Row Venice: learn to row Venetian style !

Corso di Voga alla veneta come gondolieri

Step out of your comfort zone and take part in an activity that’s as fun as it is exciting: a lesson in Voga alla Veneta!

Become a gondolier for a day and learn traditional lagoon navigation techniques from the professionals!

You’ll never look at a gondola in the same way again!

WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?

A fun activity for an unforgettable souvenir of Venice!
Discover areas of Venice unknown to tourists
Add a new skill to your personal list!

Price

€105 per person.
€60 for children aged 7 to 14.

Free for children aged 7 and under.

You can book online for up to 2 participants. For a different number of participants, please send an email to info@vivovenetia.com.

Other practical information

The meeting point for the experience is in the Cannaregio district, about a 15-minute walk from Venice railway station.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the experience is due to start.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent.
Participants may bring a limited number of family members as companions, provided they are listed in the final questions when booking.
The duration of the experience is always the same, regardless of the number of participants. A boat can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 participants.

Spoken Languages

Italian
English

Included / Excluded

Included :

1 hour 30 minutes voga lesson

Excluded :

Anything not listed in the ‘Included’ section.

Sales Conditions

For cancellations made up to 48 hours before the experience, a refund of 80% of the total amount will be issued.
In the event of cancellation within 48 hours of the experience or in the event of a no-show, no refund will be given.
The experience is subject to weather conditions: if conditions are deemed unsuitable, at the instructors’ sole discretion, a make-up session may be arranged or a refund of 95 per cent of the amount paid may be issued.

Availability

Monday to Saturday

Duration

1h30min

Features

Child Friendly
Sustainable

Booking

The voga alla veneta is a type of rowing from Venice that combines skill, tradition, and creativity. A gondolier stands on the deck of a gondola and maneuvers a single oar with great agility. With each stroke, the oar cuts through the calm water. The gondolier can look down into the water to find obstacles or sandbanks with great accuracy.

The forcola is a wooden piece that is attached to the side of the gondola. It is both a pivot point and a fulcrum, which allows the gondolier to control the oar with finesse and control. Rowing becomes a mesmerizing dance, a symphony of movement and balance that the gondolier orchestrates.

The voga alla veneta is a gondola that glides along the Venetian canals. It is a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between the city and its waterways, a tradition that has been around for a long time.

Row Venice: a trip into the tradition

Enjoy a unique trip to Venice with our voga alla veneta experience. Our instructors will guide you through the labyrinthine canals and serene waterways of this fascinating city.

Start your adventure by learning about voga. You’ll learn how to row properly and how to move your body gracefully. Our expert guidance ensures that even novices can learn the basics before going out on the water for their first voga session.

As you glide through the canals of Venice, every stroke of the oar becomes a tribute to centuries of maritime history. As you walk through the city, feel the rhythm of the city. This is more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s a real experience that connects you to the essence of Venice.

Come with us on a fun and eco-friendly adventure where you can learn about voga alla veneta and make new friends. So take the opportunity to experience the Venetian waterways for an experience that will leave a mark on your heart and soul.

Venetian rowing courses in Venice: practical information

You’ll set off from the Cannaregio district, a beautiful area that’s still very much a residential neighbourhood, surrounded by tranquillity. If you’re coming from the station or Piazzale Roma, allow about 10–15 minutes to get there!

The rowing course in Venice includes an initial introductory session whilst the boat is stationary, so you can learn the technical movements and how to handle the boat safely before heading out onto the lagoon. This lasts around 15 minutes.

The course takes place on board an authentic Venetian boat (a sandolo, a relative of the better-known gondola, or a caorlina); you’ll experience Venetian-style rowing just as gondoliers do every day to navigate this city, unique in the world. Depending on the number of participants, we may also practise in other types of rowing boats. The actual time spent rowing is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

On board, you’ll be guided by a professional rower and will learn the traditional Venetian rowing technique in complete safety. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of surprises: you simply cannot imagine the beauty of the scenery you’ll encounter and the unexpected routes that will unfold before you. Venice will reveal a totally unexpected side to itself, just waiting to be discovered!

On your return, you’ll be able to take part in a short workshop on traditional Venetian oars and oarlocks, and you’ll be offered a choice of a cold or hot drink.

Why should you choose gondola rowing?

Voga alla veneta (Venetian-style rowing) is much more than just a mode of navigation; it’s a true way of life. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture with our voga course program, a unique experience that invites you to explore the city from a new perspective.

Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about local traditions, voga alla veneta is an adventure that takes you off the beaten path. Join us aboard an authentic Venetian vessel, whether it’s a sandolo, a cousin of the famous gondola, or a caorlina.

Guided by experienced vogatori (rowers), you’ll safely learn the ancient technique of voga alla veneta while discovering enchanting landscapes and surprising routes through Venice’s labyrinthine canals.

Navigating through the lagoon unveils a different aspect of Venice, far from the urban hustle and bustle.

Participating in our voga alla veneta classes is much more than just an activity; it’s a total immersion into the soul of Venice, a unique and authentic experience akin to the Regata Storica or the Vogalonga, cherished historical events by Venetians.

Whether you would like to know more about Venice and its canals or discovering the charm of flat-bottomed Venice boats, our experiences showcase the unique rowing style and return stroke techniques of Venetian gondoliers.

VivoVenetia, your tour operator in Venice and Veneto

At VivoVenetia, we’re more than just a typical tour operator in Venice and the Veneto region.

We offer a range of classic tours, including visits to iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, as well as guided tours of emblematic locations and boat excursions to Burano, Murano, or Torcello.

From Venetian rowing excursions to leisurely gondola rides along the Grand Canal, we provide authentic encounters with traditional Venetian boats. We also have walking tours which take you through the winding streets of Venice, passing iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and revealing hidden gems along the way.

However, our mission extends beyond that. We embody a vision of alternative tourism, diverging from mass tourism. We advocate for responsible and authentic tourism, revealing the very essence of Venice. With us, you can partake in treasure hunts, enjoy meals on typical fishing boats, engage in Venetian mask-making workshops, visit gondola repair workshops, and much more.

Our offerings cater to all types of travelers, whether families, friends, couple, solo adventurers, or corporate groups.

You will find both group tours and private tours. Some are ready to book directly with many options, while others must be customized according to your preferences. The choice is yours!

Come join us for an unforgettable journey through Venice, Italy, and experience the true essence of this enchanting city.

Feel free to reach out to us for a unique and unforgettable experience in Venice.