Glassblowing Masterclass in Murano: Private Boat Tour from VenicePrivate Tour

Things to know

What makes this tour special

Murano glass is one of the most famous artisanal products originating from Venice, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, intricate designs, and long-standing tradition of glassmaking. The glass is produced on the islands of Murano, located in the heart of Venetian Lagoon, and has been a symbol of luxury and artistry for centuries. It represents the fusion of Venetian creativity, history, and technical expertise, with each piece telling the story of a rich tradition passed down through generations, making it a beloved symbol of Venetian culture. With our incredible Murano Glass workshop, you can journey through the lagoon to see the glassmaking process firsthand and even give it a try for yourself, ending up with a charming little piece of Venice to take home.

On your Murano Glass workshop, you will:

• Traverse the Venetian waterways in style in a private water taxi with hotel pick up and drop off included;
• Enjoy amazing views of the canals, landmarks and surrounding islands as you journey through the lagoon;
• Disembark on the charming and colourful islands of Murano and delve into their world-renowned glassmaking traditions;
• Step inside an authentic Murano Glass factory and meet a glassblowing guru;
• Get an insider look at the furnace and the tools used during the process;
• See a practical demonstration of the glassblowing techniques;
• Step into the shoes of a master craftsman and try your hand at making a glass masterpiece of your own;
• Toast your artistic endeavours with a fabulous Venetian aperitivo after the workshop;
• Earn a special certificate for your glassblowing efforts and receive your personalized glass keepsake to take home the very next day.

Murano and its exquisite glasswork reflect Venice's deep historical and artistic legacy. The techniques and traditions of glassmaking have been nurtured and protected for centuries, and the artisans of today have done a wonderful job of adapting their art to modern tastes while preserving the centuries-old heritage. You may find Murano glass all over the city of Venice, as well as in high-end luxury boutiques and art galleries all around the world, but there is nothing quite like seeing the craftsmanship up close in the heartwarming island community where it has been perfected for almost 800 years.

Your immersive day in Murano begins right in the heart of Venice, where you will be picked up directly from your hotel by a private water taxi. Having your own dedicated transport allows you to glide through the canals and under the iconic bridges until you reach the Venice lagoon. There is a wealth of beautiful islands to discover and you will enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views of them as you make your way towards your distinctive destination.

Soon it will be time for you to disembark your boat on Murano, one of the most vibrant corners of the Veneto region. The first settlements here date back to between the 5th and 7th centuries but it was the arrival of the glassmakers in the 1200s that really put Murano on the map. As you wander the streets, you will soon be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of brightly-coloured glass objects on display, from opulent chandeliers to intricate jewellery and glass beads. You will then step inside an iconic glass factory, one of the oldest on the islands, where you will get a behind-the-scenes look and enjoy a crash course in this elaborate art from an expert.

Glassmaking in Murano has been passed down through generations of glass masters, known as maestros. You will meet one such maestro who will provide a comprehensive rundown of the tools used for glassblowing and show you the dedicated furnace, an essential component of the art of glassblowing, allowing artists to work with molten glass and create their beautiful and often complex pieces. Following a captivating demonstration, it’s time for you to get creative and get to work on a glass project of your own. Under the watchful eye of your glasswork guru, you will try glassblowing for yourself and manipulate the Murano Glass into a colourful creation that you will be able to take home as a unique memento of your time in Venice.

Once your special souvenir has taken shape, you’ll be awarded a certificate of participation in the workshop and can celebrate your artistic endeavour with an extraordinary aperitivo inside the factory itself. Many Venetians and visitors alike will indulge in this pre-dinner drink to work up an appetite, but very few get the chance to do so in the atelier of a celebrated artisan. After enjoying a prosecco or a typical Italian cocktail, your masterclass will come to a close, and you will hop aboard your water taxi to return to Venice. Following another scenic jaunt through the lagoon, you'll have the option to be dropped off at St. Mark’s Square to see more of the city or go straight to your hotel, where your one-of-a-kind Murano treasure will be delivered to your Venice Hotel the following day.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that your glass creation will require a 24-hour finishing process, including cooling and final touches and will be delivered to your Venice Hotel the following day. 

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