Many rave about the gondola rides in Venice, but they paled in comparison to another water-based activity from our trip

My family did a gondola ride in Venice, but preferred our rowing lesson.

Jamie Davis Smith

• When my kids and I went to Venice, we preferred a rowing lesson to a gondola ride.
• The gondola ride was disappointing, but the rowing lesson I booked was exciting and informative.
• Next time I visit Venice, I'd skip the gondola ride altogether.

A gondola ride in Venice is one of the most iconic experiences in Europe. When I recently visited Italy with my children, it...