Gondola Ride

We are now evening of Sunday July 13th. We had booked a very special excursion in Venice: a gondola ride at night.

I had been keeping an eye on the weather forecast. We were supposed to have had a day filled with intense thunderstorms and rain. So far the weather was holding up. But would we make our way to San Marco only to endure a gondola ride in the pouring rain?

We will find out.

Click on any image for a larger photo and slideshow.

Our last evening meal aboard the Disney Magic was at Lumiere’s. The dining team worked hard to ensure that we had our meal served quickly as we had our port excursion leaving at 7:00pm.

Dining at Lumiere's

Here we are waiting to depart on a boat shuttle bound for San Marco. And look, it is a very bright and sunny evening.

Anticipation

A view of the Disney Magic as we leave the terminal.

Disney Magic

We were topside on the boat shuttle. It took about 20 minutes to travel from the terminal to the docking station at San Marco.

Clear Skies

Beautiful evening sky over Venice.

Venetian Sunset

During the day, this area of Venice is literally overcome by tourists. However, at night, it becomes far more pleasant for walking.

San Marco

San Marco

San Marco

San Marco square at night.

San Marco Square

Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower of San Marco’s Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the Piazza San Marco. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

San Marco

Here is the launch area for our gondola ride. This shot was taken from the gondola itself.

Gondola Launch

Matthew cannot believe his good fortune. Of all the gondolas, we happened to be placed in the gondola with the accordion player and the tenor.

Gondola Serenade

The Grand Canal at night. Calm. Serene.

Grand Canal

We are treated to a heartfelt performance of O Sole Mio.

Gondola Serenade

Gondola Serenade

A view of the canal from the gondola on our return trip to the launch station.

Canal

Canal

Gondola

Table by the Canal

Although the gondola ride itself was an incredible experience, the launch station was, well, just a wee bit chaotic.

Gondola Launch

Another shot of San Marco square at night.

San Marco Square

Outdoor restaurants line San Marco square and they all feature live musicians.

San Marco Square

Even though it is quite late at night, there is always an opportunity to buy one more souvenir.

Street Vendor

This was the most expensive port excursion and also the shortest. The gondola ride itself was 30 minutes. However, it was an amazing experience and probably the one activity that is required when visiting Venice.

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