Learn to row a gondola

The gondola is the symbol of Venice. It is a unique boat for a unique city. You can catch gondola rides in many places around the city. But what if you’d like to try to row a gondola yourself?

Years ago I bought an old gondola and had it restored a bit. With that I can teach a bit about how to row a gondola. You won’t become a gondoliere in a few hours, but you can learn some of the basics.

You will learn and practice how to steer, row and stop a real gondola, just like the gondolieri do. After a lesson you will also know how to tell prow and stern oars apart, and you’ll also be able to hold an oar the right way.

Of course we won’t be talking only of how the gondola is made and about the peculiar Venetian rowing style. You will discover the origins of Venice and get to know the larger islands of its lagoon, as well as listen to some fascinating facts about the place where you will be rowing. It is a truly immersive experience in a unique natural environment, shaped by thousand of years of history.

A maximum of 4 people per lesson ensures a pleasurable learning experience to all participants.

Children and non-rowing partners can sit on the comfortable “parecio”, which is the elegantly decorated seats, and watch you carrying them around if they prefer doing so.

A gondola is a very large and stable boat, however, for security reasons we request minors to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Life jackets are available for those who wish to wear one.

Prices and booking

Gondola rowing lessons are for 1-4 persons, of a duration of 1½-2½ hours depending on group size.

The price is €85 for 1-2 persons, €120 for 3 persons and €140 for 4 persons.

All row a gondola lessons take place at the Certosa island.

There’s more information at my gondola rowing web site: Be Venetian.

You can use the form below to request a gondola rowing lesson and I’ll write you back as soon as I can.