Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova, Venice, Italy

Staying just outside Venice proper on the artificial island of Tronchetto, you'll enjoy a peaceful sojourn surrounded by canals, winding alleys and slowly drifting boats. A city without cars, it is dotted with art galleries and museums, as well as photogenic architectural sights at every turn. Take a must-do trip down the Grand Canal before visiting St Mark's Basilica, marvelling at the religious frescoes inside, before walking along Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

While here, why not spend some time in Murano visiting a glass factory? It's an ideal spot to pick up souvenirs of your secret escape. While you’re on an outing to the islands in the lagoon, stop in at Burano to snap photos of the vibrant houses, or pick up some intricate lacework – the island is famous for its lace making.

Join a bacari tour of the city’s charming wine bars to get to know Venetian cuisine through the magic of cicchetti: these tiny morsels are a little like Italian tapas, small plates of delectable treats like arancini or dried cod, served alongside a small glass of local white wine, which Venetians refer to as an ‘ombra’ (a shadow). Save space for dinner in one of the city’s exceptional fine dining restaurants, to sample classic dishes like risotto cooked in cuttlefish ink, tiramisu or fritole – carnival doughnuts filled with cream or jam.