See another side of Venice on our excursion to the beautiful and unspoiled islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello with private boat transportation.
Highlights
Hidden Gems
- The Basilica of San Donato
- The Devil's Bridge
- Santa Maria Assunta cathedral
Tour Includes
- Expert English-speaking private accompany
- Private boat between the islands
- Visit to a Glass Maker on Murano
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
We’ve Got You Covered!
Can’t make your trip? Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, minus any ticket costs.
ITINERARY
What To Expect On Your Tour
The Centre of the Glassmaking Industry for 700 Years
Murano
We’ll begin our journey on beautiful Murano, actually a series of 7 islands linked by bridges perched in the heart of the Venetian lagoon. In the 13thcentury the glassmakers of Venice were moved en-masse to this remote spot to guard against devastating fires caused by their furnaces belching out smoke into the densely populated city, and 800 years later Murano glass is still one of the world’s most famous artisan products.
During our stop on the island we’ll learn all about the special glass-blowing technique brought to Venice from the Orient by returning traders and perfected over the centuries in the island’s charming glass museum, before seeing the works of the modern-day artisans keeping the traditions alive in their nearby ateliers today. If you wish, we’ll also be able to arrange a glass-blowing demonstration where you’ll get to see the incredible technique that magically turns molten sand into crystal up close. Murano is also home to the oldest church in the Venetian lagoon, which we can visit on request – lavish Santa Maria e San Donato, whose 12th-century mosaic floor is a masterpiece of Byzantine art.
Spectacular Painted Houses
Burano
Back on the water, we’ll chart a northward course towards the seductive island of Burano at the northern end of the lagoon. The incredibly picturesque brightly painted houses that line Burano’s narrow cobbled streets and waterways are a photographer’s dream, and the settlement even boasts its own leaning tower in the campanile of San Martino. According to popular folklore, the tradition of Burano’s brightly coloured houses can be traced back to the island’s fishermen seeking a foolproof way to find their ways home through the dense fogs of the Venetian winter. Burano is known throughout Italy for its tradition of lace-making, the island’s main industry as far back as the Renaissance, when Leonardo da Vinci dropped by to purchase some for an altarpiece destined for Milan cathedral. Not much has changed since Leonardo’s day – these intricate masterpieces are still made entirely by hand, craft elevated to the realm of high art.
A Journey to the Cradle of Venetian Civilization
Torcello
The final stop on our journey into the heart of the Venetian lagoon is also a journey back in time. The semi-deserted island of Torcello is the birthplace of Venetian civilization, where according to legend refugees fleeing Attila the Hun’s Barbarian hordes on the mainland arrived in the 7th century, and was for centuries much more powerful than its younger neighbour across the lagoon.
The stagnant air of the lagoon and the increasing difficulty of navigating its waterways led to its slow and inevitable decline over the centuries, and these days it’s a sleepy place with just 13 full-time residents. But its extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, complete with spectacular Byzantine mosaics including a truly terrifying Last Judgement, is a vivid reminder of the island’s former glory. An air of mystery hangs over this forgotten place, and on your visit you’ll also learn about the legends surrounding eerie historical sights like the Devil’s Bridge and Attila’s Chair.
if you would like to extend your time on the water and experience the rich culinary traditions of the lagoon with a gourmet lunch, contact us to ask us about our exclusive VIP Luxury Islands Excursion.
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
