Venetian Lagoon

Experience the iconic archipelago of Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking, by private water taxi.

On your private tour you will:

• Enjoy the personal attention of your private guide with pick up and drop off at the location of your choice in central Venice;
• Travel by luxury Venetian motorboat, the most comfortable and coolest way to reach the island of Murano;
• Learn why Murano is the centre for glassmaking in Venice and Europe;
• Visit Murano's oldest glassmaking factory, famous for its expertise in the working of Venetian Chandeliers exhibited in acclaimed museums all over the world; 
• See firsthand a glass-making demonstration by the Master glassblower himself or one of his trusted assistants;
• Visit an exclusive exhibition normally closed to the public, and meet a world-acclaimed Master glassblower;
• Travel like a local, and enjoy a luxury boat ride through the Venetian Lagoon with stunning panoramic views.

The Venetian Lagoon has many islands, each with its own character and heritage. Foremost among these is the archipelago of Murano, with its many bridges connecting the islands, which provides a respite from the touristy bustle of the historic city. Murano has been the centre of glassmaking in the region since 1291.

Your tour guide will take you via private water taxi across the stunning Venetian Lagoon to Murano. On arrival, you'll walk the colourful streets and enjoy many photo opportunities before enjoying an exclusive visit to the oldest family-run glass workshop, not usually open to the public.

Here you'll meet the master glassblower and his team who will give you a private demonstration in which you'll see how they twist the molten glass to make different shapes and items. If you are lucky, you will also see them colouring the glass. A very special part of the tour includes a private viewing of the world-famous Maestro Fabio Fornasier's exhibition, not open to the general public.

Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the history and secrets of the profession, how glassblowing shaped the fabric of Murano’s society and odd little facts such as why the glassblowers used to be immune from prosecution. 

• Avoid the crowds of tourists and get a taste of local Venice with this early morning tour;
• Walk over the Rialto Bridge, one of the most popular highlights of the city and the oldest bridge over the Gran Canal;
• Explore the buzzing Rialto District, Venice's trading hub in the heart of the city and the oldest market area of the Venetian lagune;
• Mingle with locals and spot the Venetian ladies expertly navigating the market stalls with their shopping trolly - they know what to buy and where for the best quality products and best prices;
• Learn about the island of Sant'Erasmo, known as the vegetable garden of Venice, where many of the Rialto market vegetables come from;
•  Walk around the famous Venetian fish market, held in a beautiful red brick loggia building with elegant arches, and take in the rich variety of sea produce ranging from fish to squid, molluscs and shellfish;
• Learn the tricks to buying fish here, you can find the best selection of fresh fish early in the mornings, but the best deals happen around 12.00 pm right before the market closes!

• Enjoy the personal attention and expertise of your guide instructor;
• Learn the basic techniques, positions, and movements used to row a gondola;
• Get onboard a traditional Venetian "batellina" rowing boat where you’ll learn to stand up, just like a Gondolier;
• Explore the city from an authentic perspective as you row under bridges and along the Venetian Canals;
• Celebrate with a well-deserved apéritif following your lesson;
• Please note that this activity is a fun rowing lesson— not a classic gondola ride.

Please note: This activity is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

Explore the beautiful Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their world-famous glassblowing and handmade lace-making traditions dating back to the 1500s, by luxury water taxi with a private guide.

On your private tour you will:

• Travel in the comfort of a private Venetian motorboat and enjoy a panoramic boat ride through the magical Venetian Lagoon;
• Visit Murano's oldest glassmaking factory, where you will meet the master glassblower and his team;
• See first-hand a glassblowing demonstration of the world's finest blown glass;
• Admire the exclusive glass exhibition, normally closed to the public which boasts stunning glass chandelier works by an acclaimed modern maestro;
• Explore the colourful fishermen’s island of Burano, known for its lace-making traditions;
• Follow a private guided tour of a historic lace workshop and witness a demonstration of this intricate craft;
• Photograph the iconic brightly coloured buildings as you walk through the streets;
• Savour the delicious biscuits called Bussolai, and enjoy a local special gelato that can only be found on Burano island.

Escape the hustle and bustle of St Mark’s Square as you head to the pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy a picturesque boat ride to the islands of Murano and Burano.

Celebrated as the centre of production of the world-famous Murano Glass and often described as the “small Venice”, Murano is the most well-known of the islands surrounding beautiful Venice, but your guide will show you some off-the-beaten-path places there too.

Your first stop will be a traditional glassmaking factory, where you will watch a master glassblower and other artisans make chandeliers, vases, statues and other beautiful objects. You will also have an exclusive invitation to private viewing of an exhibition by Maestro Fabio Fornasier – not usually open to the public. Fornasier’s exquisite design work with chandeliers, in particular, has made him world-famous.

Burano, famous for its colourfully painted houses and its picturesque canals, is a real pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and will leave you spellbound by its beauty. Walk along scenic canals and take wonderful photographs of the vibrant local architecture and spectacular vistas that make the island of Burano a very special place to visit.

Then enjoy a visit to a local workshop where you’ll see the intricacy involved in the delicate lace-making - which continues to be made by hand today. You’ll also be invited to taste the delicious local cookies called ‘Bussolai’ and a special flavoured gelato before travelling back to central Venice across the Lagoon.