Venice Artisan Tour: Murano and Burano

Cruise the Venetian Lagoon by private water taxi and meet the artisans keeping Venice’s traditional crafts alive. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional glassblowing on the island of Murano, and traditional lacemaking on Burano. The tour includes discounts on souvenirs from both demonstration workshops. Both islands have plenty to see, and you’ll have ample time to explore.

Meeting Point

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Riva degli Schiavoni, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

At the statue of a man (Vittorio Emanuele II) on a horse in Riva degli Schiavoni (San Zaccaria vaporetto stop), in front of the lagoon.
The guide will have a City Wonders flag or sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition.

What's included:

• Glassmaking demonstration in Murano
• Round-trip transportation by private boat just for your group
• Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
• Enjoy a personal experience with an expert local guide in groups of up to 22.

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect:

Duration: 5 hours

Isola di Murano

Murano, 30141

The enchanting islands of Murano and Burano are the perfect change of pace from Venice’s crowded streets and waterways. And the perfect way to reach them is by private water taxi. Faster and sturdier than a gondola, nimbler and less crowded than a waterbus, water taxis are the premier way to travel in Venice. Few visitors get to experience them, but yours is included, along with an expert local guide who’ll explain Venice’s history as a titan of trade along the way.
Your first port of call is a specially chosen glassblowing workshop on Murano. In the Middle Ages, only Murano’s artisans possessed the secrets of this craft, and sharing them was punishable by execution. You’ll get to witness modern glassblowers wield those once secret techniques, shaping delicate and dazzling works of art from molten glass. Then admire the workshop’s finest work in its gallery, and perhaps take home a piece of your own – with a tour discount. Or explore more of Murano, including its peaceful canals and stunning Byzantine church.

2 hours, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Burano

Burano, 30142 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

The locals of nearby Burano still maintain the island’s tradition of handmade lace, some of the finest anywhere in the world. You’ll get to observe lace being hand-stitched the way it has been for generations. Then visit the lace museum to see the island’s greatest work, or simply enjoy the photo opportunity provided by the colorful houses, brightly painted so sailors could see home as they returned from the sea. When you cross the lagoon back to Venice, you’ll have a renewed appreciation of the crafts that put the city on the map so long ago.

2 hours, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included