The only way to explore this city is by foot: and it is truly a pleasure with the hundreds of lanes and bridges offering something new at every turn. When you're tired, take a ride in a gondola and see a different perspective of this 1500 year old city. Venice has always been important as a centre for trade, dating back to fourth crusade where it controlled a large part of the Mediterranean. The city is rich in art and history and unique in the world with its make up of over 100 tiny islets and canals that cut through the city.

La Serenissima has much to offer for everyone. Visit during February for Carnavale and attend a masquerade ball, cross the Rialto Bridge, take a stroll through Piazza San Marco and admire the Byzantine basilica of San Marco built to house the remains of the city's patron saint, Saint Mark. The facade is unique with five arched doorways and four bronze horses taken as booty after the fourth crusade with amazing mosaics on the inside. Next door is the Palazzo Ducale massive in size, beautiful in appearance with a stunning portico and inside are rooms painted by Tiepoli, Tiziano, Veronese, Bassano and Palma il Giovane.There is also an abundance of churches with architecture and paintings by masters such as Tiziano and Tintoretto. Visit the Church of San Giacometto, considered the oldest in Venice and very charming. See paintings by Tiziano in the imposing Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari rebuilt at the beginning of the fifteenth century with brick and marble decorations and is magnificent inside with its Latin cross pattern.For something different, visit the Peggy Guggenheim museum to view works by artists such as Picasso, Miro and Magritte. To submerge yourself in Venetian history and its naval power, visit the Arsenale (Shipyards) and see models of the ships used in medieval times.

For some stunning photos, take a trip down the Grand Canal in a water taxi or climb the Campinile (bell tower) of the Basilica of San Marco for some amazing views of the city. And don't forget the islands of Murano where you can see glass makers at work and Burano with its cute, multicoloured houses. For the romantics, take a walk and capture the sunset over the canals. To capture an unusual photo, visit during the later part of the year when the rain arrives and the city floods. For Venetians it is an annoyance, but for turists it is an unforgettable experience to walk the city in gumboots!A must is a ride in the ancient Gondola. This symbol of Venice is the result of complex crafting techniques and despite its weight, is very easy to manoeuvre with one person steering with an oar. View the Bridge of Sighs which connects the Palazzo Ducale to the prisons and takes its name from the sighs of sadness from the prisoners. Visit the Rialto markets to grab some fresh food and capture the colour of Venice!

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