A bull in Venice

“Ah, Venice!”

So stated bleary-eyed Harrison Ford in Steven Spielberg’s epic movie from 1989 — Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. To set foot in Venice is to step inside a fairytale world of implausible architecture, astonishing beauty and the sad knowledge that while all this has stood for more than a thousand years, nothing remains forever.

The battle for Venice lies not only with rising seas and the havoc it creates throughout much of the year, but an equally compelling fight to convince future generations to stay on rather than seek the “greener pastures” of a mainland life. From my perspective, at least, why anyone would choose to leave Venice is beyond me.

That is, of course, unless it means unleashing the power of the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder for a few hours of serious fun. To stretch the legs of this bull requires long straights with sweeping, multi-lane corners and plenty of room to spare. Top speed peaks at 324 km/h.

Power comes in the form of a 5.2-litre 10-cylinder V90 DOHC four-valve engine. Performance numbers are breathtaking; 560 hp at 8,000 rpm and 398 lb.-ft. of torque.

Zero to 100 km/h takes a mere 4.0 seconds; 200 km/h rushes past in only 13.1 seconds. In light of all this power, fuel economy is almost respectable. We achieved a city/highway combined rating of 14.7 L/100 km over a two-day period.

Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles allow for rapid gear changes with just the flip of a finger or two. Pulling the right handle towards the wheel to shift up, we listened to the pop/bang of 500-plus horsepower grabbing the pavement and held on for the ride of our life. A smile broke across my face as I realized there were still four more shifts to go.

All-wheel drive is one of the key features that make the Lamborghini Gallardo so intoxicating. Parent company Audi has taken the best from its extensive parts bin and created an all-weather masterpiece. Dry or wet, hot or cold, the Gallardo handles almost anything.

Alas, Venice is a city navigated best on water and so it was we left our raging bull tied up for awhile.

Hotel Cipriani, by Orient-Express, resides a short but awe-inspiring boat ride from the Piazzetta San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica. Crossing the channel by complimentary boat service takes 10 minutes, but the ride in is worth a lifetime of memories.

A total of 79 beautifully appointed rooms and suites define this regal property located at the end of Giudecca Island. Each is blessed with spectacular views of the open lagoon or gardens surrounding the hotel and the adjacent 15th-century palace, Palazzo Vendramin.

Relaxation is served Olympic-sized at Hotel Cipriani. The largest heated outdoor swimming pool in central Venice is the midday place to see and be seen. Our morning tour of the Cenedese Glass Blowing factory on the nearby island of Murano was topped off with a few hours spent lounging poolside, basking in the warmth of heated salt water and cloudless blue skies.

Hotel Cipriani offers several unique dining experiences. Fortuny Restaurant showcases hand-blown glass, exceptional views of the lagoon and fine dining. Cip’s Club is unique in its own way with inside seating for 48 plus a wooden terrace decorated to resemble a private yacht. Casual fare is served poolside or at one of three bars scattered throughout the hotel.

Dining in Italy is as passionate an experience as driving exotic automobiles. Crossing the channel, we took a gondola ride through the heart of the city, gliding past highlights including Marco Polo’s original home and the magnificent Rialto Bridge. Exiting the boat, we wandered the maze of small streets and bridges that is Venice, lost in the wonder of a city rich in history and romance.

“That’s Amore” comes in various forms. I soon found myself behind the wheel of the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, watching in awe as the speedometer crested 250 km/h. The crackle of the V10 engine behind me reinforced my notion that all was as it should be. Venice may be a treat for the ages, but few things are more enjoyable than overwhelming horsepower on a sunny day in Italy.

“Ah, Lamborghini!”

Where to Stay
Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin
Giudecca 10, 30133
Venice, Italy
www.hotelcipriani.com