28. Venice, Italy

Venice feels like poetry in water, with canals replacing city streets. Gondolas glide beneath ornate bridges, passing palaces on either side. St. Mark’s Square bustles with pigeons and the distant melody of organ music. Hidden calle (lanes) tempt you with quiet cafés and artisanal workshops. The Grand Canal offers a living gallery of Renaissance and Gothic façades. Murano and Burano islands showcase glassmaking mastery and vibrant homes. Cicchetti bars invite you to sample small bites with a chilled spritz. Venice’s delicate beauty and timeless atmosphere feel utterly enchanting.