The island of Murano in Venice is famous worldwide for its long tradition of glassmaking. And if you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend an hour and a half on Murano and then leave with a glass treasure you made yourself, consider taking a personalised glassmaking lesson. In this 90-minute glassmaking workshop with a local artisan, you'll learn how to craft your own glass artwork while discovering the secrets of Murano glassmaking techniques. The best part is that you get to take your glass creation home.

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) has inherited its sad name from the condemned prisoners crossing it on their way to the execution. The covered bridge connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge's Palace and crosses Rio di Palazzo. If you happen to pass under it at sunset, at the time the bells of St Mark's Campanile ring, remember to kiss your loved one: as the legend goes, your love will be eternal.

With a collection of nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts, this is the largest natural and historical museum in the Western United States. A family-friendly museum that has something for everyone. Apart from the dinosaur fossils and gems, there is also the Los Angeles Discovery Zone in the basement with live animals and interactive exhibits.

Canal Grande is the largest canal in town, almost 4 km long and 90-metre-wide in some parts, with an average depth of 5 metres. Public transport is available in the form of gondolas, water taxis, and the popular vaporetti — water buses. Along the canal, which is crossed by three stunning bridges, you'll discover plenty of famous buildings.