Murano

Neighborhood Tours

Meet your local guide in a central location near Piazza San Marco and board a private boat to learn more about the Venetian lagoon and its islands. Stop on the characteristic island of Murano, and visit the 7th-century Church of Santa Maria e San Donato. Stroll through the silent streets for about 15 minutes to arrive at an old glass factory where the glass blowers are still working. Benefit for some free time to shop or explore the rest of the island. Then, travel by private boat to the nearby island of Burano. Upon arrival, take in the colorful houses of one of the most enchanting parts of Venice. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets and discover lovely corners. You will have free time to enjoy lunch on this tour. Return to the main island of Venice for a glass of sparkling Prosecco at the end of your tour services.

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your 1-hour stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your 1.5-hour visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels on Piazza San Marco and see sights such as the Doge's Palace and Campanile as you stroll around the famous colonnades.

Visit the most beautiful islands in the Venetian Lagoon on this 4.5 or 6-hour afternoon trip. Stop at the island of Murano, home to world-renowned glassblowers, Burano, known for its lace production and the ancient settlement of Torcello. Stop at Murano and see a demonstration by a glass-blowing master. The tradition of glassblowing has been passed down generations of Murano residents. Continue to Torcello and see the central square, the Church of Santa Fosca, Ponte del Diavolo and other interesting sites. The last visit will be to Burano. The island is world-known for its hand-made lace but also for its small, brightly painted houses that are popular with artists.  Your tour ends back in Saint Mark’s Square. If you want, you can stay on board and be taken directly to the train station for an additional cost - just ask your tour guide.

Board a panoramic vessel in Venice and set sail to Murano, renowned for its glass manufacturing industry. Enjoy a fascinating visit to a glass furnace and admire this ancient art form up close. Make use of free time to stroll around the island at you leisure. Visit the Murano Glass Museum and the byzantine church of San Donato. Afterwards, hop back onboard and cruise to the picturesque Burano, an island famous for its hand-made laces and brightly coloured fisherman’s houses. If you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to lunch on the island. Next, depart to Torcello island, the most ancient historical settlement in the Venetian lagoon region. Admire the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca before heading back to Venice.

Discover the artistic heart of Venice on an unforgettable cruise by motorboat. Get stunning views of the lagoon from the panoramic boat as you cruise towards the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Enjoy an audio guide with a digital map to discover the history and legends of the 3 islands by your self, and take marvelous pictures of Venice and its lagoon. See the 16th-century Benedictine monastery on San Giorgio Maggiore and pass the famous Venice Lido before arriving at Murano. Visit one of the glass-blowing factories of its glass manufacturing industry, known throughout the world for its refined techniques and use of color.  Continue to the neighboring island of Burano and admire the brightly painted fishermen’s houses. See some of the lace products made on the island, and then sail to the sparsely populated island of Torcello, where the estuary was first settled in 452 AD. Admire the mosaics of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and see the adjacent Church of Santa Fosca as the only reminders of the island glorious past.

From the meeting point on Certosa, board the traditional Venetian boat to start your private guided tour. The first stop will be at the former quarantine center, Lazzaretto Vecchio, where between 1403 and 1630 it housed a hospital which cared for people during the plague. Explore the grounds as you learn about the functions of this building during the plague and as a military base. Next, take the chance to learn how to drive a handcrafted Venetian boat before heading to the highlight of the tour: Poveglia Island. Sail around the ancient island that first appears in the historical record in 421, and was populated until the residents fled warfare in 1379. The island has been unoccupied since 1968 and remains shrouded in mystery. Listen as your guide explains the history that has made this island so famous.

Climb aboard a private boat and travel down the Grand Canal. See the most beautiful parts of the city and its architectural masterpieces from the water. Learn about the noblemen and other inhabitants of the lagoon. Head across to the island of Murano, famous for its glass production. See a glass-blowing demonstration, and then go to the neighboring island of Burano. Stroll among the brightly colored buildings and get some time to enjoy a coffee. Discover secret streets and go to the most popular and lively neighborhoods. Return to the city center and get dropped off on Piazza San Marco.

Take a course on how to eat fresh, seasonal, and local food on this unique walking and cooking tour. Discover the vibrant Rialto Market and let the views of the city take your breath away as you cross the Canal Grande on a Gondola ferry. Stroll to the Rialto Market to collect fresh fish. Explore the lively market as you find the best ingredients for your lunch. See fish artfully arranged on stalls covered with deep layers of crushed ice. Watch as seagulls wander among the fishmongers calling out the day's catch. View customers purposefully browsing the stalls, as generations of Venetians have been doing for the past 800 years. After the shopping is finished, cross the Canal Grande on a Gondola ferry, which will likely be full of local housewives on their way home. Make your way through a maze of streets until you reach Fondamente Nove, where you will catch a water taxi to Murano where the cooking will take place. Cook your meal with hands-on instruction from a local Venetian. Tasting some glasses of prosecco and appetizers while cooking. Have a pasta with a tasty fish sauce while a seabass is baking to perfection in the oven. Eat in a dining room with a the view of the canal. Finish lunch with a strong Italian coffee brewed from a moka pot.