Murano can be easily accessed using vaporetto line 42.
A mile northeast of Venice sits the small island of Murano, known locally as “The Glass Island”. In reality, it consists of seven separate islands, but they are all connected by small footbridges, and they are so tightly bunched that they are usually lumped together in the popular consciousness.
Blowing Across the Lagoon
Before being incorporated into the larger comune of Venice, Murano was a municipality of its own, and over the course of several centuries it developed an excellent reputation as a centre of high-quality glassblowing. In the late 13th century, the production of glass was a complex, delicate and relatively new process, which could only be executed by a select few master craftsmen. As glassblowing workshops began to spring up in Venice, the authorities became worried about the increasing fire risk in their mostly wooden city, and in 1291 the glassblowers were ordered to pack up and move to Murano.
Keeping it Glassy
Unsurprisingly, the island’s tourist trade revolves around this rich and lengthy heritage, and there are plenty of opportunities to visit traditional fornaci. Many of these have demonstration areas where you can see the craftsmen at work producing everything from simple window panes to intricate glass animals – an extremely impressive spectacle. If the history and mechanics of glassblowing interests you, the Museo del Vetro can tell you all you need to know. Afterwards, take a wander to Campo Santo Stefano, where you can admire the attractive clocktower of the Church of St. Stephen, and the large blue “starburst” abstract sculpture which sits at the square’s centre.
Experience the iconic archipelago of Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking, by private water taxi.
On your private tour you will:
The Venetian Lagoon has many islands, each with its own character and heritage. Foremost among these is the archipelago of Murano, with its many bridges connecting the islands, which provides a respite from the touristy bustle of the historic city. Murano has been the centre of glassmaking in the region since 1291.
Your tour guide will take you via private water taxi across the stunning Venetian Lagoon to Murano. On arrival, you'll walk the colourful streets and enjoy many photo opportunities before enjoying an exclusive visit to the oldest family-run glass workshop, not usually open to the public.
Here you'll meet the master glassblower and his team who will give you a private demonstration in which you'll see how they twist the molten glass to make different shapes and items. If you are lucky, you will also see them colouring the glass. A very special part of the tour includes a private viewing of the world-famous Maestro Fabio Fornasier's exhibition, not open to the general public.
Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the history and secrets of the profession, how glassblowing shaped the fabric of Murano’s society and odd little facts such as why the glassblowers used to be immune from prosecution.
Explore the beautiful Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their world-famous glassblowing and handmade lace-making traditions dating back to the 1500s, by luxury water taxi with a private guide.
On your private tour you will:
Escape the hustle and bustle of St Mark’s Square as you head to the pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy a picturesque boat ride to the islands of Murano and Burano.
Celebrated as the centre of production of the world-famous Murano Glass and often described as the “small Venice”, Murano is the most well-known of the islands surrounding beautiful Venice, but your guide will show you some off-the-beaten-path places there too.
Your first stop will be a traditional glassmaking factory, where you will watch a master glassblower and other artisans make chandeliers, vases, statues and other beautiful objects. You will also have an exclusive invitation to private viewing of an exhibition by Maestro Fabio Fornasier – not usually open to the public. Fornasier’s exquisite design work with chandeliers, in particular, has made him world-famous.
Burano, famous for its colourfully painted houses and its picturesque canals, is a real pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and will leave you spellbound by its beauty. Walk along scenic canals and take wonderful photographs of the vibrant local architecture and spectacular vistas that make the island of Burano a very special place to visit.
Then enjoy a visit to a local workshop where you’ll see the intricacy involved in the delicate lace-making - which continues to be made by hand today. You’ll also be invited to taste the delicious local cookies called ‘Bussolai’ and a special flavoured gelato before travelling back to central Venice across the Lagoon.
Venice is one of Italy's most unique and fascinating cities. With a history dating back to the 5th Century, it is world-famous for its extraordinary topography. The city is built upon a lagoon and made up of a network of over 118 small islands, connected by over 400 bridges, and crisscrossed by around 150 canals. As a result, the best way to explore the city is by boat and our luxury boat tour is a delightful way to explore the highlights of Venice and get a comprehensive introduction to the city’s history, architecture and captivating culture.
