Mazzorbo Island
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 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.
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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.
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.
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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