Romantic Destinations - Venice

Venice is one of Europe's strangest cities. Many other cities with canals are described as the Venice of the North (eg Stockholm or Amsterdam) but little prepares you for the reality of a city where the ferry (called vaporretti) or walking are the only ways to travel around.

Even the options for arrival are stunning (well with one exception). It is possible to take a boat from the city's Marco Polo airport across the Lagoon (some of the poshest hotels have their own wooden boats with liveried staff). If you come by train, exiting the main station puts you in the centre of the city with Ponte delle Scalzi (a magnificent arc over the Grand Canal) directly in front of you. And the least dramatic? - taking a car or bus and arriving at the Piazzale Roma where all motorised traffic stops (and beware, Venetians are notoriously bad drivers).

Everything about Venice oozes romance. The combination of water, canals, stunning architecture and small streets all add to a sense of wonder. On a clear day you can see the Dolomites (snow covered except in summer) and the play of light and shade across the lagoon means even the same view constantly changes.

Romantic associations are everywhere. The Bridge of Sighs where those condemned to prison in the Doge's dungeons had to part from friends and loved ones. Taking a traditional gondola ride, and being serenaded may be kitsch, it is also great fun and well worth the while the effort (not least you will enter canals that the public transport cannot reach). Even the buildings are at it. On the outer island of Burano where each house is painted a vibrantly different colour - it is claimed so that fishermen could see their homes and loved ones even when far out on the Laguna. Finally, do not underestimate the sheer pleasure of being lost, and turning the corner to a stunning square or church or fresh view of the canals.

The city may perhaps be at its most romantic in autumn and winter. This is a season of mists and if the views are obscured the whole effect is to drape the city in mystery. There is also the potential challenge of acqua alta when the city partially floods.

If all this is not enough, you can also visit the nearby city of Verona. Around two hours by frequent train connections and of course the home of Romeo and Juliette.