Few cities rival Venice for sheer romantic opulence and unusual architecture. This guide brings its festivals waterways crafts and history to brilliant life. Delightfully sumptuous. -- The London Observer. 300 photos. 30 maps. National Geographic offers a century of incomparable travel expertise to the high end of the travel market with this extraordinary series of world tours. These information-packed guides offer savvy advice and the in-depth information that sophisticated travelers demand. Each guide features: Detailed background and site descriptions; mapped walking and driving tours; full-service sidebars with fascinating vignettes on history culture and contemporary life; a 60-page directory of visitor information including notable hotels and restaurants entertainment and shopping; and foldout end flaps printed with maps and quick reference information that serve as handy bookmarks.