Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour

Inhabited by amazing Italian craftsmen who produce the famous Venetian colored glass and intricate lace, these Venice islands are the perfect places to experience the artisan culture of the city. Enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in Murano and see artisan lace making in Burano, with plenty of time to explore the many other charms of the islands with your private guide before returning to the city.

Murano and Burano Private Tour Description

Your 4-hour Venice islands tour includes the following:

• Round-trip transportation from Venice by private boat

• Private tour and glassblowing demonstration in Murano

• Private tour and lace making demonstration in Burano

• Free time to explore in Murano and Burano

• Engaging, English-speaking private guide

Murano Tour with Glassblowing

Enjoy the scenic views as you take off from Venice on a short boat voyage to Murano Island. As you approach the island, you'll notice the beautiful pastel-colored buildings that line the shores. Murano consists of seven small islands linked by bridges and once served as a commercial trading port from the 7th to the 13th centuries.

Best known as home to the glass making, many of the workshops and artisans who work here belong to the same families who've practiced their craft for centuries. You'll see the masters at work in a glassblowing demonstration, and explore the history of this ancient trade in Murano and observe the techniques that have made this art form so highly esteemed in Venice and beyond.

Afterwards you'll have time to browse the huge collection of glass art here and wander the island on your own for a while. It's a great place to pick up some souvenirs to take back home!

Burano Island 

Hop back onto your private boat for the scenic ride from Murano to Burano, another gorgeous island off the coast of Venice. The brightly-colored fishermen's houses that line the canals here are depicted in the most popular pictures of Venice. While it's now a treat to admire, the brightly-colored houses once served a practical purpose for the fishermen who called Burano home. The vibrant hues made it easier to return home when the Venetian fog made for low visibility.

However, Burano’s major claim to fame is its centuries-old tradition of lace making. Your guide will take you through the streets of Burano to a small building where women sit working feverishly, stitching lace like their mothers and grandmothers before them. Stay and watch their painstaking work, and hear how, in the age of sewing machines, these traditional methods are unique and highly sought-after.

When Michelangelo visited Burano he bought an altarpiece for the brand new Duomo in Milan, and there's no shortage of wonderful artisan shops to explore today either. You can spend your free time in the island winding your way along the kaleidoscopic streets and taking in the ambiance. We'd recommend trying the local cookies for one of the island's bakeries, or maybe picking up some incredibly fresh fish or seafood—delicious!

Back to the City

Enjoy another relaxing boat ride awaits as you cruise back to Venice. Rest assured, after this jaunt to Murano and Burano, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the rich history of artisans in the Floating City. Return back to your accommodation with a camera full of incredible pictures and lots of incredible stories to share with your loved ones. You may even come across to one-of-a-kind Venetian souvenirs along the way!

Don't forget, if you need advice about what else to see in Venice and where to eat, ask your guide. All our guides are true locals and know about all the best places around the lagoon.