On this luxury private boat tour, you will:
The stunning mosaic of islands that make up Venice truly has to be seen to be believed. The city and its surrounding lagoon have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and its history, nature, architecture, and amazing arts and cultural scene captivates millions of visitors every year. Experience our private luxury boat tour of the city known as the Sirenissima and ensure to beat the crowds on the narrow streets and see the many islands and landmarks in all their splendour from a unique vantage point on the water.
Your adventure through the lagoon will begin at your hotel or another location of your choice in central Venice where your friendly local guide will be waiting to immerse you in the city’s charming cultural patrimony. After getting acquainted, you will be aboard your vessel for the day’s exploring, a gorgeous Luxury Riva Aquariva Limousine Boat. Once you get comfortable, you will journey to the heart of the lagoon, seeing a series of spectacular sites along the way.
While the exact itinerary of your tour may vary depending on the conditions on the day, your guide will be sure to include the Island of San Marco, known to house some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the grand St. Mark’s Square, the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco and the majestic Doge’s palace. Your guide will point out some of the city's most emblematic architecture and reveal gripping tales of the historic events that occurred amongst the charming streets. You will also make it to the nearby San Giorgio Maggiore island, one of the most picturesque spots in the Venetian lagoon, which offers fantastic views of the Venice skyline and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a masterpiece of classical architecture that dates back to 1610.
Another stop on your voyage will be the intriguing island of Poveglia where your guide will regale you with stories of some of the mysterious legends associated with this eerie abandoned enclave. Whilst visits to the island are prohibited, your captain will get you as close as possible so you can get a feel for the tumultuous history and alleged ghostly aura from the spirits of many who have perished upon Poveglia over the years. Adjacent to Poveglia you will have the chance to cruise up and down the incredible Lido di Venezia, a long, narrow island that forms a natural barrier between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. The lido is celebrated for its sandy beaches, whimsical Art Deco architecture and for being the home of the Venice Film Festival, one of the most hotly-anticipated events for cinephiles where the Hollywood royalty and prestigious auteurs descend on the lido in August and September every year.
Right at the tip of the Lido, you will find the lush green island of Vignole, traditionally known as Venice’s vegetable garden. You will take in this oasis of gardens, orchards and vineyards dating back hundreds of years, many of which provide fresh produce to the restaurants of Venice to this day. Right next door, you will see Certosa, another lesser-known islet where you may spot a variety of birds and other wildlife. All the while you will have the chance to enjoy a glass of prosecco on board as well as snack on some traditional Venetian cookies that will give you a delectable taste of a much-loved local delicacy.
No boat trip around the islands of Venice would be complete without a stop on Murano, one the most famous and colourful islands thanks to its myriad of talented artisans. Murano is synonymous with Venetian glass, an art form that dates back to the late 13th century, and your guide will explain why the glassmakers relocated to the island as well as how the tradition is still going strong today. You will even get the chance to step inside one of Murano’s oldest glassblowing factories to see the elaborate art of glassmaking firsthand.
Following your exuberating artistic interlude in Murano, you will climb back aboard your boat and cross the lagoon one more time to return to bustling central Venice. You have the option to return to your hotel, or your guide can take you back to St. Mark’s Square should you wish to continue your exploration of the Floating City on foot. Your guide can provide a wealth of recommendations for what to see, do and eat during the rest of your stay in Venice and this unforgettable excursion will come to a close, no doubt one of the highlights of your trip.
Once the centre of the European art world, and still a haven for artisans to this day, it is easy to see why so many have been inspired by the unique beauty of Venice across the centuries. Each of the city’s more than one hundred islands has its distinct character and stories to tell, and visitors who appreciate great art should not miss the chance to discover the iconic Murano and Burano, known around the world for their colourful streets and old traditions of glass-blowing and lace making. The best way to navigate the highlights and the hidden gems of Venice is on the water, and our artsy excursion by luxury boat allows you to embark upon an unforgettable journey through the Venetian Lagoon curated by a passionate local guide.
On this private full-day trip, you will:
The city of Venice is truly one of a kind. There is so much to uncover amongst its intricate web of islands connected by iconic bridges and canals. Exploring Venice by boat provides you with an immersive and authentic experience, through its rich maritime history and gives a comprehensive view of its incredible architecture since many of its buildings were specifically designed to be seen from the water.
