If you’ve ever wondered how gondoliers navigate Venice’s canals with such skill and elegance, this is your chance to find out. Instead of a traditional gondola ride, step into a batela, a typical Venetian rowing boat, and try your hand at voga alla veneta, the traditional rowing technique that has defined Venetian life for centuries.
Among the luxury experiences we offer at Top Venice, this stands out as the most dynamic and active. Instead of being a passenger, become the rower and glide through the city’s canals, uncovering hidden gems and seeing Venice from a completely unique perspective. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll learn the basics of this unique rowing style while exploring the quieter, less-traveled canals of Venice.
This is more than just an activity: it’s an opportunity to step into the shoes of a local and connect with Venice’s culture in a deeply authentic way.
What is voga alla veneta?
Voga alla veneta is a traditional Venetian rowing technique that has been used for centuries to navigate the city’s intricate network of canals. Unlike conventional rowing, where rowers face backward, this unique style involves standing upright and rowing forward with a single oar.
This technique provides better visibility and greater control, making it ideal for maneuvering through narrow waterways and open waters alike.
Why choose our rowing experience?
Rowing and dining: the best way to live Venice
Once you’ve mastered the basics of voga alla veneta, it’s time to indulge in another cherished tradition: Venetian cuisine. Pair your rowing adventure with a guided cicchetti and spritz tour, where you’ll savor the flavors of Venice’s iconic bacari, the traditional wine bars.
Led by an expert in Venetian gastronomy, you’ll sample classic cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor, and piovra octopus, perfectly paired with a refreshing spritz or a glass of local wine. This unique combination of rowing and dining brings together two of Venice’s most beloved traditions, offering a complete immersion into the city’s culture and lifestyle.
By the end of your adventure, you’ll not only have a precious memory to cherish but the chance to say you lived like a true Venetian, even if just for a day.
Ready to row like a true Venetian?
Contact us today to book your rowing experience or learn more about our bespoke tours.
