A celebration of the colourful history and modern street life of one of the world's most romantic cities - a floating cultural museum, a unique man-made environment created by determined skilful hands out of water, sand and ephemeral islands. The key to the city's beauty is its fragility and the moods and vistas changing with the seasons, and the magical colours which have inspired great artists like Titian, Veronese and Canaletto. Venice is a city of art, a destination de rigueur on the Grand Tour of enlightened travellers, and romantics in pursuit of love against a backdrop of culture and history. Places and History: celebrating the world's most beautiful cities and most fascinating and intriguing regions; celebrating their historic and cultural importance; celebrating their natural beauty. The history of each location is shown in original prints and paintings. The modern scene is explored in glorious colour photos and with a travel writer's experienced eye.