Floating on a mint-hued lagoon, woven together with 400 pretty bridges that arch elegantly over 150 canals; much of Venice’s charm lies in its dazzling watery backdrop. It’s main artery – the Grand Canal – is named so for a reason, lined with regal palaces that encapsulate Italian opulence both inside and out, with two of the most famous examples of Venetian architecture being the cherished St Mark’s Basilica and Doge Palace.
Wander aimlessly along Venice’s labyrinth of cobbled alleys and you’re certain to stumble on quiet corners and enchanting piazzas, where sitting down to sip a crisp Aperol Spritz, watching city life go by, is all part and parcel of the Venice city break. So too is dipping into one of the extraordinary art galleries, such as the Accademia, Ca’ Rezzonico and Punta della Dogana, or exploring the artisanal culture, like Murano glasswork. All in all, Venice’s allure is utterly unique.