"Venice: Mystical Enchantment" Venice by deecat

Venice Travel Guide: 8,142 reviews and 21,399 photos

Gondolas Near the Rialto Bridge - Venice
Gondolas Near the Rialto Bridge
Gliding Gondolas

I cannot imagine Venice without Gondolas and Gondoliers. When I remember Venice, I visualize these ancient means of transportation and wish that's all there were on the canals. They literally skim the water smoothly, silently, sensuously.

If motors were not allowed, many of the problems Venice is now experiencing would never have happened. Of course, I realize this concept is not realistic.

To ensure that the economy flourishes, they need tourists, and tourists want quick transportation. Thus, theVaporetti system is a "must".

But, being a romantic, I can dream what the Venice of old was and what today's Venice could be if gondolas still were the only means of transportation.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Architecture, decaying beauty, lack of cars, mysterious atmosphere
  • Cons:Hordes of tourist, damage of motorized boats to the environment
  • In a nutshell:Venice...a place like no other, now or ever.
  • Last visit to Venice: Oct 2003
  • Intro Updated May 18, 2006
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Reviews (21)

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Comments (97)

  • Reply
    micas_pt's Profile Photo
    Jul 27, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    I visited Venice for the first time last June, and I fell in love with it. It was a pleasure revisiting Venice through your detailed tips.

  • Reply
    Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Mar 22, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Me again, coming back after five and a half years for another look at your fine Venice tips. My own visit there was over forty years ago and I don't think I saw very much, but I do remember the Vaporettos.

  • Reply
    Maurizioago's Profile Photo
    Feb 22, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Nice page. Casanova; not Casonova. Ciao!

  • Reply
    Aug 10, 2010 at 11:28 AM

    Info about gondoliers was outstanding. Super job with honest, helpful tips...what a wonderful page. very passionate concepts and insights. you managed to make Venice come alive.

  • Reply
    jillzi's Profile Photo
    Jun 19, 2010 at 11:11 AM

    Terrific hotel. Well, you two certainly had a good time in Venice. So nice that you could stay three nights and really explore. The dance was so romantic. Beautiful pictures.

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    May 11, 2010 at 8:03 AM

    Hello, Dee! Thanks for your great page! I would like to pay a visit to Venice some day...><><><

  • Reply
    Yaqui's Profile Photo
    Apr 20, 2010 at 10:03 PM

    What a wonderful trip of a life time. Your tips and phtographs are always so informative and so very helful. Excellent page!

  • Reply
    unaS's Profile Photo
    Mar 30, 2010 at 1:26 PM

    I must admit that I was disappointed with Venice. Had a couple of unpleasant experiences that sort of ruined it all for me. From your page, it makes me want to try again ;) Thanks.

  • Reply
    evaanna's Profile Photo
    Dec 19, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Venice sounds so enchanting with its canals, gondolas and gorgeous architecture. You were so lucky to be able to explore its less-known nooks and crannies. A lovely page, full of surprises and interesting details.

  • Reply
    sourbugger's Profile Photo
    Aug 6, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    really good stuff here, one of your best pages - if i may say so

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“Yesterday is a cancelled check; tomorrow, a promissory note; today is the only cash you have; spend it wisely. Kay Lyons”

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