St Mark’s Square
Discover the crafts & culture of the Venice lagoon on this full-day trip on a luxury boat including San Marco, Murano, Burano and the charming nearby islands.
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 centuries-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.
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 experienced captain will pick you up and bring you aboard your elegant Riva Aquariva boat. 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. You will experience Venetian architecture in all its glory 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 may sail under the famous Bridge of Sighs 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, an eerie abandoned island with some dark secrets, 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, which was crucial to the wealth and power of the Republic of Venice. 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. You will have the chance to 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. You will also enjoy some free time to wander Burano's picture-perfect streets and snap some pictures of the beautiful, brightly-coloured buildings. By this time, you should have worked up an appetite, so your captain 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 known for cultivating uncommon grape varieties and 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 and enriched with a deep understanding and appreciation of Venice’s crafts and cultural heritage.
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Visit the must-see sites of Venice in a full-day private tour from St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, to the Rialto Bridge & the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco & Castello.
Cross the Venetian Lagoon in a private boat to Murano and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in the oldest workshop in Venice and an exclusive tour of its glass exhibits, usually closed to the public.
Enjoy a private tour of The Accademia Gallery of Venice, the world-famous museum of Renaissance masterpieces, followed by a visit to the beautiful Frari Church and a stroll in the San Polo district.
Visit two of Venice's most popular landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, followed by a city walk towards the Rialto bridge on this private half-day walking tour.
Watch Venice come to life as you explore the fish, fruit and vegetable Rialto markets that marvel both tourists and locals with their scents, colours and fresh produce on this private walking tour.
Learn the traditional skills of navigating the iconic canals of Venice by gondola in this private 1.5 hr lesson, and become a gondolier in this fun, family-friendly experience.
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