When it comes to city breaks with a difference, look no further than Venice. With its rich history and stunning architecture and the fun and romance of the waterways, this city really does have it all.

After your arrival at either Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Sant Angelo Airport (TSF), you'll find that Venice city breaks offer a rich and varied experience. Though it is relatively small and compact, the UNESCO-protected city is made up of 118 islands and 177 canals and has over 400 bridges. Its size means the city is easily explored on foot and all the main attractions are reasonably close to each other.

Don't miss a chance to take a gondola along the Grand Canal, the main thoroughfare of the city. Lined with palaces, historic buildings, romantic bridges and plenty of quirky Italian shops, the Grand Canal can also be seen by guided water bus, or vaporetto. The commentary of the guide will help you to understand its rich history.

Another popular place for those on city breaks in Venice is St Mark's Square. Here you will find three great attractions - St Mark's Cathedral, the Palazzo Ducale - also known as Doges Palace - and the amazing clock tower, Torre dell'Orologio. The Cathedral and Palace are full of stunning mosaics, stained glass and works of art and are best explored with a guide so you can learn about their historical context.

A visit to the Rialto Bridge is definitely a must. Designed by Antonio da Ponte back in 1591, the bridge wasn't expected to last but has now become one of the city's main attractions. There are various shops lining its iconic arches that sell local goods and souvenirs, such as Murano glass.

If you're happy to venture further out, take a vaporetto to the San Giorgio Maggiore church and look back on St Mark's Square from the bell tower. You could also spend a day at the beach at the local Lido de Jesolo. As well as the sea and sand there are plenty of places, including an aquarium and a water park, to keep the kids occupied.

Venice is a year-round destination, with warm summers and cool winters. Of course, if you prefer the sunshine then plan your trip between May and October. However, many travellers to Venice say spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

Venice plays host to a number of events throughout the year, with none more exciting than the Carnival. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it is still the world's largest masked ball and features many elaborate costumes. Celebrations take place in various locations.

The Venice Biennale Art Festival is held every two years and celebrates all of the arts, from sculpture and dance to music and film. One of the main events is the renowned Venice International Film Festival, so if you are visiting in August you might just spot a few movie stars.

If you are planning a trip to Venice this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket`s search tool to find the cheapest deals.

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Best of Venice city breaks for...

• Shopping: Hop off your gondola near the Rialto Bridge for Venice's array of gift shops. Tiny jewellers fill the bridge's arches and gift shops selling limoncello and Murano glass jewellery cluster on the side alleys.
• Romance: Lovebirds can steal a kiss under the ornate arches of the grand Gothic Doge's Palace. Amble between the gold and marble chambers, which inspired Lord Byron's romantic rhymes.
• Free & cheap: Give the queues for St Mark's Campanile bell tower the slip and head to the cheaper bell tower on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. You'll get equally glorious views of Venice's canals and lagoon islands for only a few euros
• Families: You can time your Venice city breaks with the fun-filled Venice Carnival during the two weeks before Ash Wednesday. Make a statement with facemasks and fancy dress when you join the costume parades and firework displays in St Mark's Square.
• Active types: See the “kiss-me-quick” side to Venice on the sandy Lido island, just 10 minutes across the lagoon by waterbus. You can swim off the Adriatic beaches and rent bikes for the flat pedal past the swanky resort hotels.
  
  

Getting into Venice from Venice Marco Polo Airport

• ATVO public buses whiz between the airport and central Piazzale Roma square in just 20 minutes. 
• Make your Venice entrance on the Grand Canal via waterbuses, which take 20 minutes from the airport jetty.
  

Getting around on weekend breaks in Venice

• Public transport: Vaporetto waterbus services run the length of the Grand Canal and to neighbouring islands. You can pick up single tickets or more economical longer passes at the main vaporetto stops.