Venice is a resplendent city of a thousand islands in the middle of a lagoon, which has an elegant and eventful history. Her geographical location and the political and commercial shrewdness of her former rulers, together with the spirit of her citizens once made her the mistress of the seas and master of a great empire. This journal is intended to provide helpful, descriptive and enjoyable routes to explore, as well as providing many interesting historical and architectural facts throughout its passage. As an artist the author has painted a journalistic picture of Venice by visiting the 'Serenissima' each month over the course of a year to enjoy the islands and understand the Venetians themselves, who have battled through centuries of evolution, toil and achievement. Throughout each interesting tour John has recorded many scenes in pen and ink water colour sketches, which he feels will bring the beauty and history of the Venetian islands to both the armchair reader as well as those who explore the Serenissima.