Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph & Camille Gibbons.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
About 21 years ago, we visited Venice Italy for the very first time. Wow! Just an incredible place, but most of all was the immediate attraction to these magical boats {The Gondola}
Upon returning to the Boston area I set myself on a mission to bring an authentic Venetian gondola to the Boston area. After considerable research we met a very unique and inspiring man by the name of Thom Price. Thom was sent to Venice, Italy by The Watson Foundation to help preserve and protect the legacy of the gondola that had plied the canals of Venice for nearly 1000 years . His mission was to educate and assist the few remaining family’s building gondolas and to support them through education and the need to preserve and promote the incredible skills they had acquired through many generations of craftsmen.
To put it in prospective, about 10,000 gondolas had once rowed the canals of Venice and today only about 400 remain. This was an exciting time for us, to be involved with Thom and his mission and at the same time build , and create a dream to come true by bringing not only 1 gondola , but ultimately bringing 2 gondolas here to Boston ,on The Charles River .
In the months and years to follow, Camille and I returned to Venice many times to learn the skills necessary to row these mystical boats and indulge in the history, mystery and romance of gondolas in Venice. Over time I developed the skills necessary to bring this Dream to reality. Gondola di Venezia, better known as Boston Gondolas was ready to launch.
For 17 seasons now we have shared our passion for the gondolas here in Boston with many locals and tourists.From mid May through mid October we provide private tours at The Esplanade,in front of The Hatch Shell. Our good friends and business partners Steve and Sue Bruno help make this all possible. They to, found the passion for these beautiful boats and participate by rowing gondolas and creating a memorable experience for all those that find what is often refereed to as Bostons Best Kept Secret.
Has it been a smooth road?
For 3 years leading up to the first launch of our gondolas many bureaucratic issues , safety concerns and obstacles had to be cleared and defined. Venetian gondolas was a first for Boston! Like any new venture a boat load of money [no pun intended] had to be invested.to make this a reality. With incredible determination and perseverance Joseph and Camille pursued and accomplished every goal and challenge set before them..
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Boston Gondolas provides a very unique and private outing for couples, families and small groups. Our 36 foot authentic Venetian gondolas ply the waters of The Charles River and the extensive canal system and bridges in and around Bostons largest park known at The Esplanade. There are 4 options for tours that can be purchased in advance at www.bostongondolas.com, all tours are private! Whether your celebrating an anniversary, birthday, a romantic night out , maybe a marriage proposal? or just a night out with a friends or family, you will not be disappointment. Most of our clients return for a special night or day year after year. They found Bostons Best Kept Secret!
Some of the tour options include live music provided by our professional musicians, roses, photos and bottle messages and all tours get a complimentary basket of cheese , crackers and chocolates. Tours range from 40 minutes to 1 hour and you can bring your own wine or beverage and your gondolier will provide you with glasses, ice and ice bucket. Our regular scheduled tours can be reserved on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2-PM through 11-PM and tour prices range from $99.00 through $229.00 All tour packages are for 2 people and if you want, the gondola can carry 4 additional passenger for an additional $15.00 per passenger
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is a very small big city that borders one of the most beautiful rivers in the world THE CHARLES. This is an excellent place for our business but you can bet there were many skeptics 20 years ago. Passion and Perseverance is the key here in Boston , You must be diligent, flexible, creative and patient Our City and State government are run and controlled by people just like you and me and all it takes is to share your vision with just 1 person that can envision your dream and then you are on your way!
We are located on The Esplanade in front of The Hatch Shell. There is no driving into our location. You must access the footbridges at the corner of Beacon St and Arlington St { The Arthur Fielder Footbridge} or the footbridge at Charles Circle by the Red Line MBTA Station ,Charles Street.
Pricing:
- Our tour poackages range from $99.00 to $229.00 for tours on Fridays ,Saturdays and Sundays
- Off night tours can sometimes be arranged at additional cost by call Boston Gondolas 617-876-2800 or by emailing your request to info@bostongondolas.com
Contact Info:
- Address: www.bostongondolas.com
- Email: info@bostongondolas.com
- Phone: 617-876-2800
Image Credit:
Mark Hunt
