The 2008 Vogalonga (the long row), Venice's annual boating event, takes place May 11. This exciting spectacle covers a 30km course starting at St. Mark's Square, going by the islands of the Venetian lagoon, turning around at the beautiful island of Burano, and finishing along the Grand Canal. Over 1400 boats of all types with more than 5000 rowers are expected for this year's event.

Find out more about the Vogalonga on the official web site and read James Ralston's interesting story, Rowing the Vogalonga, on the Wanted in Rome site.

Venice Travel Guide | Venice Pictures

_{Photo of Venice's Grand Canal © 2006 by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com}