Following on from his book Rome Precincts published by Hardie Grant Travel, travel writer Cristian Bonetto turns the spotlight on Venice: a city trodden by millions but well known by few. That Venice keeps its cards close to its chest is what Cristian loves most about the place. Every sojourn uncovers new layers and secret locations, far removed from the overpriced, overcrowded Venice deluding the masses. Given that Cristian’s father was born and raised in the Veneto region, it’s only natural that Venice feels like home for the Australian-born travel writer. Everything from the dialect to the cooking reminds him of his childhood, one coloured with Venetian anecdotes, flavours and pride. Cristian began his writing life as a playwright running a small theatre company and producing a handful of comedies. In 2003, his play Il Cortile (The Courtyard) was awarded an Australia Council grant, leading to its  performance in various Italian cities. After a short stint writing scripts for Australian soaps Home and Away and Neighbours, Cristian turned his hand to travel writing. Since 2006, he has written close to 50 guides for Lonely Planet for destinations as varied as Italy, Scandinavia, the USA, Singapore and his beloved hometown Melbourne. He is also a contributor to UK newspaper, The Telegraph.