George Clooney sipped champagne with celebrity pals before donning a tuxedo and boarding a water taxi that conveyed the smiling groom up the majestic Grand Canal in Venice.

Nothing is being left to chance as a wedding beckons in Venice for the man soon to rescind his title as the world’s most eligible bachelor.

Tourists going to Venice beware — and make sure you read the fine print.

Kellie Brierley on what makes New Year’s Eve so special, and not just for movies

With its sleek water taxis, gorgeous gondolas and paved streets ending with steps to the water, the beautiful Venice, as Conor Power discovered, is a city truly like no other.

Paris jazzed up the Eiffel Tower with a multicoloured, disco-style light display as the world basked in New Year’s festivities with hopes that 2010 and beyond will bring more peace and prosperity.

CLAIMS that the world’s most famous stone harbours all kinds of nasty diseases are nothing short of Blarney.

The mayor of Venice today defended a scheme allowing Coca-Cola to install vending machines in the city.

Rome declared a state of emergency as the swollen Tiber river threatened to flood and the death toll from the heavy rains battering Italy rose to four.

Visitors to Italy’s capital are being told to obey the old maxim – when in Rome do as the Romans do.

Storms across Italy left St Mark’s Square in Venice more than a four feet under water today, delayed flights and snarled traffic.

High waters swept over Venice today, leaving St Mark’s Square and other famous locations awash and forcing tourists and residents to don rubber boots and use elevated walkways.

Actor Robert De Niro hit out today at claims he should not be granted Italian citizenship because his Mafia roles have harmed the country’s reputation.

A 655-foot cruise ship ran aground near St Mark’s Square in Venice amid thick fog today, leading to concerns about safety in the waterway.