Venice: Like stepping into a Canaletto painting...

A visit to Venice will accrue a few memories of a lifetime.

The sound of ancient bells tolling across the streets, the growl of the vaporetto as it bumps into Zattere stop, the slop of the the Adriatic as it washes against the ancient palazzo's, being pitched into the tourist maelstrom of the Riva degli Schiavoni and the sound of classical music being played across Piazza San Marco at night.

This is the most beautiful city in the world. This is Venice.

You cannot but think of purple prose as you wander the bridges and narrow streets of this city. Everything is a feast for the eyes, with the exception of Paris no city in the world is so geared towards sheer aesthetic beauty. You will marvel at the creativity of those who created such a wonder. And each visitor, they may be irritated by the crowds and prices, will fall in love with the place and will certainly come back for more.

Venice is a different planet from the rest of Italy. For hundreds of years it stood cut off from the world in its ancient lagoon with its boot firmly on the neck of the trade routes from the east. Luxuries that the rest of Europe could not produce passed through its docks and traders making the city super-rich. Venice was special and it knew it. It is now primarily geared to tourists. And despite 28 million visitors a year - it still is Europe's jewel in the crown.

As for layout - Venice has the most unique in the world. The streets of Venice are exceptionally small, designed for residents hundreds of years ago, not thousands of tourists - so you will get lost - and need a week at least to see the city properly.

I would also recommend a trip to Murano and the Venice Lido. Venice is a city for quiet contemplation and having thoughts to yourself. With the absence of noise and commotion I found it one of the most relaxing places I have ever visited.

Every visitor who sets foot in the city returns to medieval times. As the world knows there are no cars and the only methods of getting around is by foot or water. The city probably has the best public transport system in Italy. Run by ACTV, these chugging workhouse boats have over twenty stops all over the city. Costing only 6,000 lira a ride, it is best to familiarise yourself with a few routes. The most famous is #1 vaporetto which chugs down the Grande Canale. The locals must hate it because it stops at every stop. Far quicker is #82 which stops only at Ferrovia, Rialto and Villaresso, and San Marco. Tickets can be bought at booths at the stops or from conductors.

Of course there are the gondolas. It is quite a thrill to see these glide from under a bridge with the gondolier singing for the first time. But in truth they have priced themselves out of the tourist market at £90.00 for a thirty minute ride. The gondoliers always seemed to be waiting around for fares when I saw them, perhaps if they lowered them they would get more takers.