This

is an excerpt from the current issue of Dream

of Italy:

“When we paddle

around href="http://www.dreamofitaly.com/public/department57.cfm"

target="_self">Venice,

we're away and separate from the crowd on land. They don't matter to

us, and we're just another weird thing to photograph,” says

René Seindal, co-founder of style="font-style: italic;">Venice Kayak.

Getting away from tourist hoards and into the winding canals that make

Venice so unique offers visitors perhaps the most authentic view and

experience of the city.

With his co-founder Marco Ballarin, Seindal has been leading kayakers

of varying levels through Venetian canals since summer 2008. Ballarin

is a native of Venice, and a seasoned kayak and canoe instructor

holding Italy's highest certification level, as well as a

marine guide certification. Seindal is Danish, and has extensively

studied and traveled in Italy for the past 15 years. The duo is

passionate about showing visitors the real Venice—the parts

of the city that can only be seen by authorized watercrafts, and that

are almost never traveled by gondolas. Tours include some of the outer

islands of Venice such as Murano and Burano.

There are four touring options: one day, three days, six days or one

week, and beginners are always welcome. Routes are agreed on at the

start of the day, based on individual or group interests, skills and

the weather and tide. Some groups prefer to venture under the Rialto

Bridge, see the city's “secret” canals,

or take in the magnificent views of palaces along the Grand Canal.

“We can take people to places most Venetians don't even know

exist,” Seindal said.

Evening paddles, which are popular on tours lasting three or more days,

include a stop for dinner, and allow kayakers to see the

city's finest land features, including the style="font-style: italic;">Lido

and Piazza

San Marco, at night when the

city is quietly stunning. Most guests say the evening paddle

“is the most spectacular” option, Seindal

explained.

Day trips (including bilingual tour guide, use of kayak, paddle, other

necessary equipment and maps) cost 150€ for an individual or

100€ per person for groups of two to five people. 

Three-day outings start at 280€ per person. A one-week camping

holiday in Venice, with tents at style="font-style: italic;">Camping San

Nicolò, is

750€ per person. There's a 20% discount on all trips

for groups of six to 12 people. For more information, call (39) 346

4771327 or visit the href="http://www.venicekayak.com" target="_blank">Venice

Kayak Web site

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