enice and its palaces along the Canal Grande are simply marvelous. You do not have to venture far to be amazed. The meandering waterways and the arched detailed bridges are downright stunning. The fact that this unique city was built in the first place is far more than intriguing and the concept of how it was derived and executed can really put your brain cells into overdrive. Often depicted as a city on the water, Venice is actually a city on the water, by the water and of the water.

If you are viewing Venice for the first time, it will live up to your expectations. The colors all around are vivid and inviting-from the clothing of the people to the spectacular architecture that surrounds you while in this enchanting city. Piazza San Marco does indeed look as perfect as a film set. You can visit St. Mark's Basilica (the city's Cathedral), the bell tower and the Correr Museum (details the art and history of Venice). The panorama across the water from the Palazzo Ducale is precisely as Canaletto painted it. The gondola rides down the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge are to die for (although to have a singing gondola handler is an extra these days). The reflections on the rippling waters are 'impressionist' like. And finally, viewing the hundreds of Venetian visitors with their eclectic styles and demeanors is worth managing the crowds through the most popular areas of the city itself.