Murano glassblowing & Burano lace-making private boat tour in Venice
Excursions & day trips

Murano glassblowing & Burano lace-making private boat tour in Venice

4.6/5
Excellent
Based on 46 reviews
from
£40.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: up to 5 hours
Do this because
  • Visit the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano
  • Don't miss live demonstrations of glassblowing and lace making
  • Hear mesmerizing stories by your expert English-speaking guide
  • Enjoy a relaxing round-trip boat trip by a private boat, exclusive to your tour group
  • Experience a personalized tour with a small group of up to 20 people
What to expect

Get a glimpse of what Venice really used to be like. Escape the chaos of crowds of tourists and visit the island where a world-famous craft has been passed from generation to generation. This half day trip will take you to see the timeless islands of Murano and Burano. These islands are known all over the world for the ancient art of glass blowing.

Murano

The tour will start at your meeting point in central Venice followed by a short and comfortable boat ride to Murano. There is a lot to see along the way. Your expert English-speaking guide will keep you entertained with a description of the sites as you pass them. Before you know it you'll step off the boat and take your first steps on the beautiful and enchanting island of Murano. This small island is known all over the world for its beautiful art glass pieces. Once upon a time, Murano glassblowers were the only people in Europe who knew how to create a mirror. Their skills were so valued that they were banned from leaving the city of Venice under threat of execution. As laws and the city has changed since then, the craft has stayed the same. You will get a glimpse of this remarkable artistic skill at the tour’s first stop – a glassblower’s workshop.

Watch a craftsman in action as he goes about his daily business and listen to a description of the process as he works – what gives the glass its color? How does silica sand become glass? What is the hardest part of this job? This is the best way to experience an authentic working studio and get all your curiosities answered of this mystical art. You will have time to browse the collection of glass art and wander the island on your own. Feel free to browse the shops and purchase a souvenir (with a special discount) if you find something you like.

Burano

Then it is back on the boat and off to your next destination, Burano. The tiny island of Burano is famous for two reasons. The first is for its colorful houses that are huddled tightly together along streets and canals. Legend has it that fishermen started this trend of painting their houses in bright shades so that they could see their home from a distance. Burano’s major claim to fame is the centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.

Your guide will take you through the streets of Burano to a small building where women today still work feverishly as they stitch lace with the same method used by their mothers and grandmothers before them. Listen to a full commentary on the age of sewing machines and how it has become a dying art. Take time to explore the fascinating lace samples on display. When Michelangelo visited Burano he bought an altarpiece for the brand new Duomo in Milan. You can take a leaf from his book and pick out your own keepsakes or spend your free time winding your way along the kaleidoscopic streets, sampling delicious cookies in local bakeries.

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What's included
  • check Glassmaking demonstration at a factory in Murano
  • check Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano
  • check Discount at the glassblowing and lace-making shop where the demonstrations are given (10%+ depending on the item)
  • check Round-trip transportation by private boat
  • check Small groups of 20 people or fewer
  • check Expert, English speaking guide
What's not included
  • x_not_included Entrance fees to the Burano Lace Museum
  • x_not_included Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • x_not_included Gratuities
Where

Riva degli Schiavoni, 4183, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Meeting point:
At the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on a horse in Riva degli Schiavoni (San Zaccaria vaporetto stop), in front of the lagoon.
What to remember
  • Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2024. To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the official registration website of Venice
  • It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after this point cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded
  • Unfortunately, this tour is unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. Strollers or baby carriages are also not permitted on group tours
  • It is recommended that customers who are not familiar with Venice give themselves ample time to find meeting points
  • Kindly wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring a bottle of water in warm weather
  • Groups at the demonstrations are no larger than 20 people
  • Please note that on Mondays, the typical lace making demonstration in Burano may not always be available. In such event, the tour still offers a captivating exploration of the island that showcases its unique charm and rich cultural heritage
Read more
Provider
City Wonders
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6/5

Based on 46 reviews from verified customers

65%
26%
9%
0%
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Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5

  • Lijn

    From United States of America - October 2024

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Anna was onze zeer kundige reisleidster! Zeer vriendelijk, deskundig en vertelde/gaf heel veel informatie

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - August 2024

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Murano glass demo good, but personally really enjoyed the wander around Burano.. such a beautiful place

  • Charles

    From United States of America - April 2024

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Tour well organised, Frankie the guide was great, very knowledgeable and informative. Watching the glassblowing live was great and some love pieces to ...

  • FionaM

    From United States of America - March 2024

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Our guide, Manuela, was great! She was very informative and interesting. The glass blowing was interesting and Burano is very picturesque with lots o ...

  • Anonymous

    From France - October 2023

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - October 2023

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    The tour guide, Alicia (?) was excellent, knowledgeable and entertaining, and the glass workshop was very interesting but the shopping experience ther ...

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