Not easy: there are currently no direct flights from Dublin, making for a cumbersome double-hop journey. On arrival, be aware that water taxis to the city are fiendishly expensive - as much as £60 for a one-way trip. Water buses, costing a fraction of that, run at regular intervals. If you have booked a package, check in advance that transfers are included.
Book early if you're planning to be there in Carnival season - the 10 days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. There's little chance of finding a central hotel in time for this year's festivities (February 25th - March 7th).
Italiatour offers a very comprehensive range of Venice packages, based on travel via Gatwick or Milan; there is a choice of 17 hotels, from modest to luxurious. Tel 01 6717821, email italiatour@dial .pipex.com
Budget Travel Airtours offers the Magic of Italy programme, with an equally diverse range of accommodation and travel via London Gatwick. Tel 01 6618852, www.budgettravel.ie.
Ryanair Dublin-Stansted and Stansted-Venice may be a good option for flights-only shoppers. Current winter fares are from £19.99 return for the Dublin-Stansted leg and UK £44.99 for Stansted-Venice return, with reasonably wide availability on both of these low-cost options. Ryanair Direct, tel 01 609 7800.