Venetian Islands Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking: Large Group

About the Tour:

Just a short boat ride from Venice’s bustling streets and canals lie the tiny, charming islands of Murano and Burano—both famous for the crafts that have been made for centuries by their resident artisans. This tour, which visits both the glass-making workshops of Murano, the lace-making artisans of Burano, and Torcello, the island where the very first Venetians settled, gives you a new perspective on the city's history. Accompanying you will be an expert, English-speaking guide whose knowledge illuminates the significance of these creative outposts. 

What We Love About This Tour:

• Watching Murano glassmakers practice their craft, which has been handed down through generations of artisans
• Wandering among the charming streets of Burano, where lace-makers ply their trade inside brightly painted shops
• Choosing gifts and keepsakes to take home that have been handmade in these unique artistic enclaves
  

Tour Itinerary:

Stop 1: Murano

After meeting your group at the ferry stop at San Marco Giardinetti you'll make the short boat ride to Murano—a tiny island known all over the world for its exquisitely elaborate colorful and glasswork. You’ll learn about the island’s history as a glassmaking enclave (which dates to the 13th century), visit an illustrious glass-making workshop, and watch a demonstration of how Murano glass is blown, colored, and shaped. You’ll also get to shop in the gallery boutique for glass pieces to bring or ship home.

Stop 2: Burano

You’ll find that your next destination, the enchanting island of Burano, delights even before you’ve stepped on shore; its canal-side houses painted in bright, cheery colors are some of the most photographed sights around Venice. Once you’ve disembarked, though, you’ll get to experience Burano’s true claim to fame: its many shops where artisans painstakingly craft gorgeous handmade lace. You’ll have the chance to wander among these shops on your own, speaking to lace-makers and perhaps picking up some special souvenirs.

Stop 3: Torcello

The oldest colony in Venice once occupied this island, at the northern end of the lagoon. Though most settlers left Torcello for the mainland centuries ago, remarkable monuments to their history remain here. You'll see the most splendid of them—the Byzantine cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, whose looming bell tower dates to the 7th century—before heading back to the city.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip water taxi transport to three islands

Not Included:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Meals
  
• Gratuities
  

Important to Know:

• Please be sure to arrive at the tour departure point 15 minutes before the starting time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets will not be refunded.
• Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour
• A Child ticket is mandatory ages from 2 to 14 years.  Infants 1 year and under are free.  
  

Important to Bring:

• Good walking shoes. This tour includes several sets of stairs.
• A hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Many parts of the islands are not shaded.