Few cities in the world have inspired as many superlatives as Venice (Venezia), capital of Italy's region of Veneto, and while the world's most talented artists, writers and musicians have all attempted to capture and depict its essence, Venice's allure remains wholly indescribable.

Venice, built on 117 islands and consisting of over 150 canals and 409 bridges, means different things to different people. For some, it is about the Grand Canal, which weaves its way through the city in a backward S pattern and is lined with the city's most beautiful buildings. For others, it's the pageantry of the 200-year-old Carnivale di Venezia, where, for ten days in the winter, musicians and performers take to the streets in brightly coloured costumes, contrasting the season's grey. At the hub of it all, St. Mark's Square was the location for many of the city's historic events, and is flanked by St. Mark's Basilica — a fine example of Byzantine architecture. The islands of Murano and Burano are world-renowned for their glass and lace, a tradition that dates from the 13th and 16th centuries, respectively.