Nestled in a lagoon in the Adriatic, Venice is an Italian slither of paradise that excites even the most seasoned of travellers. Why? Because there is nowhere else quite like it on Earth.

A firm feature on many holidaymakers’ bucket-lists, Venice is exciting and unusual. Built on more than 100 small islands, the city has no roads – only canals. Boats and gondolas slice through the emerald-hued waters like knives to a birthday cake and the labyrinthine streets, like never-ending strands of spaghetti, bathe in the scent of rich, Italian delicacies and invite endless wandering.  

Within their innermost crevices and corners, you’ll find splendid-looking timeworn buildings, dinky little trattorias serving up fluffy mozzarella and gnocchi doused in truffle oil, and quirky antique stores. 

Emerging from the winding alleys and looping streets, feast your eyes upon the city’s central plazas and main areas of interest, including Piazza San Marco (the central square home to St Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile bell tower) and the Grand Canal thoroughfare, fringed by Renaissance and Gothic palaces. 

Visit Doge’s Palace, wander Venice’s Jewish Quarter and haggle at Rialto Market. The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most renowned icons – scurry up to the highest part, huddle around the edge and put that selfie stick to good use. 

And should you want to spend one of your days away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Venice, the surrounding miniature islands (such as Murano, Burano and Torcello) are home to an abundance of nature and rainbow-coloured houses. Accessible by water taxi, they are just a short ride away. And with 24-hour travel cards priced at 20 euros, there’s no excuse not to hop around and see as much of this aquatic wonderland as possible. 

At night, rest your head at your four-star abode – the Mercure Venice Marghera Hotel. With bright, comfortable rooms and located within spitting distance of the historic centre of Venice (only a 15 minute bus ride away) expect nothing less than a cosy, accommodating stay just outside the city’s core.