Venice: Live aboard a Gondola through the Hidden Canals

Gondola ride on the Grand Canal

Hidden waterways, live music, gondola drag racing, Armani spotting and general mayhem Escaping from the Grand Canal, the gondolas explore the hidden canals running through the back blocks of Venice, winding their way along the narrow waterways towards Piazza San Marco. Inaccessible if the tide is high, these Venetian "side streets" provide a glimpse into the true character of the city. "Well, off we go, off the Grand Canal into the deeper recesses of Venice. No, I've not fainted, I've just … [Read more...]

Gondolas in Venice

Gondola ride on the Grand Canal

Gondolas in Venice Not just a rowing boat - how it's built, traditions and "the gearbox"... A Gondola can be up to 11 metres long and 600 kg in weight, but still only needs one man with his single oar to propel it along, albeit in a stately fashion. Not many people know that gondolas are built asymmetrically; the left side is larger than the right by 24 cm and so it always floats along leaning slightly to one side. As a result, the gondolier does not have to keep … [Read more...]