Walking Tour of Artisanal Crafts in Venice

You’ll get a glimpse of the centuries-old techniques still used today, as well as seeing some outstanding local artists displaying their work. Enjoy browsing and learning about the ancient crafts, and feel free to pick up some unique souvenirs along the way!

Venice Artisan Crafts Tour Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

• Private guided walking tour in central Venice

• Visit Rialto fish market, artisan stores, and craft workshops

• See local art and ancient trades such as ceramics, paper, silks, and jewelry

• Friendly, English-speaking local guide

Meet in Campo San Polo

Start your tour in the heart of Venice, at Campo San Polo, where you’ll join a small group for a short introduction to the ancient trades of the city before beginning your walking tour.

Rialto Fish Market

On your way to explore the artisan shops, you’ll take stroll through the lively Rialto fish market—a Venetian institution with over 800 years of history. Enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday local life as you admire the catches of the day.

Stunning Ceramics

Follow your guide into a local artisan store that makes the colorful, one-of-a-kind ceramics that have been at the center of Venetian life for centuries. Using techniques and materials that are increasingly rare in this era of mass production, these beautiful, rustic pieces are the perfect addition to any Italian dining table.

Venetian Hats and Shoes

Visit the makers that have kept Venice in style for generations! Traditional shoe making is a true art form, and over the centuries everything from old tires to empty grain sacks has been repurposed into durable footwear. You’ll see the innovative craftsmanship as well as some of the extravagant hand-sewn shoes made from the finest local materials.

You’ll also visit a tiny local hat shop that has become a Venice institution. There’s a hat here for every occasion from vacation to weddings!

Maestro Marmorizzatore

On a visit to this master papermaker, you’ll witness an artisan technique which was once at the heart of Venetian industry and lives on today in the beautiful sheets produced in this workshop. This is paper making with a difference, filled with dedication and flare. Many of the sheets here display stunning color shades and have embedded designs like tulips, trees, and even smiling fish!

Artists of Venice

Next, you’ll stop by art a cozy art shop run by two talented local artists. Admire pieces designed to encourage an intimate relationship between the object and the viewer, and enjoy collections of sculpture, glass flowers, reborn trees, and much more. And of course, you'll see a craftsman who makes truly authentic Venetian masks that are the envy of all who attend high-fashion balls.

Traditional Murano Glass

Venice’s famous Murano glass helps to produce some of the most beautiful glass items you’ll find anywhere, the Venetians have kept this ancient tradition alive in the city for centuries. You’ll stop by at a shop displaying some of the finest glass craftsmanship around. Admire the meticulous work of these masters of their trade, and maybe treat someone back home to some crafted glass beads as a one-off souvenir.

Fine Italian Silks

Before ending the tour and setting off to explore more of Venice, your guide will introduce you to a local textile company who have been producing fine fabrics for generations. You’ll see expertly produced damasks, lampas, brocatelles, and velvets including the special soprarizzo variety. This coveted Venetian velvet is still made on a loom that dates back to the 18th century.

At this point you’ll wave goodbye to your guide but make sure to take note of their local recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop in the Floating City.