I hit it off big time with Italy, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for its people.

While falling more in love with the country on every visit, I've found many of the Italians I've encountered to be rude and arrogant.

I was perhaps most put off when a gondolier in Venice demanded extra cash upfront to sing for my friends and me on an overpriced tour.

So I decided to put the Italian city to the test against Bruges - dubbed the Venice of the north.

One of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, it is an enchanting maze of cobbled streets, stunning architecture and, of course, canals.

The entire walled city, described as the jewel in the crown of Belgium's Flanders region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Compact enough to explore in just a couple of days, it's perfect for a romantic weekend getaway at just an hour-and-a-half from Calais.

Travelling across the Channel with P&O Ferries, my journey probably took less time than it would to drive from Kent to the other side of London during rush-hour.

I stayed at the sophisticated yet traditional four-star Grand Hotel Casselbergh, whose staff are among the best I've encountered and which is perfect for exploring the city centre.

It's just a short walk to Markt, the main square which is often packed with tourists queuing up to take a ride on the trademark horse and carts.

Markt is also home to the grand government palace and the Belfort tower, Bruges' most recognisable landmark.

It's hard work climbing the 366 steep steps to get to the top of the 272ft 13th century tower, but the panoramic view is a pay-off well worth the effort.

Also deserving of a look is the Basilica of the Holy Blood - said to contain a phial of Christ's own blood - next to the impressive town hall.

The Church of Our Lady contains the marble Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, sculpted in 1504 and the only one of the artist's works to leave Italy during his lifetime.

After a hard morning's sight-seeing, complimentary afternoon refreshments at the Grand Hotel Casselbergh are a welcome offering.

A real treat at the end of the day is dinner at Manuscript restaurant in the landmark Kempinski Hotel Dukes' Palace, a grand hotel in the restored 15th century Prinsenhof palace.

You might wish to finish your night with a drink in one of the city's main squares.

But be careful to check the price lists before settling down anywhere or you, like me, could find yourself landed with a £19 bill for just two lemonades!

A much safer - and more enjoyable - bet is to wander through the cobbled backstreets and mingle with the locals in a tucked-away cafe or bar.

But, of course, no trip to Bruges is complete without a trip on its waterways.

A boat tour is the perfect way to explore its web of canals, as you meander through the city under picturesque bridges alongside elegant swans.
Best of all, the drivers will give a full commentary and even sing if you ask nicely - unlike those pesky Italians.

The four-star Grand Hotel Casselbergh is offering a special bed and breakfast deal for two people in a double room for £125 per night. Phone +32 50 44 65 00 or visit www.grandhotelcasselbergh.com.
For more details on the Kempinski Hotel Dukes Palace and Manuscript restaurant, call +32 50 44 78 88 or visit www.kempinski.com.

P&O Ferries operates 25 return crossings between Dover and Calais every day. Prices start from £30 per car each way. Call 08716 64 64 64 or visit www.poferries.com.
For more information on the region, call Tourism Flanders-Brussels on 0207 307 7738 or visit www.visitflanders.co.uk.