Rosanna, the gondola visiting London.

Travelling to Venice this summer? Then cancel that flight, hold that hotel reservation and throw that phrasebook in the bin because Venice is coming to London. Or at least, a Venetian gondola is.

For two days only, Londoners (and those willing to travel to the capital) have the chance to take to the water, Venetian style, when Rosanna, a gondola with 30 years' experience on the canals of Venice, takes to Regents Canal. As space is limited, all places are being offered for free by way of a competition draw.

VisitLondon's Hannah Collingbourne said: "While everybody is aware of the Thames, places like the canals remain underused by people visiting London and those who live there. We want to encourage more people to discover them."

According to VisitLondon, the capital's other undiscovered water-based highlights are canal trips from Camden to Limehouse with historical commentary, twilight sailing in the Docklands and high-speed rides down the Thames on inflatable vessels that are "a little like life boats, and not great for the hairstyle".

The Little Venice gondola rides will be taking place on Saturday July 22nd and Sunday July 23rd. To enter the draw for a place on one go to visitlondon.com/gondola. For more information on other waterway activities in London see visitlondon.com/river.