Venetian rowing with Row Venice: see Venice from the oar
Do not just watch gondoliers at work: try one of Venice’s most distinctive traditions yourself.
Row Venice works to keep Venetian water culture alive and share it with visitors. The organisation is made up mainly of women rowers and offers hands-on experiences centred on voga alla veneta.
A real Venetian rowing lesson
The classic private lesson lasts about 80 minutes aboard a traditional hand-crafted batela. You begin by learning the stroke at the bow, then set off through quieter canals and, when conditions allow, try rowing and steering from the stern just as a gondolier does.
Venice from the water, as a participant
This is not simply a boat ride. Each participant can try rowing and discover how much balance, technique and sensitivity are required to move through Venice by oar. The meeting point is in Cannaregio near the Sacca della Misericordia.
A family-friendly experience
Row Venice states that there is no fixed age limit: children can row on their own or with help from an instructor or parent. It is still a good idea to provide children’s ages when booking.
Cicchetto Row and other options
Alongside the classic lesson, Row Venice also offers Cicchetto Row, combining rowing with stops at bacari, as well as evening rowing experiences on the Grand Canal. Available formats may change, so check the official programme.
Marghera Venice Apartments
This is the kind of experience that explains Venice better than dozens of photos: for a while you stop being a spectator and learn how the city moves on water.
Practical information
• Classic lessons are private and last about 80 minutes.
• Meeting point in Cannaregio, by the Sacca della Misericordia area.
• Comfortable shoes and sports clothing are recommended.
• Bring water and a hat on hot days.
• Times, availability, formats and rates can change: always check the official website before booking.