View of Venice from San Giorgio Maggiore.

There really is no good way to describe Venice. Every attempt is trite.

You simply have to see Venice for yourself.

Venice is the primary reason I had long wanted to visit Italy. I frequently joked that I hoped to get to Venice before the series of more than 120 islands succumbed to the lagoon off the Adriatic Sea. That may well happen some day, but Venice will endure for years to come both physically and in my heart after spending several wondrous days there.

Sure, the floor in St. Mark’s Basilica is disturbingly uneven from flooding and settling. Not far away, the crypt in the Church of San Zaccaria is underwater much of the time. Both are part of Venice’s allure, along with the canals, gondolas, architecture, views and history.

I may not have a good way to describe Venice, or Venezia, but I have a few tips for visiting:

• The Doge’s Palace is a must. Make sure to cross over to the prison via the enclosed Bridge of Sighs, which legend has it was named for the sound emitted by prisoners getting their final glimpses of Venice before being executed.
• Don’t plan on visiting the islands of Murano and Burano in the same day, unless you’re really crunched for time. Murano, known for colorful glass, and Burano, known for detailed lace, both deserve several hours to see their respective museums and other attractions.
• One of the best tips we received from our very helpful hosts at B&B Corte Campana was to get artisanal gelato from Gelatoteca Suso, Calle della Bissa, 5453. Heaven.
• Mosquitoes abound, and they are juiced. Trust me: Close your windows at night.
• Make sure to wander, and if the path you’re on ends at a canal, just turn around and head in another direction. You never know what you might see.

To learn about how Venice works, watch this fascinating video also recommended by our bed and breakfast hosts: video.com/21688538