The vaporetto is the local slang for the water-bus in Venice, Italy. There are several routes, both local and diretto (direct, or express). They circle the city and traverse the Grand Canal, stopping at small piers clearly marked for the purpose. They're a recommended way to get around Venice, at least once, because not only do you rub elbows with the locals but they're a really cheap way (Lire6,000, or $3 US as of August 2000) to get a nice 'overview' of the city's architecture.