in it. For example, if the door does not close or someone loses consciousness in gondola. In all cases, we consider the situation in which the cable car stops and cannot be restarted for more than 15 minutes. Then, by the rules, we must call a rescue team to evacuate people from the gondolas. Fortunately, we have never had any emergencies like that since the cable car opened.

The hardest part is interacting with the passengers. It is much easier to understand the technical aspects of how everything works and how it will work. People vary a lot. Some react kindly, while others boil over.

We are used to the cable car, so it is nothing new for us. We often move between stations in our work. My favorite time of the year on the cable car is twilight in the early autumn. The parks are illuminated, Luzhniki stadium shimmers with lights, and everything looks beautiful and refreshed.

From clowns to romance

The cable car is a special place — it offers a view of Moscow State University, Luzhniki stadium, and almost the entire south of Moscow. Tourists from other cities come to us, but Muscovites do not come very often.

Every day is special. We can say that the unusualness has become normal. Once, four gondolas in a row were occupied by a large group of Goths. There were also once 16 clowns in costumes with huge feet. And on New Year’s Eve, around 20 Santa Clauses came. The children were shocked: why were there so many of them?

There is also a place for romance. Weddings are held every Friday at Vorobyovy Gory station. Couples come to ride the cable car in the evening when there is beautiful twilight, the lights are on everywhere, and the gondolas are also illuminated.

We have one VIP-gondola for groups that want to ride separately from others. Negotiations are sometimes held in it. It happens that people come with papers, sign things, and make deals. But, more often, they bring champagne.

How the Apothecary Garden is Arranged

Discover Moscow visited the realm of heather and lotus

How the Flotilla is Organized

Ice under the stern and traffic jams on the river

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Napa Valley Gondola

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Valentines cruise ( feb 10 – 14th).

It’s the most romantic week of the year, come celebrate with the most romantic thing to do in all of Napa Valley – enjoy a cruise on beautiful Napa River.

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Authentic Venetian Gondola Cruises on the Napa River

Located in the heart of downtown Napa, Napa Valley Gondola offers authentic Venetian gondola cruises on the Napa River, a hidden gem.

Your peaceful journey may be punctuated by joyful sounds of Italian music and a singing gondolier. Each gondolier creates a unique experience, sharing stories of the significance of the Napa River and the history of gondolas as they row you gently along. While favored by couples, each authentic, handcrafted Venetian gondola can hold up to six passengers of any age. All cruises are private.

Located in the heart of downtown Napa, Napa Valley Gondola offers private cruises on the Napa River, a hidden gem.

Your peaceful journey may be punctuated by joyful sounds of Italian music and a singing gondolier. Each gondolier creates a unique experience, sharing stories of the significance of the Napa River and the history of gondolas as they row you gently along. While favored by couples, each authentic, handcrafted Venetian gondola can hold up to six passengers of any age.

See why our customers love us!

★★★★★ experience italy in napa.

My first gondola ride was in Venice, Italy so it amazed me that in my home state of California I could find it here. I brought my husband and our friends and we truly enjoyed ourselves. Our guides name was Haven and he was the best. He was funny, knowledgeable, a true social butterfly. This place is perfect if you want to do something different. Please do not pass up this unique opportunity to get a taste of Italy. - Deja B. | TripAdvisor

★★★★★ Highlight of Our Trip

Haven was awesome!!! We went at sunset and it was beautiful and such an awesome way to end the day. Highlight of our Napa trip. Don’t miss this!! Bring your own wine and cups (they will open for you) and they will supply blankets when cool out. Don’t miss this! - Vickie M. | Google Reviews

★★★★★ Awesome

Napa Valley Gondola is a great way to experience the Napa River. My wife and I along with four friends recently did the Casanova tour that goes up river to the Oxbow Preserve. We went at four o'clock on a late October evening with great weather - perfect for the champagne that we brought. Sean was a very personable guide and very knowledgeable. The pricing was quite reasonable for six people. I would recommend bringing a jacket just in case it gets windy, especially for tours late in the day. - Alex M. | TripAdvisor

★★★★★ Perfect

Perfect way to end a romantic evening. Slowly gliding on the Napa River, looking at all the lights of downtown Napa shimmering in the river. Smooth, calm, relaxing and I love the sounds of the insects and frogs! (like Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland) We had a marvelous time, and will repeat it again on our next trip to Napa! - Gary O. | Google Reviews

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• Moscow St. Petersburg Cruise

Moscow Cruise Route

Frequently asked questions from our travelers, what is the best time of the year to go on a moscow - st. petersburg river cruise.

The cruises are operated from the month of May until the beginning of fall. The best weather conditions during this period are usually from June through late July, but if you are looking for a trip at a more relaxed pace with less tourists in the cities on the route, we highly recommend to take a look at the months of May and September.  For more info, please see our useful tips .

Which cities and towns will I visit on a Moscow - St. Petersburg cruise?

The cruise itinerary covers all the main and the most important locations on the route. During the cruise you will have a chance to get acquainted not only with Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also with smaller towns and villages like Goritsy, Kizhi, Yaroslavl, Mandrogui. The number of cities and towns to be visited and the exact itinerary vary depending on the duration of the cruise.

Is it better to start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg?

The starting point of the cruise is totally up to you. You won’t miss any important sights whether you start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg. We always recommend checking the flight schedules from your city first in order to decide whether it is more convenient for you to fly into Moscow or St Petersburg.

A Russian Land Tour or a River cruise - which is better?

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

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Express to Russia

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