Day trip

Add to wishlist

Day trip

Venice: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking Tour by Boat

4.6

324 reviews

From US$ 43.47 per person

Discover the lace-making and glassblowing traditions of Venice on a leisurely 5-hour private tour by boat. Watch glass and lace-making demonstrations with options to buy items at a discount.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, Italian
Private or small groups available

Highlights

Explore the glass blowing traditions of Murano at an artisan's workshop
See women making lace on the tiny island of Burano, and get an explanation of the dying art in English
Wander the streets of Burano to see the brightly painted houses
Follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and take home your own lace keepsake
Enjoy a private boat trip to the 2 most colorful islands in the lagoon, Murano and Burano
Shop discounted souvenirs from Venetian glassblowing & lacemaking artisans' collections of pieces

Full description

Escape the crowds of central Venice and catch a glimpse of what life in the city used to be like, as an island of artisans famous for their traditional craft skills, passed down from generation to generation. Your guide will keep you entertained on the short boat ride to the small island of Murano, famous for its glass making traditions. Historically, Murano glassblowers were the only Europeans that knew how to create a mirror, and their skills were so valued they were banned from leaving Venice on the threat of execution. Watch a craftsman in action and listen to a description of the process in English. Learn how silica sand becomes glass, and how the glass is given color. Afterwards, there will be time to browse the huge collection of glass art, and wander the island on your own. Back on the boat, cruise to the tiny island of Burano to see the brightly-painted houses huddled tightly together along streets and canals. Burano’s main claim to fame is its centuries-old lacemaking tradition. Stroll through the streets to a small building where women feverishly stitch lace, just as their mothers and grandmothers used to do. Your guide will explain the process of this dying art. Then, you can follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and pick out your own keepsake. Or, wander the winding streets, sampling delicious cookies at local bakeries. Unlike other tours, this excursion intentionally omits Torcello to provide you with more time on Murano and Burano, and with less time on the boat or trekking inland.

Includes

Glass making demonstration at a Murano factory, with commentary in English
Lace making demonstration at a shop in Burano, with commentary in English
Discount at the glass blowing and lace-making venues where the demonstrations are held (10% or more, depending on the item)
Headsets where necessary
Round-trip transportation by boat

Hotel pick-up and drop off
Gratuities

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
All participants who are 12 years and older must present a Reinforced Green Pass that is valid in the EU and has a verifiable QR code. Reinforced Green Passes can only be obtained by uploading either proof of full vaccination or proof of a Covid-19 infection within the last 6 months to either the Green Pass or Covid Certificate app
All participants must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver's license, etc)
All participants are required to bring and wear FFP2 masks. Blue surgical masks will not be accepted

Meeting point

Meeting point varies depending on option booked.

Important information

Not allowed

Baby strollers

Know before you go

As of August 6, 2021, all public venues in Italy will require visitors above the age of 12 to present either a COVID-19 green certificate and an ID, proving that they are fully vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine or negative PCR or antigen test that is no more than 48-hours old
Green Vaccine Passes must be in Italian or English and can be presented in digital or printed formats
You can choose between a shared or private experience
Clients must arrive at the designated meeting point and present their tour voucher to the tour coordinator/guide. Late arrivals will not be able to catch up with the group and no refunds will be given for those who arrive after the departure time

Venice: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking Tour by Boat

Venice: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking Tour by Boat

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Organized by