Venice

Venice is undoubtedly one of the world's most romantic destinations. It's the city of masks and, of course, the stylish carnival. The city comprises a group of over 120 small islands in the middle of a marshy lagoon (Laguna Veneta), the majority of which are connected to each other by more than 400 bridges. Venice is a unique, magical city, which appeals to the imagination of many.

Whereas other cities have a main road, Venice has the Grand Canal and its gondolas. Water gently laps at the splendid palazzi which line the big canals. A truly unforgettable sight!

The city produced many of history's famous names, the best known being Marco Polo. The discovery of the silk route by this famous explorer and trader brought great riches to the city. Legend has it that he brought the recipe for spaghetti back with him from China, a claim that every Italian immediately denies.

Because Venice was a prosperous trading city, it possesses a great wealth of art and culture that's reflected in its ornate facades, palazzi, churches and magnificent churches. For many hundreds of years Venice was also the centre of glass making, and it wasn't until the early 19th century that industrial glassworks encroached on its position.

Venice has many restaurants, but because hordes of tourists descend on the city every year, it's difficult to find a good one. That's why we've recommended a limited selection under the heading 'restaurants'. One thing you shouldn't miss is the spaghetti alle vongole - a Venetian speciality.

Venice is a beautiful city, but the clock is ticking. That's because Venice is sinking. Add to this the fact that the sea level is rising, and you'll understand that the city faces a huge challenge. This doesn't mean you have to grab the first flight there, but it does mean it's a good idea to visit the city fairly soon.