While riding in a gondola in Venice is one of the most common ways to see the city, it is also one of the most expensive.  A ride on the traghetto, a sort of foot ferry on a gondola, is usually crowded and quick, leaving little time to see the city from the water.  A ride on the vaporetto (water taxi) can be so crowded that you may not even be able to see the water from your standing spot.

Although I think a trip to Venice should include all three of the above, on a hot summer day I’d suggest taking to the water on a motor boat.

A motor boat will take you nearly everywhere that a gondola will.  The faster pace may be a little less romantic, but the trade off is a little breeze on your face and a chance to see a little bit more of the city during your rental time.

Photo credit:  from the author’s collection