Venice

Take the family on a fantastic driving holiday to picturesque Venice - the city of gondolas - and discover all the possibilities the city has to offer for a fun, cosy and relaxing holiday for the whole family. The authentic fishing town, decked out in all the colours of the rainbow, is also the setting for some of the most romantic holidays in the world.

A self-drive holiday to Venice is definitely recommended. A true must-see are the beautiful canals with the densely built and colourful houses on both sides. So take the family out for a cruise on the Grand Canal and enjoy the atmosphere around you. On the water you will see a bustle of people in gondolas, speedboats, cargo boats and water buses. You'll pass a host of beautiful old buildings on the 4km cruise from Piazzale Roma to St Mark's Square. And once you've reached St Mark's Square, a visit to St Mark's Church is a must. It's actually hard to avoid, with its overwhelming size and magnificent expression. If you like, climb the church tower for a great view of the city and the square.

St Mark's Square offers a host of cafés and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a glass of cold white wine on a hot day. Fish dishes are often on the menu in restaurants, as the city makes its living from fishing and has done so since time immemorial. But of course there is also something for tourists who prefer meat and pasta. Prices are somewhat high in central Venice, but if you're driving, you can simply choose to drive just outside the city centre and discover the less touristy restaurants that serve authentic Venetian food of the same high quality for less money.

If you're into shopping and have a big wallet, you can head down Calle Larga 22 Marzo. Here you can browse the expensive shops or just enjoy the view of the beautiful boutiques from the outside. Venice also has a great selection of small local shops selling everything from high quality clothes to small trinket and souvenir shops. It's just a matter of setting aside some time and exploring the idyllic, winding streets and alleyways. Only here will you find the real Venice.

Venice is also known for the Rialto Bridge, perhaps the most photographed bridge in Venice. Located on the Grand Canal, it connects the market district of San Polo with the tourist district of San Marco. During the day, the bridge is very busy with tourists, street vendors and small shops. In the evening, it is quieter and you can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the bridge and the reflection of the lights in the calm waters of the Grand Canal.

If you need a day out of the city, take a half-hour boat trip to Burano, one of Venice's many nearby islands. The island is known for its extremely well kept houses in beautiful bright colours, which form a beautiful setting for the small fishing community. Visit the island's lace museum, which showcases the lace-making skills of local women. Indeed, this craft has been the domain of women for many years, while the men of the island have focused on fishing.

You can pack the car and drive down the coast to the seaside town of Rimini. Here you'll find a string of beaches and guaranteed fun for all. There's an amusement park where children and the family's childlike souls can burn off some energy.