"Venice: Mystical Enchantment" Venice by deecat

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

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
  • Add to Trip Planner (?)
  • Report Abuse

Reviews (21)

Comments (97)

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

    Nice page. Casanova; not Casonova. Ciao!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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...><><><

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

deecat

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

Online Now

Female

Top 1,000 Travel Writer
Member Rank:
0 0 0 2 0
Forum Rank:
0 1 0 6 7

Badges & Stats in Venice

  • 21 Reviews
  • 22 Photos
  • 6 Forum posts
  • 101 Comments
  • 7,025PageViews

Have you been to Venice?

  Share Your Travels  

Latest Activity in Venice

Travel Interests

See All Travel Interests (5)

Latest Venice hotel reviews

San Cassiano Ca' Favretto Hotel Venice
324 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 7, 2013
Park Hotel Villa Marcello Giustinian Venice
5 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 2, 2012
Noventa Hotel Venice
14 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013
Hotel Ambasciatori Venice - a SNR Hotel
90 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 14, 2013
Principe Hotel Venice
409 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 16, 2013
Campeggio Jolly delle Querce
136 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013
Best Western Hotel Olimpia
460 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 11, 2013
La Residenza
84 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 4, 2013
Hotel Becher
341 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013
San Lio Apartment Venice
74 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 1, 2013
Belle Arti Hotel Venice
107 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 14, 2013
Hotel Rialto Venezia
451 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013
Santa Chiara Hotel
254 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 15, 2013
Residenza Ca'Foscolo
120 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2013
Palazzo Paruta
170 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2013