Venice is easily one of the most romantic city break destinations in the world. Basking in the glory of Grand Canal Palaces, it isn't difficult to see why it has continued to draw artists, poets and travellers for centuries. Located in the middle of a lagoon, the labyrinth of over 150 canals and 3,000 alleyways invite guests in to explore, shop and admire. Since 1987 Venice and its lagoon have been counted among the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

The main Christmas market is held in the historic piazza near the Palazzo Grassi and turns the Campo Santo Stefano into a Christmas Village throughout December. Its charm and romance come from the fact that it isn't one of the largest, but the stalls still offer typical hand-made Venetian products such as lace, paper, perfumes, glass, leather objects and much more. The 'Campiello dei Golosi' (translated to mean 'greedy corner') is the area of the market where visitors can buy wine and food delicacies from all over Italy such as divine almond cookies from Sicily.

The largest piazza in the city, Camp San Polo, is home to a picturesque skating rink and small Christmas market as well. Here you can stock up on a variety of hand made gifts, traditional carnival masks and stunning lace and glass from the islands of Burano and Murano.

Admire the Basilica di San Marco, take to the water in a gondola and check out the beautifully decorated Venetian masks in the tiny shops which line the alleyways.