Your Lezione di Voga

Lessons are private. We’ll first concentrate on the basic stroke for rowing a prua (at the prow), along a quiet, wide canal.  Once we’re in the lagoon, you’ll also be encouraged to try rowing a poppa - steering the boat yourself at the stern like a gondolier. We’ll then row back through the evocative side canals to the drop-off point.

Lessons last 1.5 hours for 4 or fewer people, or 2 hours for groups of 5-6. Lessons are regularly conducted English and Italian; but we can book instructors who speak French, German, Japanese, and Chinese, depending on availability.

Belle Batele

Groups of 4 or fewer will row our signature batellina, a rare, traditional Venetian Batela Coda di Gambero (with a shrimp-tail); groups of 5-6 people will utilize the larger and more spacious batelona: an historic, original Batèla Buranela that’s been plying the rii of Venice for over 50 years.

For examples of these boats, scan any Canaletto or Guardi painting: they were once some of the most popular and versatile craft; we use some of the remaining rare examples.

How Much?

As members of our association (acquired at time of booking), the dues for a 1.5 hour lesson are:

€80 for 1-2 people, €120 for 3-4
smaller batelina, 1 instructor, 1.5 hours, 1-2 people rowing at a time

€200 for 5-6 people
larger batelona (two instructors, 2 hours, 2-3 people rowing at a time)

Request Lesson Availability

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flexible sports shoes; bring water & head cover on a hot day. Have more questions?

VIVA Voga Veneta

Row Venice is operated by VIVA Voga Veneta, a non-profit organization promoting the presence of the voga and traditional boats in the Venetian canals. This means that as a lesson participant, you’ll become a member of the association, and along with being insured for your outing, support the work and activities it organizes, including summertime outings “by oar” in the Grand Canal, and lessons for residents to perfect their technique in the city canals.

This means at least one lesson participant per outing will become a member of the association for one year. Note membership is included in your association lesson fee—but that’s why we’ll ask for your date and place of birth when you confirm your reservation.

Vi ringraziamo!

Larger Groups

If you have more than 6 people, we can arrange for multiple lessons, and/or multiple boats. Please write us with your requirements and we’ll arrange your booking.

Rowing lessons are subject to weather conditions, such as rain or strong winds. Please be available by cell or e-mail the day of your lesson in case we need to get in touch.