Experience the iconic archipelago of Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking, by private water taxi.
On your private tour you will:
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.
The Rialto Markets (Mercati di Rialto) are the perfect place to discover the real heart of the city when it's just beginning to stir and to experience the true Venetian way of living. They are located in the centre of the city, by the Rialto Bridge, and they are the oldest market in Venice.
On this private tour, you will:
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, and on this tour, you will certainly explore the hotspots before the crowds awaken.
Not only will you see Venetian's famous canals, squares, and landmarks, but you will also see the millenary trade centre come alive at the stroke of sunrise where Venetians of all ages come to do their shopping.
Explore the Venice Rialto markets and venture through authentic Venice to get a feeling of the true Venetian lifestyle. Watch fishermen at work as they prepare and cut Venetian squid, and observe the slicing of artichoke before they are sold at food markets.
Be sure to ask your private guide for a local espresso recommendation for a burst of caffeine before you commence your tour!
Gondolas and Gondoliers are the most visible and iconic cornerstones of Venetian culture. To become a gondolier is to learn one of the country's most sought-after professions, a profession that has existed for hundreds of years. Now you too can Learn how to become a Venetian Gondolier during this unique master-class style tour!
In your Gondola lesson, you will:
Sure, there's something idyllic about languorously laying back in a Venetian gondola and enjoying the sights from the canals as your Gondolier does all the rowing, but have you ever considered the years of practice it takes to become a master gondolier?
This exclusive, immersive class will show you what it takes to become a novice gondolier. You’ll gain insight into this challenging skill the locals make look easy and seamless. During your private tour, a Venetian guide will welcome you onboard a traditional gondola from the 1700s and you’ll learn the basic techniques and positions necessary to row a gondola.
Once you feel confident, you’ll take to the canals and row your own Batellina through the maze of canals and bridges of Venice yourself, all while standing up like a professional gondolier! You don’t get much more local than that. Celebrate your first rowing lesson with a very well-deserved Venetian apéritif at the Caneva (rowing pier) to conclude your tour.
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:
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.
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