Water sport: Venice hosts a number of boating regattas throughout the year and these are usually fun and colourful spectacles, well worth a look if your visit coincides with one. They can feature both traditional Venetian gondolas and more mainstream rowing boats.

The Regatta Storica in September is the biggest of the regattas and features a procession of historic boats with crew in traditional costumes as well as some straightforward and competitive races.

Golf: there are no golf courses in the heart of the city, but the Alberoni Golf Club, situated just 10kms from central Venice on via del Forte, will allow golf addicts to get their fix. The 18-hole course welcomes non-members and there are decent practice facilities.

Gym: you will find a number of gyms and health clubs around the city, especially in the larger hotels, so you will have no problems getting some exercise while you are here. This is a particularly good idea when enjoying so much of the fine Italian food and wine.