Old World Gondoliers

I had the pleasure of experiencing an incredible Gondola ride around the canal provided by Old World Gondoliers during the Unilocal Ciao Chow Goof Off Lunch Break. What a treat! I’ve wanted to go on a gondola ride for the longest. Fortunately, the rain subsided and we were off. It was truly a relaxing experience chatting it up with other Unilocalers, enjoying the beauty of the canal, and even getting a bit of a history lesson from our gondola guide. Not to mention, some sweet tunes provided by our awesome guide as well. I seriously could not have asked for a better day.
I highly recommend stopping by the Fresco Italian Café for a bite to eat followed by a scenic Gondola ride with Old World Gondoliers. I mean, what an amazing date or even part of a Treat Yo’ Self day!

I was able to check this company out today durning a Unilocal event. Didja know that there use to be 10 000 gondoliers in Italy and now there are only 600 around the world? Didja know that only about 60 of those gondoliers will still sing that beautiful Italian music? Didja know that some of those singing gondoliers are right here in Indianapolis Indiana? Yep, we got’em and the trip is awesome, peaceful, informative, friendly, comfortable. It is an awesome date night thing to do in Indy! I want to one back with my wife for a romantic trip down the canal!

I always think of the Central Canal as the ultimate money shot — it’s just so dang pretty. The skyline background, the beautiful Indiana History Center, the fountains. It’s romantic even if you are one of eight people in the boat. So romantic, in fact, the owner, Goffredo, mentioned they have two marriage proposals everyday they’re running.
A few notes:
Gondolo — imported from Venice, Italy (so it’s the real deal), complete with an Italian singer
Cost — $ 25 pp (+20% for gratuity) for the 30-​minute public boat tour, or $ 150 for a private ride
Location — They depart in front of the Fresco Italian Café. I took Pacers Bikeshare to Senate & Michigan Street. There’s a canal entrance (staircase right off Michigan) which made it easy to locate.
Tip: Go on the 7 pm Thursday ride to hear the free concert at the Indiana History Center
Tip #2: After the ride, head into Fresco Italian Café and order their delectable s’mores bar!