The world famous city of 118 islands in the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy, Venice has been hailed as ‘the most beautiful city built by man’ – and provides the perfect backdrop for a family holiday, sightseeing tour or romantic honeymoon. Home to canals and Canaletto, gondolas and stunning architecture, Venice offers contemporary luxury in fine hotels and restaurants, plus a vibrant café culture - underpinned by a truly unique cultural and historical experience.
A great time for a Venice short break is around December 26th for the Venice Carnival, also called 'Mardi Gras'. According to tradition there is plenty of dancing, singing and games, with participants wearing masks which add to the charm of the event. The carnival includes theatrical performances, and people come from all over the world to participate in the private and public masked balls.
Even if you're not going to be in Venice during carnival time, there's always some romance to be found in a gondola - the traditional Venetian boat. Venice is known all over the world for its 150 canals, and rowing down the Grand Canal in a gondola is every couple's romantic dream. There are 400 bridges that keep the city linked together and also make Venice Europe's biggest urban area free of cars.
has more than 20 museums that are all must-sees. The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana showcases one of the world's finest classical text collections. While some other famous museums in the city include the Museo Wagner, the Museo Storico Navale, the Palazzo Fortuny and the Palazzo Ducale.
The city is also known for its amazing architecture. The ancient Venetian Villas in the city are now a UNESCO World Heritage site in their own right. A visit to St Mark's Basilica is highly advised, home to the world's most precious altar screen with enamel icons and more than 3,000 precious stones. Fascinating culture and history are everywhere here.
Your Venetian city break also won't be complete without walking across one of its most famous bridges - the 'Bridge of Sighs'. It was named in the 17th century when prisoners were taken across it to the jails on the other side, when they would breathe in freedom and panoramic sea views for the last time.
