DURATION: UP TO 6-HOURS

The Venetian Lagoon spans approximately 210 miles. Only 8% of that space is the land that makes up Venice and its various islands. On a leisurely private boat tour, you'll visit the three most distinctive islands in the Lagoon, taking you back to the origins of Venice. Featuring a unique aspect of the old city on each island, you'll explore the history of Italian lace, glass, and mosaic.

Torcello, isolated in the middle of the water, has a millenary cathedral with awesome mosaics. The most famous of these mosaics is the enormous Doomsday, which occupies the entire counter façade of the church. The vivid colors and scenes, representing the descent of Jesus Christ to Hell, the Final Judgment, and the Seven Deadly Sins still have a profound impact on our imagination and will deeply impress you. Torcello is also notable for literary enthusiasts as a home of Ernest Hemingway, who spent some time in this secluded corner of the world, writing part of “Beyond the River and into the Trees.” 

Burano, like many Mediterranean fishing villages, has tiny, brightly colored houses - a treat for photographers - and a friendly, peaceful atmosphere. On this island, men worked mostly as fishermen, and the women developed special skills of thread and needle on the fishing nets. In the 16th century, this lace became so popular that the women’s skills were transformed into extremely intricate and elegant laces used for decorating altars, tablecloths, and garments. Somehow – with difficulty - the tradition of Burano lacemaking has survived the centuries and has been handed down through generations.

Lunch will be either in Torcello or in Burano: it will be hard to choose between the sophisticated Locanda Cipriani or Al Ponte del Diavolo in Torcello, and the seafood specialties of Da Romano and Al Gatto Nero in Burano. Whichever you choose, however, note the best souvenir from the lagoon is Burano's delicious local "biscotti.” 

Afterward, you will also stop at Murano, renowned for its artistic glass production. During working days, you will be able to visit one of the best traditional glass furnaces and see the actual glass production. On weekends and during August (the only month in which the ovens are switched off!) there will be a good demonstration followed by a look at all the finished products - the variety is huge. 

A short visit to the 12th century church of San Donato, with its carpet-like marble floor full of animal representations, and the fantastically ornate Romanesque apses will conclude the tour and you will return to Venice.

This 6-hour tour includes: 

• Torcello: mosaics in the cathedral 
• Burano: lace making and stroll around the island 
• Murano : glass blowing and visit to San Donato 
• Private boat ride in the Northern Lagoon 
• Lunch on the islands (Torcello or Burano)

Pick-up/Drop-off: Our guide will pick you up from your Venice City-Centre Hotel; supplement may apply for pickup from hotels situated near Venice-Santa Lucia Rail Station or other outlying areas. At the conclusion of the excursion, you'll return back to Venice's main island via private water taxi.

Includes: Private expert English-speaking guide for up to 6-hours, private, direct water taxi transfers to/from Torcello/Murano/Burano.

Excludes: Guide Gratuity, Extra Hours, Entrance Fees to the Glass Workshop/Glass Museum, Cost of lunch.

NOTE: 

• Modest attire is required – knees and shoulders must be covered.

Tour pricing

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