The gondola takes its shape from the crescent moon, which fell on top of Venice in 1670 and remained there until circus strongmen teamed up to toss it back into the night sky in 1953. Enjoy pole-propelled travel under an intact sky with today’s Groupon: for $40, you and your sweetheart will experience the one-hour Pasaporto Cruise for two from The Gondola Company (an $85 value), located in Coronado.

The Gondola Company brings Italian fairytale fantasies to life without subjecting guests to the hassles and dimension-bending wormholes of international flight. From your gondolier—decked out in the requisite ensemble of striped shirt and ribbon-trimmed hat—to the Italian music playing on board, every detail is designed to simulate the boot-shaped country’s most romantic tradition. The gondola cruise departs from Loews Crown Isle Marina and glides through the exquisite canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays, with the gentle pulse of the Pacific lapping against the sleek, black Venetian vessel. Take turns popping complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries into each other’s mouths, or opt for an appetizer plate of sliced Italian meats, tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives, as you snuggle under the provided blankets to fend off the serene nautical breeze. You can also bring your own bottle of bubbly, with The Gondola Company providing an opener, glasses, and an ice bucket.

If your relationship has mainly consisted of Facebook pokes and sweet tweets, now’s your chance to redeem yourself by surprising your significant other with a taste of old-fashioned courtship. Take a cue from the cinematic formula for romance so beautifully exemplified by Titanic, Boat Trip, and Jaws: being at sea makes people fall madly in love. Get this Groupon to celebrate an anniversary, re-spark a flame, or as an inventive date-night alternative to dinner and a monster-truck rally. It also makes a magical gift for Sweetest Day, the autumnal version of Valentine’s Day, coming up on Saturday, October 16.

Reviews

Yelpers give The Gondola Company 4.5 stars on average.

• I surprised my husband with a gondola ride for our anniversary and he was quite pleased with my choice of dates since it also brought back memories of our gondola ride in Venice! – Janet D., Yelp
• I originally wanted to go during the sunset (they were already booked) but I'm glad we did night because its [sic] so quite [sic] and calm on the waters. Also you can see all the beautiful lights of San Diego. – Cynthia c., Yelp