CORONADO (CBS 8) - The waterways of Coronado and the canals of Venice have little in common. In San Diego Bay, the water is cleaner, the weather better and the channels less crowded, which makes a gondola ride here bellisimo.
When he's not gliding you through the waters behind Loews Coronado Resort, Saverio is Sean Jamieson of The Gondola Company.
"We travel through a residential community called the Coronado Cays, a bunch of really expensive homes and yachts and little canals running through the area. It's kind of a modern-day Venice," Sean said.
The Gondola Company likes to keep it real.
"The gondola came from Venecia, and it was in service in Venecia before it came here," Sean said. "The gondola cruise is 50 minutes, so it's almost an hour. It's private -- there's only going to be the two of you."
And just when you think the experience couldn't get any more authentic, gondolier Enrico, aka Eric Bender, breaks into song.
"Not only have we saved a lot of marriages, you know, we've started some relationships. From first dates to engagements," Eric said.
The cruises are BYOB, but The Gondola Company will supply the glassware and chocolate-covered strawberries, and it's not too late to book for Valentine's Day.
"We've got availability Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and even some spots left for Tuesday," Sean said.
The breathtaking backdrop, the romantic music, the serenading seagulls, the oar gently splashing through the sea.
"This is by far the most romantic thing you can do in San Diego," Sean said.
Go ahead, tell her it was all your idea. Your secret's safe with me.
