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Comfortable walking shoes, boots or sandals are essential. You’ll be on your feet for a good part of your visit and the stone paving can prove tiring. Bring a bag or case on wheels so that it is easy to get on and off boats and ferries.

A passport with a minimum five months validity is necessary for nationals of all countries entering Italy. For residents of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, visas are only required for stays exceeding three months or for those intending to work, but it is always advisable to check with your embassy before travelling. Students should bring an International Student Card (ISIC) for reduced admission fees.

If you plan on any out-of-Venice trips with a rented car, bring a valid driving licence and credit card. Residents from outside the EU will need an International Driver’s Licence. If driving your own car, bring vehicle registration papers and full insurance cover. Italians drive on the right.

Young children tire quickly and a fold-up stroller is essential. A backpack child carrier can be worth its weight in gold and can double as a high chair, which are rare in Venice restaurants.

There’s no such thing as a “bad” time to visit Venice. Every season has its attractions, whether that be hot summer days with balmy evenings; melancholic autumn with its fog; crisp winter with the snow-bound Alps as a backdrop, or mild spring with its photogenic sunsets.

In addition to those recognized throughout Italy (see Planning Your Trip), the Venice Salute festivity falls on 21 November (see Madonna della Salute) and St Mark’s Day on 25 April.

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), meaning London is one hour behind Venice, the US Eastern Seaboard six hours behind, while most of Australia is nine hours ahead and Japan eight hours ahead. Italy changes to Daylight Saving Time +(ora legale ) from the last Sunday in March through to the last Sunday in October, moving the time difference to GMT plus two hours.

Sunglasses, protective cream and a hat are essential from spring to autumn for pale complexions. Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun and remember that there is added reflection from the water.

Mosquitoes and gnats are a nuisance in summer and few hotels or apartments have protective screening. Should you forget your own, pharmacies stock a wide range of repellents in liquid and electrical form.

Italian plugs and sockets entail two or three round prongs and electricity is 220V AC. If you envisage using any appliances bring an adaptor with you, as they’re all but unheard of in Venice.