Venice

A triumph of human engineering and fortitude, built across 118 islands with a myriad of canals and waterways knitting it all together, Venice is as unique as they come. Romance runs strong here, between the handsome palazzos that crowd the Grand Canal, the Romanesque church fronts, and the carved Rialto Bridge. Culture runs deep amid the glass workshops of Murano and the opulent courtrooms of the Doge's Palace. Prepare to be amazed!

Piazza San Marco is the city's definitive square, a tapestry of historical magnificence that goes back to the heyday of the Venetian trading empire. Dominated by the splendid Basilica di San Marco, which sports intricate Byzantine mosaics, and the towering Campanile, a brick-ringed belfry crowned by a golden archangel, it's a feast for the eyes. Sit and sip an espresso at the legendary Caffè Florian to take it all in, or head to Harry's Bar for a bellini in the place where this iconic drink was born.

The Grand Canal is the vena cava of Venice, the widest and busiest waterway of all. Framed by palatial residences that reflect their pastel hues on the water, it tells tales of the city's affluent past. A Vaporetto ride or a private gondola tour offers front-row seats, with sights like the Rialto Bridge and the Ca' d'Oro glittering along the way.

A short boat ride away, out in the Venice Lagoon, lie Murano and Burano. These are islands celebrated for their artisanal excellence. While Murano mesmerises with its exquisite glass creations, Burano flaunts lacework and vibrantly coloured homes perched over the Adriatic.

Luxury apartments and private villa rentals in Venice promise the height of exclusivity in this exquisite city of Italy. They open onto breezy patios with views of St Mark's Square across the water. They offer private boat docks so you can get on the Grand Canal just moments after breakfast. They flaunt private spas and sunning rooms, all worked artfully into the ancient cellars of 500-year-old palaces. Luxury holidays to Venice are undoubtedly unforgettable.