Part of the Venetian landscape for centuries, the gondola was once the city's primary form of transport. During the 1500s, some 10,000 crafts plied the canals. The flat bottom was designed for the shallow depths of the Venice Lagoon, and its narrow width allowed the gondolier to achieve greater speed and maneuverability. Today, a few public gondolas serve as traghetti, or ferries, conveying people across the Grand Canal, while several hundred, painted black by local law, usher explorers into narrow canals, piloted by capped gondoliers in iconic striped shirts.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Scenic Chioggia by Foot
Explore lively Chioggia, set at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, during a brief walking excursion.
At a Glance: St. Mark’s Square
View this fabled city from the Venice Lagoon’s languid, stunning waters and explore legendary St. Mark’s Square.
Venetian Islands, Murano & Burano
Discover two of Venice’s most beautiful outlying islands and linger in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
Hidden Venice On Foot
Explore Venice by foot and you will uncover treasures that are invisible to those who explore only by boat.
Unraveling St. Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace
Stroll past the famous Dogeʹs Palace and to beautiful St. Markʹs Basilica on this walking tour of Venice.
The Island & the Abbey
Visit Venice’s glassmaking center and a centuries-old monastery on two of the most beautiful Venice Lagoon islands.
Secrets of Doge’s Palace
Enter the secret passageways of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, the halls, rooms and chambers hidden from the public eye.
Murano, Burano & Venissa Vineyard
Witness a master glassmaker create beautiful objects and sample a unique vintage at a local vineyard.
A Taste of Chioggia
Immerse yourself in Venetian tradition as you sample delicious local fare.
Chioggia: The Land of Fishermen
Discover Chioggia’s rich fishing heritage during an informative walk and visit to the local fish market.
Videos
Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore
Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”
Discover Venice
Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.
The Venetian Lagoon
Follow Karine as she explores the fascinating Venice Lagoon, stopping to visit Torcello, San Giorgio Maggiori, Sant’ Erasmo, Burano, Lazzaretto Nuovo and Murano.
Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa
In her centuries-old Palazzo Tiepolo on the Grand Canal, Contessa Lelia Passi teaches Karine to make risi e bisi, a risotto of rice and peas.
Beyond Venice’s Gondolas
Gondolas are icons of Venice, but countless other boats and people keep this car-free city running smoothly. Join Karine for a glimpse at the city’s diverse water-oriented infrastructure.
Italian Language Lesson
Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!