Your delightful day on the water will begin at your hotel in central Venice where your private guide will pick you up and bring you aboard your elegant Riva Aquariva boat with a dedicated captain at your disposal for the duration of the trip. Once you get acquainted, it is time to embark upon your voyage of discovery through the lagoon. As you cruise through the waterways, you’ll enjoy a privileged view of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Whilst the itinerary may vary depending on the conditions of the day and the interests of your party, you will not want to miss San Marco island, home of St. Mark's Square, the Doge’s palace and the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will provide a crash course in Venetian history and architecture as you take in the picturesque buildings of the square from the water, once the political and religious centre of the independent Republic of Venice.
You will likely sail under the renowned Bridge of Sighs and learn the origin of its intriguing name before reaching San Giorgio Maggiore. This small island just a stone’s throw away from San Marco is known for its grandiose basilica and bell tower that dates back to the 16th century. Your journey will continue to the isolated enclave of Poveglia, where your guide can share the dark secrets of the eerie abandoned island, and the nearby Venice Lido, which forms a natural barrier between the lagoon and the Adriatic sea and is beloved for its sandy beaches, glamorous hotels and for playing host to the prestigious Venice Film festival. All the while, you will have the chance to sip Prosecco and taste emblematic Venetian sweet treats as you take in breathtaking views.
You can expect to see the Arsenale, a fascinating Byzantine shipyard thought to have been the largest manufacturing complex in Europe before the Industrial Revolution. Your guide will explain how innovative shipbuilding techniques as well as historic trade routes were crucial to the wealth and power of the Republic of Venice, as well as how the space has been repurposed today. Before heading to the most colourful parts of the lagoon you will discover some of the lesser-known islands such as the rustic Vignole and the lush green haven of Certosa where you can keep an eye out for some of the lagoon’s wonderful wildlife.
Then it will be time for your hotly-anticipated visit to Murano, a charming cluster of islands famous worldwide for their master craftsmen who have been producing exquisite glasswork for over 700 years. You will disembark your boat to explore the island on foot and have an opportunity to witness master artisans practice the ancient art of glassblowing in one of the oldest remaining glass factories. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a rare glimpse into Venetian artistry that has been perfected over centuries. Your guide will explain more about the history of Murano and how it once served as an important trading hub whilst you stroll the scenic canals and perhaps even acquire some Murano glass to take home.
Soon you will sail on to beautiful Burano, where a kaleidoscope of colourful homes lines the canals. You will delve into the island’s lace-making tradition, a craft that has flourished for over 500 years, and see a special demonstration of this intricate process. As you wander around its picture-perfect streets, you will learn about Burano’s origins and the local legend as to the reason behind the striking colours of the facades. By this time, you should have worked up an appetite so your guide can recommend some fantastic restaurants on the island to enjoy typical Venetian cuisine (not included).
After this delectable detour, you will climb aboard the boat once more and make your way back through the lagoon, passing by the neighbouring island of Mazzorbo where you can admire its historic buildings and vineyards and hear about the uncommon grape varieties that are cultivated there, producing very interesting and sought after wines. Your captain will then bring you back to central Venice where you will return to your hotel or if you prefer, disembark at St. Mark’s Square to continue your adventure, armed with plenty more recommendations from your passionate local expert, and a deep understanding and appreciation of Venice’s crafts and cultural heritage.
A visit to Venice offers a captivating blend of stunning beauty, rich history, unique geographical features and vibrant cultural traditions. The city's picturesque canals, breathtaking palaces, and mosaic of magnificent islands dotted across its waters create a sense of awe and serenity that has enticed residents and travellers alike for centuries, earning Venice the title la Sirenissima. The city's relationship with the sea has shaped its entire identity. From the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal to the smaller, winding side canals, the essence of Venice lies in this seamless fusion of architecture and nature, where boats replace cars and bridges link neighbourhoods. The best way for visitors to truly get under the skin of Venice is by boat, accessing islands and landmarks you could not reach on foot. On our private full-day luxury boat experience, you can make the most of your time in the city of canals and uncover the treasures of the Venetian lagoon in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
On this private full-day luxury boat trip, you will:
Founded around the 5th century AD, Venice is renowned for its stunning canals, historic architecture, and romantic charm. Over time, the city grew into a powerful maritime republic, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its wealth and importance are still evident in many incredible buildings that have survived to this day. As such, wandering the streets of Venice can feel like stepping back in time, especially since cars are forbidden. Our luxurious private boat tour offers a perfect combination of Venice's iconic landmarks, artisanal traditions, and culinary delights, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
You will begin your Venetian adventure in the heart of the city with a hassle-free hotel pick-up and enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own dedicated captain and expert guide throughout the day. Once you hop on board your splendid Riva Aquariva boat, your guide will give you a thrilling introduction to the Floating City. You will soon start to cruise past Venice's most renowned landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica, as you take in breathtaking views of the historic San Marco area.
