11. Visitors Can See the Building in Action at a Squero
Gondola enthusiasts might enjoy a visit to a working squero, or gondola boatyard, to witness first hand the fine craftsmanship and age-old traditions that go into building and maintaining these prized Venetian vessels. Each boat takes about 500 hours to make and only about 20 are built each year. Arrange a tour to the San Trovaso workshop near the Academia bridge or the Squero Domenico Tramontin & Figli, which is run by descendants of the man who designed the modern gondola. These are real working workshops, not tourist displays, but they do allow touring visitors to peek in to see their process.
12. You Can Actually Row Your Own Boat
Rather than just being a passive passenger, why not learn to captain your own gondola? A company called Row Venice has a 90 minute tour that teaches you the basics and then lets you ply the waters – it’s not as easy as it looks. You master the essential skills in a lagoon basin before venturing into the narrow canals. You don’t actually pilot a real gondola, but it is a traditional cargo boat that is a close substitute. You’ll find it’s like a combination of stand-up paddleboarding, punting and rowing. Don’t forget to pass on the left and call out around corners. Wearing a striped shirt, black pants and straw hat is optional.
