Make your own way to the gondola pier of Dogana di Calle Vallaresso on the waterfront near St Mark’s Square, and begin your experience.
Settle into your comfortable, private gondola and lose yourself in the views of Venice as you cruise along the canals. As your gondolier ─ dressed in the traditional garb of black pants and a striped shirt ─ paddles and steers your boat, imagine bygone days when around 1,000 of these elegant wooden vessels would ply Venice’s waterways; that's roughly double the number of Venetian gondolas that exist today.
Cruise on the Grand Canal past exquisite palazzos and churches, and along smaller canals lined with faded mansions and stone bridges. Soak up the romantic ambience as you go, all made extra special by the descending twilight and reflections of the buildings in the water.
After 25 minutes on the water, dock near the historical Antico Pignolo, a restaurant housed in a former marble depot of St Mark’s Basilica. Take your leave of your gondola and enter the eatery, greeted by the waiters as you go. Be shown to a candlelit table for two, and then choose three courses from the set evening menu. The Pignolo is known for its home cooking, so you’re in for a treat! See the Itinerary below for a sample menu. Drinks are available at your own expense throughout the evening.
