Experience Venice Like Never Before on This Authentic Flat-Bottomed Fishing Boat—A Tasty Adventure Awaits!

Countless painters, writers, and photographers have attempted to capture the enchanting essence of Venice and its lagoon—some have come close. Yet, only by witnessing it firsthand can you truly understand that nothing else in the world compares. It's not just about its stunning architecture, art, and nature; it’s about experiencing a unique lifestyle that exists entirely on water.

However, Venice is more than just a city; it comprises one hundred and eighteen islands (many of which are uninhabited) and a vast inland sea (the lagoon) that is two-thirds the size of New York, brimming with wonders as rich as the Serenissima, its historic name.

After you've finished sightseeing and hopping on and off the chugging vaporetto water buses—essentially the city's subway—and feel utterly exhausted from crossing all 400 of its bridges, it's time to venture into the lagoon.

In my opinion, the ultimate experience is aboard Eolo, a beautifully restored traditional bragozzo captained by Mauro Stoppa, a lagoon expert and renowned chef. Named after the mythological Greek god of the winds, this 56-foot fishing barge accommodates up to twelve guests for day trips and longer excursions.

Mauro whisks his guests away to vibrant Burano; the historic Torcello, home to a Byzantine cathedral dating back to 639; to secluded islands far from the bustling city; and to communities filled with local wonders and hidden gems.

You truly "experience" the lagoon through its nature, art, and spirituality, including the San Lazzaro Armenian monastery featuring a Tiepolo masterpiece and a 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummy. And, of course, the exceptional local cuisine and wines are a highlight.

This season, Mauro has teamed up with L.A.-Swiss artist and lagoon expert Allison Zurfluh for new "Art in the Lagoon" adventures. Guests receive travel journals and watercolor kits, and those feeling artistic are encouraged to join Allison for inspiration from the lagoon and unleash their creativity.

What can you paint? The ever-changing light dancing on the water, gondolas and monasteries, salt marshes, swans, and bricole—the distinctive sturdy wooden posts that mark the lagoon's navigable paths. As a parting gift, Allison presents each guest with a lovely signed acquarello, conveniently packaged for travel.

Mauro and Allison are passionate advocates for the lagoon's fragile ecosystem, and their itineraries support environmental sustainability. Guests interact with locals who maintain authentic traditions, such as fishermen who hand-harvest the prized soft-shell crabs known as moeche.

Burano is renowned for its exquisite handmade lace, and the island's brightly colored fishermen's cottages provide perfect backdrops for selfies. From the bell tower on nearby Torcello, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lagoon on one side and the iconic belfry of St. Mark's Square on the other.

In Italy, culinary creation is an art, and Mauro anchors in picturesque spots and tranquil waterways, transforming the small galley while his guests venture out to explore. His beautifully presented dishes are served at elegant table settings, featuring only locally sourced ingredients (from lagoon fish and seafood to game and vegetarian options) and recipes passed down from his mother and grandmother. A popular choice on board is the white Orto wine, aged for twelve months in a submerged gondola at the lagoon's bottom.

From May to October, the weather is typically sunny and warm—July and August can get quite hot—making it ideal for lounging on the upper deck beneath Eolo's legendary russet sails. On cooler days, when the weather can shift unexpectedly, there's a spacious table below deck, and during private, customized cruises, Mauro adjusts menus and itineraries to meet special requests.

Three- and six-day cruises offer stays at charming hotels, historic taverns, and stylish accommodations. This includes Casa Burano, featuring modern rooms in former fishermen's homes; the inviting heritage inn Locanda alle Porte 1632 (established 389 years ago); and the exclusive Venissa Wine Resort on Mazzorbo, just a short stroll across a wooden bridge from Burano.

Every evening, you enjoy dinner at a different restaurant celebrated for its exceptional cuisine. In Saor, a traditional fishing hut next to Locanda 1632, the chef prepares stunning interpretations of the day's catch. Il Gatto Nero on Burano is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. Founders Chef Ruggero Bovo and his wife Lucia manage the kitchen, while their son Massimiliano entertains diners—many of whom are regulars from around the globe—at tables that spill onto a quaint canal. Another standout is Locanda Cipriani on Torcello, which has hosted luminaries from Hemingway and Spielberg to Princess Diana and Julia Roberts.