The gondola ride at the Venetian is modeled after authentic Venetian gondolas and look pretty neat. After the ride I felt a little disappointed and thought that the ride was not worth it. You can choose from the indoor gondola ride ($15 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger) or the outdoor gondola ride ($12.50 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and under). And if you really want it to be romantic you can spring for a private gondola which are $60 of inside and $50 for outside.

We went on the outdoor ride and we shared with another couple. The ride was only about 10 minutes. The Gondola covers areas that you can see from the strip. The Gondolier was a nice lady with an awesome voice, but the ride was so short.

If you decide to try it, the hours of operation are: Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 11pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. I also saw something about a wedding gondola, that is elaborately decorated in white and gold.

There's a reason why you've heard of The Venetian. In my opinion, it is the most architecturally brilliant hotel on The Strip. You will find yourself walking around aimlessly, staring anywhere but where you're walking.

Shop around The Grand Canal Shops which lead into St Mark's Square.

Try a gondola ride. We tried the outdoor one which was 10 minutes and $12.50. The indoor rides are 15 minutes and a couple dollars more. I had no idea that the gondoliers serenade you in Italian. Our gondolier, Aldo, had a beautiful voice but all the ones that I overheard sounded wonderful as well. I got goosebumps when we passed under a small bridge and Aldo's voice strengthened with the reverberation.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is also on the premises, but I did not visit, having seen the London version and not having the time.

The gondola ride makes you feel like you are really in Italy. The decor of the casino, with its blue ceiling with clouds and building fronts, is perfect. Being sung to as we cruised in the gondola only added to the romantic environment.

Be sure to book your ticket early. You'll be given a return time. Be sure to be there on time. You are then directed to a gondola for four (unless you pay $50 for a private Gondola). You may get a private one without additional charge depending on the time you go. Your gondolier will introduce himself and then your photo will be taken. On the way down the "Grand Canal," you will get the history of the gondola and then your gondolier will sing to the both of you in the "public square." You will then return after one to two song clips. This is the best half-hour to 45 minutes.

What a relaxing, romantic journey on the gondola ride at the Venetian. You can have a choice of an inside or outside ride. We opted for the inside, and I must admit it was a "short" (8-10 minutes) ride with a price of $15.00 each. But sometimes doing something out of the ordinary is worth the price tag!

Our gondolier was a handsome young man with a beautiful singing voice. Although we were partial to "our" young man, we heard many beautiful voices as we watched and listened to other gondoliers perform.

Same-day reservations are accepted; the ride wait was approximately half an hour. The gondola seats four people; parties of two or less must share with another party. However, it was not a very busy day, so we had our own gondola for the two of us. Private gondolas can be requested, at $60 for the indoor gondola ride and $50 for the outdoor gondola ride.

The ride is open from 10am to 11pm Sun-Thurs. and 10am to midnight Fri. and Sat. The outdoor ride operates on a weather-permitting basis.