Elusive and enigmatic, Venice is a dreamlike place that beggars description. Countless artists have tried with pen and brush to render the shimmering lagoon with its slender bell towers. It’s an enticing vision, increasingly difficult to find amid the madding crowds in St Mark’s Square, but in Best of Venice we’ll show you how.

Word Of Art – from Byzantine and High Renaissance to modish modernism, Venice itself is a work of art. Select your own highlights with our top tips on the city’s artistic and architectural legacy.

Lagoon Legs – navigate the waterways and alleyways of Italy’s most mysterious city with our detailed tours and fold-out maps

Largissimo – live large in Italy’s most romantic city, dining on magical rooftop terraces and drinking prosecco in elegant bars – all hand-picked by our local expert

Sleep In Style – from boutique B&Bs to celeb-worthy palazzi, you’ll want to savour those serene waking moments in la Serenissima

Meet The Locals – from cookery courses to printing and mask-making, discover a local perspective alongside a motley crew of chefs, expats, artists and artisans