Venice

See Venice -- tragic and spectacular -- before waters encroach

You don't exactly have to jump on the next plane to see Venice while it's still around, but scientists warn that only a miracle -- or more advanced engineering than exists today -- can save one this fabled city of art and architecture from global warming and rising ocean levels; recent reports indicate that Venice is sinking faster than had been anticipated.

What a catastrophe that would be, as Venice stuns those who travel to it with its architectural wonders and riches. But once you experience your first flood and see for yourself how close the sea is to sweeping over Venice, you'll most likely change from feeling awe to feeling concern. As debate rages in Italy about how to save Venice, the waters just keep rising.

Meanwhile, some 10 million people visit every year -- and that's only counting those who spend the night. Since Venice is expensive and has only a limited number of accommodations, countless day-trippers invade every day. So what will you find in Venice? Unendurable crowds; dank, dark canals and claustrophobic alleys; outrageous prices; and a sinister quality in the decay. But you'll also find one of the most spectacular cities ever conceived.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.