Gratis Gondola Rides & 20% Off Cabins

A Uniquely Venetian History

Emblematic of Venice, the Gondola has to be one of the most romantic modes of transport available to us today. It is a vessel steeped in history which over time has become a must do activity for those who visit The Floating City. At the turn of the 18^th century it is estimated that there were some 4000 gondolas in operation on the waterways of Venice, a monumental number when you consider that today, there are only 400.

The Numbers

The Gondolas themselves are elegant vessels in need of a good deal of TLC, they are each 10.87 metres in length and weigh a staggering 700kg. A quirk of their design is that they have one side longer than the other, created to counterbalance the weight of the gondolier this unique feature gives them their distinctive lean as they cruise along.

Becoming a gondolier is no easy feat, the prospective applicant must be vetted, and pass a series of tests before they can obtain their full licence, and even then the number of gondoliers in Venice is capped, so they must wait for their chance to get out on the water. Besides the obvious perks of the outdoor life and the physique one must obtain from rowing every day, owning and operating a Gondola is a lucrative business, average earnings are said to be between £60,000 and £100,000 per annum!

Your Gondola Ride

Beginning at the base of the opulent Danieli hotel and weaving through the picturesque canals past archaic structures and lively markets, your gratis Gondola ride is a truly lovely means by which to take in the sights, smells and sounds of one of the most unique cities in the world. It’s also the perfect way to work up an appetite for the sumptuous Venetian feast and effervescent cocktails that await you back onboard La Bella Vita.