As you glide across the lagoon, you'll pass by the well-known islands of San Giorgio, Poveglia, and the impressive Venice Lido, each with its charm and story that will be adeptly explained by your guide. Meanwhile, you can indulge in traditional Venetian treats and Prosecco while on the boat, adding a touch of local flavour to your luxurious journey. You will have the chance to learn about the illustrious Venetian maritime history as you sail past the Venice Arsenale, a historic naval hub, and also enjoy the views of the beautiful islands of Vignole and Certosa.
Then it will be time to delve into the artistic heritage of Murano where you can disembark to get a closer look at its Venetian glass shops and galleries and enjoy an exclusive visit to one of the oldest glassblowing workshops, where you’ll see artisans crafting their world-famous pieces. Later, you will marvel at the vibrant colours of Burano, famous for its charming houses and intricate lace-making tradition dating back 5 centuries. After enjoying a demonstration of the lace-making process, you will have time to wander the lively streets and take plenty of photos. You will also pay a visit to the historic island of Torcello, where you can get an in-depth look at one of the lagoon’s earliest and most significant settlements before stopping for a traditional lunch (at your own expense). Your guide will show you the best places to eat on the island, including a renowned family-run restaurant showcasing the best of Venetian cuisine.
Last but certainly not least, your final stop of the day will be the tranquil island of Mazzorbo where you’ll not only learn all about its historic vineyards but also indulge in a wine tasting where you can savour a taste of its exquisite wine and discover rare and ancient grape native to the island that has been revived in recent years.
As your circumnavigation of Venice comes to a close, your captain will take you back to the city centre, where you have the choice of returning to your hotel to relax or to St. Mark’s Square to dive deeper into the magic and mysteries of the city. Your guide will ensure that you are well-prepared for the rest of your trip with plenty of insider tips, and your fond memories of your exhilarating expedition through the iconic waterways of Venice will last a lifetime.
Venice is one of the world's most enchanting cities, offering a wide array of experiences that highlight its unique blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty. With a fascinating topography unlike anywhere else in the world, the city’s main ‘street’ is actually the Grand Canal. This main waterway snakes through the heart of Venice, offering a spectacular introduction to the city's iconic architecture and stunning views. Cruise the Canal on our private water taxi tour and enjoy the magic of Venice from the water. A wonderful way to combine 3 of the most quintessential Venetian moments - a canal cruise, an exclusive look inside a Murano glassblowing factory and a typical Italian aperitivo - to make for a truly memorable evening in the Floating City.
On your private sunset boat tour, you will:
As the sun sets over Venice, the city takes on an ethereal beauty. The famous palazzos are bathed in golden light, and the water reflects the colours of the sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Your gorgeous evening in Venice will begin at your hotel, where you will meet your expert guide and hop aboard your private water taxi which will serve as your vessel for your exhilarating journey.
After an introduction to the Floating City, it will be time for your first activity, a tour of the Grand Canal. Thanks to the insights of your private guide, you will learn how the Grand Canal has been the central hub of Venetian life for centuries, how dating back to Roman times, it became a crucial route for transporting goods and people and how in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was lined with magnificent palaces, built by wealthy Venetian families who flaunted their wealth and power through architecture. All the while, you will pass by these stunning palaces and other emblematic Venice landmarks and sail under its charming bridges where your guide can point out the most intricate features and tell riveting tales of their home city.
You will then head deeper into the Venice lagoon, enjoying wonderful twilight views of the city’s skyline from a unique vantage point on the water. You will float past the islands dotted around the lagoon at their most tranquil and peaceful, before arriving at your next destination: mesmerizing Murano. This series of small islands is a must-see for any visitor to Venice, showcasing hundreds of years of artisanal tradition. The islands' most famous export is of course Murano Glass and you can find a myriad of handcrafted glass objects on display there, from exquisite vases and chandeliers to gorgeous glass beads and jewelry.
