You might think that being transported in a gondola along the canals of Venice is just about the most romantic thing in the world. Then again, you might be gazing furtively at the gondolier thinking, "gee, that looks like fun."

So why don't you plan to learn how to row one of the many traditional Venetian boats while you're on vacation? For a taste of rowing, you can try Row Venice. They will take you out on the lagoon and give you a two hour workout for about €50, a bargain.

If you're still serious, you might try taking lessons in the Voga alla Veneta, the traditional Venetian rowing technique. Nan McElroy describes her Venetian Rowing experience over at SlowTravel. This requires a lot more commitment than the Row Venice experience.

If you just want to find out what's so darn complicated about rowing a Gondola, Rowing Like a Venetian from the Gondola Blog should do the trick.

Or maybe you'd prefer just looking at some pictures of Venice.