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stunning view of Burano's canal
stunning view of Murano's canal
Lacemaking dimostration in Burano
Master glassblower in action
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Private Tour

Private Venetian Island Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking

5.00
(18 Reviews)
5 h.
English
Private
Everyday
10:00

  • Discover the colorful island home of the Venetian craftspeople – Murano and Burano – on a leisurely boat ride across the lagoon.
  • Witness the artisans as they show you their legendary glassblowing and lacemaking skills and then peruse their collections of crafts.
  • A private water taxi will take you to the islands with an expert English-speaking tour guide, who will share with you the secret traditions, the secluded places, local shops and island food to discover.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • Glassmaking demonstration at a factory in Murano
  • Lace-making demonstration at a shop in Burano
  • Discount at the glassblowing and lace-making shop
  • Private, expert, English-speaking guide
  • Round-trip transportation by boat
  • Gratuities

Sites Visited

  • Island of Murano
  • Island of Burano
  • Murano glassblowing factory
  • Burano lace-making shop

 

Venice, at its historical prime, was known for its master crafts, unparalleled arts and traditional skills passed down through masters and apprentices for generations. People sailed from near and far to trade for authentic Venetian wares. Across the waters from the crowded Piazza San Marco, time has stood still. So close, yet eons away. And you can see the Venice’s two best islands – Murano and Burano – on this half-day expertly guided trip.

Take a Historical Boat Ride to Murano

We begin your tour in central Venice where your small group will take a short, comfy boat ride over to the island of Murano. Your expert, local English-speaking guide will fill the time with tales of Venice’s rich history, pointing out interesting landmarks along the shoreline. Murano, once upon a time, was the home of the only glassblowers in the world who knew how to make mirrors – imagine that! In fact, their skills were so prized that they were threatened with execution if they attempted to step outside the city limits. Thankfully for us, and these skilled artisans, many things have changed since then, but the craft remains the same – and this is your chance to see it in action.

Elevate Your Trip with our Expert, Private Guides

Step into an authentic Venetian glassblower’s workshop and see how he goes about his daily business – of firing up, blowing and forming glass into magnificent works of art. The experience is also accompanied by an expert commentary of the entire process – in English, of course. Learn how silica sand becomes glass, what gives it color, and the most difficult (and dangerous) part of the job. This is a real deal, 100% functioning workspace – and these artisans have invited you in to share their craft. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the island on your own and peruse the Murano glass collection for truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs – we don’t take a commission, in fact, we pass our special savings on to you.

Visit the Vibrant Burano

We hop once again on the boat and head toward our second island adventure, Burano. It may be a tiny island, but it is huge in fame, for two reasons: 1) its colorfully huddled houses which line the narrow streets and canals, laundry swinging across from window to window, and 2) its centuries-old lace-making tradition. Your expert, local guide will usher you through the bustling streets of Burano, where you will watch local ladies stitching lace like their mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers before them. Living in the age of sewing machines, you’ll learn why this is a dying art and such painstaking work.

Discover Exquisite Handmade Lace

Explore the fabulous handmade lace displays and perhaps buy a few lace masterpieces to take home, much like Michelangelo did when he once visited Burano. In fact, he purchased an altarpiece for the then “brand new” Duomo in Milan. Then enjoy some of the culinary arts around town, sampling fresh baked cookies and other delicious delicacies around town on your own before the tour commences, and we head back to Venice’s mainland. There’s no experience quite like it.

 

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    FAQs

    • How far in advance should I book my tour?

      Our tours are very popular amongst visitors to Italy, Paris and London, so we suggest booking your place on them at your earliest convenience. If you are not ready to book yet and have some questions, we would be happy to help over the phone, via email and Live Chat. It is our mission to ensure that you get the most out of your visit!

    • When will I receive confirmation of my booking?

      You should expect to receive an email within minutes of booking with your confirmation voucher.

    • Do I need to bring my confirmation voucher with me?

      It is not necessary to bring your voucher. We do recommend bringing the voucher with you as it contains helpful maps and directions to the meeting point. You can present this to your guide on the day of your tour either on a mobile device, or print it out.

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From
US$240.23
for the first two people
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

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