My trip was a group tour including Switzerland and Italy so we also were on budget, I couldn't afford gondola ride even though I wanted it so badly.
Same here! That thing is way too expensive in my opinion, but it's normal to take advantage of it since most of the people who come to Venice search in their pockets to rent a ride like that.
Must be so cool to see so many places in just a single trip! I hope to see Switzerland soon.