STAY IN Venice

Venice is an extraordinary city that must be seen to be believed. And even then, you’ll still be pinching yourself. Fondly known as ‘La Serenissma’ (‘The Most Serene’), Venice is a feast for the senses. Think art and architectural masterpieces at every turn; hidden delights down each winding, impossibly picturesque street; iconic gondolas weaving through the waters; and the heady sounds and smells from the city’s many bars, cafes and restaurants wafting through the air.

When it all gets too much, take time out with a spritz (or two, or three…) and some cicchetti (Venetian tapas), sit back, and watch this jaw-dropping world go by. And if you can time this to coincide with one of the spectacular lagoon sunsets, all the better.

No trip to ‘the floating city’ would be complete without taking a gondola ride (night time rides prove especially bewitching) and visiting major attractions such as the magical Piazza San Marco (best to enjoy at early morning or night time, when it’s less crowded) and the majestic Rialto Bridge (make sure to stop midway and drink in the views).

However, the best way to explore Venice is to throw away the guidebooks and allow yourself to get lost in it. Simply venture down any street and you’ll stumble upon all sorts of treasures, from stunning old shrines to hopping local bars, known as bacari, and much more besides.