My First Gondola Ride- A Treasure Trove of Memories
I took my first gondola ride on my recent trip to Venice this year. I know a lot of people are of the opinion that gondola rides are overrated but it still feels incomplete (almost akin to cheating) if you come to the Floating City and don't take one.
A perfect sunny day awaited me and I couldn't be happier- the perfect way to capture the beauty of Le Serenissima. My gondola ride started from near the Luna Baglioni Hotel, crossing several famous landmarks and buildings of Venice.
It passed the Regina Hotel and the Salviati Building, such a great way to escape the crowds at San Marco.
My gondolier was extremely courteous and sweet and chatted for a few minutes. He was rowing the traditional boat since 35 years, something easy to listen but hard to comprehend.
He knew the secret corners and quiet alleys of Venice and it was a short and sweet journey to go there. I could hear nothing but the sound of the water and the oar. What a memorable experience to treasure!
I am so thankful that I chose Avventure Bellissime -one of the several tour companies operating in quintessential Venice for this service. What struck me most about their website was that they provided several offbeat tours such as the Walking Tour of Hidden Venice or the Private Ghost Walk (I have this in mind for my next trip). Another important factor is the pricing- they are priced comparatively quite low to their competitors.
It passed the Regina Hotel and the Salviati Building, such a great way to escape the crowds at San Marco.
My gondolier was extremely courteous and sweet and chatted for a few minutes. He was rowing the traditional boat since 35 years, something easy to listen but hard to comprehend.
He knew the secret corners and quiet alleys of Venice and it was a short and sweet journey to go there. I could hear nothing but the sound of the water and the oar. What a memorable experience to treasure!
I am so thankful that I chose Avventure Bellissime -one of the several tour companies operating in quintessential Venice for this service. What struck me most about their website was that they provided several offbeat tours such as the Walking Tour of Hidden Venice or the Private Ghost Walk (I have this in mind for my next trip). Another important factor is the pricing- they are priced comparatively quite low to their competitors.
It is great how things are just meant to fall in place, for Avventure Bellissima was my friend Susan's idea. Grazie Mille Susan, I had a wonderful experience with them and I hope that next time we can take a gondola ride together. Susan's adventures of Italy can be read here.
"It is always assumed that Venice is the ideal place for a honeymoon. This is a grave error. To live in Venice or even to visit it, means that you fall in love with the city itself. There is nothing left over in your heart for anyone else."
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14 comments:
I love the quote! I've never been to Venice, but I'll definitely take a gondola ride. There are some things that are touristy for good reason, and I think that's one of them. Nice to get into the quiet areas, too.
Venice captures your heart. Your gondola ride looks very peaceful. Off the beaten track. Your photos are lovely
Thank you Cathy for stopping by :) I agree. Its great to do touristy things, who has labeled them as touristy anyways? us! The quiet areas were the highlight of the trip.
It truly does Lyn. Thank you so much, my gondolier was fabulous!
We took the same ride !! Hi 5 :D haha.. No but I'm sure it must have been quite an experience.. What I found really fascinating was how the gondoliers navigate through the really narrow canals!! And specially when there's another gondola coming from the opposite direction.. Almost seems impossible but they manage :D
loved reading the article...sounds like a such a lovely experience..and the pictures are so beautiful..love it :)two thumbs up,Ishita
Hiya! Sicilian Housewife here!
What a great blog! and I love all your photos :-)
Thank you sweetie :) I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Ishita, so wish again that I could have found you and made the gondola ride with you. However, you described it so well I almost feel like I was there! Photos are fantastico and the quote at the end is a special touch that I just love. Thank you for mentioning me too....so sweet of you to include my blog site:) Hugs!!
Thank for stopping by, cara!! :) Grazie mille. Looking forward to you reading more :)
I so wish too Susan. But there is always a next time :) You are most welcome, pleasure is all mine.. You are inspiring and I am glad to have met you. Hugs! Baci!
Surely, It would have been an amazing experience... :)
waiting for my First Gondola Ride ;)
Waiting too ;) hope you have one soon!
How cool is that!! Yes I know what you mean ;) Haha. But they are adept at it :)
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