Visit Serenissima Venice

The fact that so many other leading cities are nicknamed after Venice - Bruges, Stockholm and St Petersburg among them - speaks volumes in itself; it is truly one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.

St Mark's Square is Venice's chief public square. Its Campanile tower offers the city's highest views, and it also draws crowds keen to witness its famous frequent bouts of flooding.

The St Mark's Basilica, nicknamed the 'Church of gold' for its lavish golden decorations, this magnificent structure is the chief Roman Catholich church in Venice.

This 15th century Doge's Palace building once housed the ruling dukes of Venice, and is today open to the public to marvel at its interior, which includes paintings by Tintoretto.

One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, La Fenice can also be viewed in the day time, with guided and audio tours available.

Visit la Serenissima Venice's main waterway, the Grand Canal, is flanked by some of its most historically significant buildings, which visitors can learn about on a guided boat tour.

Gondolas are synonymous with Venice, no trip to the city would feel complete without the time-honoured tradition of punting through its streets of water.

The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses prestigious pre-19th century art works, including Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man and Veronese's Feast in the House of Levi.

Vivaldi's melodies are a near-constant feature in Venetian churches and concert halls. Some of the most accomplished interpretations can be found in Interpreti Veneziani at San Vidal.

The Rialto Market is seven centuries old and offers an eclectic range of local produce. Be sure not to visit la Serenissima Venice's world-famous carnival, held in January, whose masks and balls raise the city's magical atmosphere to its greatest heights.