This is a great book for the cruise set, and it is also family-friendly. Many children enjoy the DK Eyewitness books, and with Top 10 Venice, young readers can help to set the family itinerary.

If you are spending more than a few days in Venice and the Veneto, this is the book for you. The content about the Veneto (the mainland near Venice) is very complete, too, which is helpful for those wanting to visit Padua, Verona, or Treviso. My big complaint: the maps. They are poorly divided in the book,and my map pages fell out after one day of use.

For history buffs, this is a must-read before departing for Venice. The island city’s history is fascinating, and Mentzel’s prose is clear and compelling.

Author John Berendt paints a complicated and fascinating picture of the burning and rebuilding of La Fenice, Venice’s famed opera house. On January 29, 1996 the opera house burned to the ground. Berendt investigates the allegations of arson, corruption, and malfeasance, and in the process reveals a seamy side of a beautiful city.

Glassblower Leonora Manin's marriage falls apart in London. Her ex-husband marries his mistress. And Leonora falls into a deep depression which cripples her until she decides to leave it all behind to move to Venice. There she connects with her ancient family's history and redirects her own future as a result. Fascinating!