The gondola ride wasn't as romantic as it was supposed to be. The gondola is longer on one side and they only use the stick thing on one side, so it feels like you could tip over at any moment! It didn't help that it was a stormy day and there were lots of waves. the gondolier kept saying "Is no problem, is no problem"...
If ever you go to Venice, take a vaporetto (water taxi) to the small island of Burano. We loved it more than Venice, less crowded and more colorful. While you are there, get a gelato and take a stroll.
This was one of our favorite places in Italy. It was a city on a hill that just winded up and up until you got to the top with stores lining the streets along the way.