Summary of Our Venice Boat Tour Experience
- Introduction to Our Guide and the Boat Tour
- Changing Our Perception of Venice
- Exploring the Captivating City
- Iconic Boat Tour Highlights
- Conclusion: A Newfound Love for Venice
Venice is meant to be seen by boat. That is what our guide Jennifer said to us while we waited at the pier for our private tour of Venice.
We were embarking on a journey through one of the most romantic cities on earth via water taxi in a sleek and classic white boat, lounging under the sun in the lap of luxury.
Jennifer, our expert guide, was knowledgeable about everything Venice.
We met Jennifer at the pier in Piazza San Marco on the Grand Canal, where we started our two-hour tour around the city.
This Aussie native moved here from London 30 years ago and has fully embraced the Venetian lifestyle.
Elegant and chic, she exemplified what we expect from a Venice resident, highlighting the city’s sophistication.
Changing our Perception of Venice
Initially, we had spent a day in Venice and weren’t overly impressed by this renowned city.
The overwhelming crowds and mediocre service left us feeling underwhelmed.
However, everything changed the moment we stepped onto our boat for a unique perspective of the city.
Jennifer’s enthusiasm for Venice was contagious; as we discovered more about this historical destination, we fell in love with it too.
Once on the boat, away from the hustle and bustle, we understood why Venice has captivated people for centuries.
This city has inspired countless artists and musicians, from Vivaldi to Giovanni Bellini and Monteverdi; Venice is truly a masterpiece.
Venice is Captivating
Considerable thought was invested into each façade as families competed to showcase the most opulent homes along the waterways.
Venetians, proud of their heritage, earned their wealth through trading and commerce, appreciating every penny made.
Strategically located at the head of the Adriatic Sea, Venice once controlled the trading route between the West and the East.
The economic prosperity fueled a construction boom, and competition led to extravagant homes being built in a spectacular fashion.
Consequently, their effort to impress benefitted us, as we now enjoy a living art gallery throughout the city. Floating through Venice feels like navigating through historic beauty.
Boat Tour of Venice
This exclusive VIP tour includes two incredible hours of sightseeing and exploring the enchanting canals of Venice. We initially veered off the Grand Canal toward a waterway that leads under the Bridge of Sighs.
The Bridge of Sighs is particularly notable as it connects the interrogation rooms of the Doges Palace with the old prison.
Convicted criminals took their final walk over this bridge, catching a last glimpse of Venice before enduring their harsh sentences.
We encountered numerous historical buildings, while Jennifer shared references from classic literature, allowing us to snap vacation photos at iconic spots such as the Rialto Bridge, the Cemetery of San Michele, the Madonna dell’Orto Church, and St. Mark’s Basilica.
When she pointed out the balcony where Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie shared a kiss in “The Tourist” and the building that James Bond blew up in “Casino Royale,” we truly began to connect with her stories.
We discovered that gondoliers adopted their striped uniforms after the film “Summertime,” featuring Katherine Hepburn, showcasing Hollywood’s influence on local culture.
Our tour concluded with a stop at the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where we ascended the bell tower of the church for breathtaking views of Venice.
This location is where postcards are made; as the bells rang, we savored our view of all the surrounding islands.
What an end to a perfect day on the water in Venice!
We began the tour as an adventurous couple who didn’t regard Venice highly, but we concluded with a newfound love and respect for this unique city.
For additional information to enhance your experience in Venice or for other Walking Tours of Italy, consider visiting Walking Tours of Italy.
