Venice's first 'speakeasy' – located in a deconsecrated church in the northern reaches of the island – has attracted a faithful congregation of cocktail-sippers since its hallowed portal opened last year. Not that it opens much: only 25 guests are accepted on its limited (Thursday-Saturday) evenings. Call to book, and remember the password of the day to gain entrance.


Perhaps uniquely for Venice, no spritz is served – just a small selection of very sophisticated cocktails.

Venetian craftspeople began making their rainbow-coloured, lamp-blown glass beads in the 14th century. Exported around the known world, they were used as jewels and as currency – an instantly recognisable symbol of exotic luxury. The collection on show at Murano's Glass Museum shows beads made in the 19th century – a gorgeous cascade of every imaginable colour.

No one who visits the Guggenheim Collection leaves without a quick giggle at Marino Marini's bronze horseman, his manhood thrusting towards the Grand Canal on the waterside terrace (Peggy G used to unscrew it and carry it about with her to shock visitors, the story goes). For 2018, a large selection of statues by this 20th-century Italian artist will be shown, placed in context alongside works by Henry Moore, Picasso, Rodin and the mysterious Etruscans who ruled central Italy before the Romans.