Venice

There's nothing like getting lost in Venice. Often described by a variety of romantic adjectives, it's one of those cities where you could wander for days and not see it all. Whether it's the stunning architecture, the romantic notion of exploring the canals by gondola or the fact there's nothing else like it, the call of Venice is strong - around 2.927 million international visitors each year.

Home to a population of approx 272,000 people, the city stretches across 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, along the Adriatic Sea. The origins of Venice are a little obscure, but some historians agree the original population consisted of refugees fleeing Germanic invasion.

Summer is probably the worst time to visit; it often quite hot and humid, the canals usually smell, and there are more tourists around. In contrast, spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit as there are fewer tourists, and the temperature is much nicer when youre strolling around.

While Venice city is an impressive attraction in itself, the popular sights include the Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica (the view from its roof is spectacular), the Doge's Palace (next door to the Basilica), and the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal. The many islands surrounding the main city are well worth a visit if you get the chance, from glass blowing on Murano Island to the colourful streets of Burano Island.

The Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Masks have always been a central part of the festival, which was started as a time of celebration and expression free from social class.