Venice

Founded around the 8th century AD and built on more than 118 little islands, Venice's mascot is the lion of Saint Mark.

Venice is surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich bodies of water in the Mediterranean - the Laguna Véneta, or Venetian Lagoon.

This beautiful and mysterious city of winding canals, palazzos and churches hosts one of the world's great carnivals in February. It is also a shoppers' paradise renowned for its glassblowing, lace and designer stores.

Honeymoons in Venice are de rigeur and culture vultures flock here in their thousands.

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Climate: Winter is quiet and a good time to see a relatively-tourist-free Venice. Icy temperatures and mists should be expected. Summer can be extremely hot. 

Culture: The blend of Byzantine, Gothic architecture offers splendid palaces (palazzi) and churches, as well as Renaissance art in the form of frescoes, paintings and mosaics. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini and Titian adorn many of Venice's walls.

Places to visit: St Mark's Basilica, Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Doge's Palace, Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, Ca' d'Oro.