Venice getaway

Not exactly in Venice, but in Long Beach,  romantic and relaxing cruises are offered around the canals of Naples Island near the area of Belmont Shore.

Established in 1982 by former USC student Mike O'Toole, who later partnered with Cal State Long Beach alumnus David Black, The Gondola Getaway brings old world charm and tradition to Long Beach.

"We both grew up here in Naples and Mike got started with this in the summer of 1982 as a marketing project at U.S.C.  Then I joined him in the fall and we have been going ever since,"  Black said.

Authentic Venetian gondolas gently cruise the canals and waterways of Naples from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.  Each cruise is approximately one hour.     Spanish visitor Ana Martinez said she really enjoyed the ride because it was  quiet and romantic.

Left, a small slice of  Venice,  Italy's old-world charm is located here in Belmont Shore, Long Beach.

The Gondola Getaway boast a fleet of eight boats.

"We can accommodate groups up to 52 people with a fleet cruise," said reservations representative Angela Huntington.

Two of the gondolas were brought straight from Italy, and the others are replicas made here in the company's own boat yard.

Gondoliers are strictly trained.  "They have to have a lot of boat skills," Black said. "They have to be able to rope forwards and backwards and have confidence with the wind."