Once you disembark in Murano, your guide will lead you through the quaint colourful streets to the private workshop of a famous local Master Glassblower, where you will get a privileged look at the painstaking process of crafting the amazing glass objects. In addition to a special glassblowing demonstration, you will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with the maestro himself where you can learn the secrets of his craft, ask about the innovative techniques passed down through the generations and understand why these treasures of Murano remain a symbol of luxury and artistry to this day.
Not only that, you will also be able to experience a unique take on the traditional Venetian aperitivo. This ritual of a pre-dinner drink, derived from the Latin aperitivus, is meant to open up the appetite and is thought to date back to Roman times, though it evolved into a national pastime in the 20th century. Now an essential element of Italian culture, aperitivo happens across the country and beyond, though Venice is known for doing it particularly well. In the comfort of the workshop of your glassblowing guru, you will enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a Bellini Cocktail and toast to your night of Venetian delights.
Following your intimate aperitif, your water taxi will be waiting to return you to central Venice and give you one last chance to take in the picturesque vistas of the lagoon by night. As the city lights draw ever closer, your guide can provide recommendations for a decadent dinner or moonlit stroll around the city and you can choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the iconic St. Mark’s Square to keep exploring having formed a deep personal connection to the streets and waterways of Venice.
Murano glass is one of the most famous artisanal products originating from Venice, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, intricate designs, and long-standing tradition of glassmaking. The glass is produced on the islands of Murano, located in the heart of Venetian Lagoon, and has been a symbol of luxury and artistry for centuries. It represents the fusion of Venetian creativity, history, and technical expertise, with each piece telling the story of a rich tradition passed down through generations, making it a beloved symbol of Venetian culture. With our incredible Murano Glass workshop, you can journey through the lagoon to see the glassmaking process firsthand and even give it a try for yourself, ending up with a charming little piece of Venice to take home.
On your Murano Glass workshop, you will:
Murano and its exquisite glasswork reflect Venice's deep historical and artistic legacy. The techniques and traditions of glassmaking have been nurtured and protected for centuries, and the artisans of today have done a wonderful job of adapting their art to modern tastes while preserving the centuries-old heritage. You may find Murano glass all over the city of Venice, as well as in high-end luxury boutiques and art galleries all around the world, but there is nothing quite like seeing the craftsmanship up close in the heartwarming island community where it has been perfected for almost 800 years.
Your immersive day in Murano begins right in the heart of Venice, where you will be picked up directly from your hotel by a private water taxi. Having your own dedicated transport allows you to glide through the canals and under the iconic bridges until you reach the Venice lagoon. There is a wealth of beautiful islands to discover and you will enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views of them as you make your way towards your distinctive destination.
Soon it will be time for you to disembark your boat on Murano, one of the most vibrant corners of the Veneto region. The first settlements here date back to between the 5th and 7th centuries but it was the arrival of the glassmakers in the 1200s that really put Murano on the map. As you wander the streets, you will soon be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of brightly-coloured glass objects on display, from opulent chandeliers to intricate jewellery and glass beads. You will then step inside an iconic glass factory, one of the oldest on the islands, where you will get a behind-the-scenes look and enjoy a crash course in this elaborate art from an expert.
Glassmaking in Murano has been passed down through generations of glass masters, known as maestros. You will meet one such maestro who will provide a comprehensive rundown of the tools used for glassblowing and show you the dedicated furnace, an essential component of the art of glassblowing, allowing artists to work with molten glass and create their beautiful and often complex pieces. Following a captivating demonstration, it’s time for you to get creative and get to work on a glass project of your own. Under the watchful eye of your glasswork guru, you will try glassblowing for yourself and manipulate the Murano Glass into a colourful creation that you will be able to take home as a unique memento of your time in Venice.
Once your special souvenir has taken shape, you’ll be awarded a certificate of participation in the workshop and can celebrate your artistic endeavour with an extraordinary aperitivo inside the factory itself. Many Venetians and visitors alike will indulge in this pre-dinner drink to work up an appetite, but very few get the chance to do so in the atelier of a celebrated artisan. After enjoying a prosecco or a typical Italian cocktail, your masterclass will come to a close, and you will hop aboard your water taxi to return to Venice. Following another scenic jaunt through the lagoon, you'll have the option to be dropped off at St. Mark’s Square to see more of the city or go straight to your hotel, where your one-of-a-kind Murano treasure will be delivered to your Venice Hotel the following day.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that your glass creation will require a 24-hour finishing process, including cooling and final touches and will be delivered to your Venice Hotel the following day.
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