In the magical city of Venice, just a few short steps from St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find the Splendid Hotel. And this is no ordinary hotel – part of the Starhotels Collezione, the Splendid Hotel offers you the chance to learn the ancient art of the Gondolier.

It’s an iconic and truly once in a lifetime opportunity. When else can you spend one hour immersing yourself into this old craft – learning how to manoeuvre the gondolas and navigate your way around the winding canals of this city?

You’ll be introduced to the unknown passages behind the waterways showing you how to use the flat-bottomed boats to traverse the lagoon as Gondoliers have done for centuries. The lesson is held at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, the hub of Venetian arts and culture for over 130 years.

The Splendid Hotel offer these incredible lessons as part of a package, which includes a minimum two-night stay in a deluxe room with a view of the canal, and a one hour Gondolier lesson for two.

Deluxe room rates at the Splendid Hotel are approx. £368 per night. To find out more, check out www.starhotels.com.