Venice Style

It’s a long way to Venice. Known as ‘the city of bridges‘ it is the classic romantic European city. Depicted in novels and films as a place of intrigue and passion, it’s a popular stop-off for travelers to Europe.

Once there, there is only one way to travel around the myriad streets, and that’s by boat. The stylish may float in sports craft but the truly romantic will always opt for a Gondola cruise. These boats have helped Venetians get around for 500 years, and at their most popular there were around 1,500 in use.

Gondolas are made from eight different types of wood, and can only be officially piloted by a Gondolier born in Venice.

As a trading town dominated by its waterways, Venice has always been served by boats. Such was the town’s importance, both strategically and economically, it previously established itself as an independent Italian state.

But hold off buying that air fair to Italy just yet: You can enjoy the intimacy of a Gondola cruise from much closer to home.

Las Vegas, Newport Beach and San Diego all have Gondola cruises. And if you are outside of California but near Stillwater Minnesota, you’ll also have a chance to dip your oars.

A traditional Gondola is powered using a rèmo (oar). With no noisy outboard, a hushed calm lends itself to whispered conversations and intimacy. It’s a great idea for the final event of a romantic evening for two, or even better, to help celebrate an anniversary. Imagine your date’s face as you surprise them with a Gondola cruise…