Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Boat with Glassmaking Demo

Summary Description

Embark on a boat tour to Murano and Burano. Immerse yourself in the lace-making and glassblowing traditions of Venice, see artisans at work, explore the island streets, and bring home local treasures.

Highlights
  • Explore the glass blowing traditions of Murano at an artisan's workshop
  • See women making lace on the tiny island of Burano
  • Wander the streets of Burano to see the brightly painted houses
  • Follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and take home your own lace keepsake
  • Round-trip transportation by private boat from Venice
Description

Escape the crowds of central Venice and catch a glimpse of what life in the city used to be like, as an island of artisans famous for their traditional craft skills, passed down from generation to generation.

Your guide will keep you entertained on the short boat ride to the small island of Murano, famous for its glass making traditions. Find out the facinating story of Murano glassblowers and how their skills were so valued they were banned from leaving Venice on the threat of execution.

Watch a craftsman in action and listen to a description of the process in English. Learn how silica sand becomes glass, and how the glass is given color. Afterwards, there will be time to browse the huge collection of glass art, and wander the island on your own.

Cruise to the tiny island of Burano to see the brightly-painted houses huddled tightly together along streets and canals. Uncover Burano’s centuries-old lacemaking tradition as you visit a building where women still partake in this tradition of stitching lace.

Your guide will explain the process of this dying art. Then, you can follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and pick out your own keepsake. Or, wander the winding streets while sampling delicious local treats.

Unlike other tours, this excursion intentionally omits Torcello to provide you with more time on Murano and Burano, and with less time on the boat or trekking inland.

Included / Excluded
  • Round-trip transportation by boat
  • Local guide
  • Glassmaking demonstration at a Murano factory, with commentary in English
  • Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano, with commentary in English
  • Discount at the glass-blowing and lace-making venues (10% or more, depending on the item)
  • Headsets to hear your guide (where necessary)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Start / End Locations

Start Location: Riva degli Schiavoni, Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Venezia, IT

Start Location Notes: Meet your guide at the statue of man on a horse at San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, in front of the lagoon. Our City Wonders guides will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • • The Municipality of Venice has introduced an Access Fee that applies on specific dates. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking the official guidelines and completing the necessary registration through the provided link before your visit. (https://cda.ve.it/en/ Official Link for Registration)
  • • On Mondays, the typical lacemaking demonstration in Burano may not be available. In such an event, the tour still offers a captivating exploration of the island that showcases its unique charm and rich cultural heritage
Know Before You Go
  • • Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. No refunds will be given for those who arrive after the departure time
  • • On Mondays, the typical lacemaking demonstration in Burano may not be available. In such an event, the tour still offers a captivating exploration of the island that showcases its unique charm and rich cultural heritage
  • • The Municipality of Venice has introduced an Access Fee that applies on specific dates. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking the official guidelines and completing the necessary registration through the provided link before your visit. (https://cda.ve.it/en/ Official Link for Registration)
  • • City Wonders is not responsible for any personal belongings that are lost or damaged throughout the entire duration of the tour. Please note that any additional shipping costs related to retrieved items will not be covered by City Wonders.
  • • Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 2 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Options and Pricing

Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking Guided Tour by Boat RETAIL PRICE
Adult (15 - 99 years) $79.00
Additional Information

Not wheelchair accessible
We recommend that customers who are not familiar with Venice give themselves ample time to find meeting points

Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2024. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit: https://cda.ve.it/en/ (Official Link for Registration).

About operator:

Created for travel enthusiasts with inquisitive minds, City Wonders is a global tour operator specializing in exclusive and expert tours throughout Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Its intimate tours and day trips invite travelers to go beyond sightseeing, bringing the wonders of each destination to life through behind-the-scene experiences. All City Wonders tours are guided by local experts that know the ins and outs of their city.


Basic Information
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Moderate
  • Max Group Size: 20
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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