Venice, lovingly called the 'fairy city of the heart' is one of the most famous cities in Italy. Venice is also known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a reputation that no local will ever deny. The city started out as a refuge for Italians who were fleeing German invaders. It developed into a city state from the 9th to the 12th century and from then on has grown to become one of the most visited places in the world, known for its stone mansions that seem to float on water, majestic, canal-side pallaszzi with their front steps kissing the waters of the Venetian canals.

Venice is known for its floating form of transportation. The absence of cars and people's reliance on walking and on its gondolas make the city one of the most laid-back and romantic cities in the world. Even the city's ambulances float. Indeed, you will never get to see the heart of Venice without going through a short gondola ride. Here you will see the locals stopping on any of the restaurants that line the canal for an afternoon drink or some cicchetti, a tapas-like snack. From your vantage point on the canal you can also see people taking a leisurely stroll past the bridges as you ride under, as well as groups of tourist huddled around another Venetian historical or architectural attraction.

And if you are looking for romance, nothing will compare to a night spent in Venice. Indeed, most couples choose Venice as the perfect honeymoon destination. Nothing is more romantic than a gondola ride or getting lost through the narrow calli, the small, cobblestone streets that lead to small, quiet city squares unknown to most tourists of this truly enchanting city.