Grand Canal Venice
Enjoy a private boat tour of Venice’s Grand Canal at sunset followed by an exclusive glass-blowing show in Murano including an aperitif with a famous artisan.
Venice is one of the world's most enchanting cities, offering a wide array of experiences that highlight its unique blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty. With a fascinating topography unlike anywhere else in the world, the city’s main ‘street’ is actually the Grand Canal. This main waterway snakes through the heart of Venice, offering a spectacular introduction to the city's iconic architecture and stunning views. Cruise the Canal on our private water taxi tour and enjoy the magic of Venice from the water. A wonderful way to combine 3 of the most quintessential Venetian moments - a canal cruise, an exclusive look inside a Murano glassblowing factory and a typical Italian aperitivo - to make for a truly memorable evening in the Floating City.
On your private sunset boat tour, you will:
As the sun sets over Venice, the city takes on an ethereal beauty. The famous palazzos are bathed in golden light, and the water reflects the colours of the sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Your gorgeous evening in Venice will begin at your hotel, where you will meet your expert guide and hop aboard your private water taxi which will serve as your vessel for your exhilarating journey.
After an introduction to the Floating City, it will be time for your first activity, a tour of the Grand Canal. Thanks to the insights of your private guide, you will learn how the Grand Canal has been the central hub of Venetian life for centuries, how dating back to Roman times, it became a crucial route for transporting goods and people and how in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was lined with magnificent palaces, built by wealthy Venetian families who flaunted their wealth and power through architecture. All the while, you will pass by these stunning palaces and other emblematic Venice landmarks and sail under its charming bridges where your guide can point out the most intricate features and tell riveting tales of their home city.
You will then head deeper into the Venice lagoon, enjoying wonderful twilight views of the city’s skyline from a unique vantage point on the water. You will float past the islands dotted around the lagoon at their most tranquil and peaceful, before arriving at your next destination: mesmerizing Murano. This series of small islands is a must-see for any visitor to Venice, showcasing hundreds of years of artisanal tradition. The islands' most famous export is of course Murano Glass and you can find a myriad of handcrafted glass objects on display there, from exquisite vases and chandeliers to gorgeous glass beads and jewelry.
Once you disembark in Murano, your guide will lead you through the quaint colourful streets to the private workshop of a famous local Master Glassblower, where you will get a privileged look at the painstaking process of crafting the amazing glass objects. In addition to a special glassblowing demonstration, you will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with the maestro himself where you can learn the secrets of his craft, ask about the innovative techniques passed down through the generations and understand why these treasures of Murano remain a symbol of luxury and artistry to this day.
Not only that, you will also be able to experience a unique take on the traditional Venetian aperitivo. This ritual of a pre-dinner drink, derived from the Latin aperitivus, is meant to open up the appetite and is thought to date back to Roman times, though it evolved into a national pastime in the 20th century. Now an essential element of Italian culture, aperitivo happens across the country and beyond, though Venice is known for doing it particularly well. In the comfort of the workshop of your glassblowing guru, you will enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a Bellini Cocktail and toast to your night of Venetian delights.
Following your intimate aperitif, your water taxi will be waiting to return you to central Venice and give you one last chance to take in the picturesque vistas of the lagoon by night. As the city lights draw ever closer, your guide can provide recommendations for a decadent dinner or moonlit stroll around the city and you can choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the iconic St. Mark’s Square to keep exploring having formed a deep personal connection to the streets and waterways of Venice.
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Visit the must-see sites of Venice in a full-day private tour from St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, to the Rialto Bridge & the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco & Castello.
Cross the Venetian Lagoon in a private boat to Murano and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in the oldest workshop in Venice and an exclusive tour of its glass exhibits, usually closed to the public.
Enjoy a private tour of The Accademia Gallery of Venice, the world-famous museum of Renaissance masterpieces, followed by a visit to the beautiful Frari Church and a stroll in the San Polo district.
Visit two of Venice's most popular landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, followed by a city walk towards the Rialto bridge on this private half-day walking tour.
Watch Venice come to life as you explore the fish, fruit and vegetable Rialto markets that marvel both tourists and locals with their scents, colours and fresh produce on this private walking tour.
Learn the traditional skills of navigating the iconic canals of Venice by gondola in this private 1.5 hr lesson, and become a gondolier in this fun, family-friendly experience.
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