Gondola

I have to admit that it took a good ten years for me to be convinced to hop into a gondola, which I always considered a tourist gimmick. Then one hot afternoon with two kids in tow, I became an instant convert. It was among the most relaxingly splendid hours I have ever spent: our gondolier took us on a roundabout trip past splendid palazzos, under carved bridges and through several tunnels. The gentle motion of the man-powered, sleek black boat soon had us all in a state of supreme bliss, and we were sorry to hit terra firma when our all-too-short hour was up. Avoid the Grand Canal; that route is definitely for tour groups. The best time to go is during high tide.