Looking for a unique Valentines Day gift this year?? Why not woo your special someone with a little slice of La Dolce Vita? You may not be able to afford a trip to Italy, but you can drive down to Long Beach for the next best thing- a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Naples, California.

If you didn?t know that Long Beach had canals, you?re not alone.? Though just off the PCH, Naples is not visible to passers by from any major streets in the area and thus has remained a hidden gem.? Naples consists of three separate islands with canals running into Alamitos Bay. The streets on the island all have Italian names and are lined with beautiful homes and palm trees.

Authentic Venetian Gondolas cruise the canals of Naples from 11 am to 11 pm seven days a week.? Gondoliers in Venetian clothing propel the boats, which were used for centuries as the chief means of transportation within Venice, Italy, through the water with a single oar. Valentines Day is, understandably, prime time, but if you can?t book a space you can always present your loved one with a gift certificate.

A one hour cruise on your own private gondola costs $75 for two people.? This includes a basket of French bread, cheese and salami. Also provided are glasses, an ice bucket, blankets and music. You can bring any beverage you?d like, such as wine, champagne or beer. What a way to say I love you!

For bookings and gift certificates, call 562-433-9595.? For more information see the Gondola Getaways website: www.gondolagetawayinc.com