Tour Details

Venice Shore Excursion: Murano Glass and Burano Lace Tour

From: £39.43

Duration: 4 hours

Category: Outdoors

Discover the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano on a half-day shore excursion trip from Venice! With your expert guide, you'll learn about the age-old handcrafts that brought these little islands fame, and see quality Murano glass and Burano lace being made first-hand. It’s the perfect afternoon trip from Venice for those seeking a combination of history and behind-the-scenes action!

When your cruise ship docks in Venice, enjoy a shore excursion to discover two of Venice’s famous islands. Your full-day tour starts with a short ride to Murano by private boat. Famed for its stunning Murano glass products, the cluster of little islands that comprise Murano are as popular for their glassmaking heritage as they are for their attractiveness.

With your guide, head straight to a glassblower's workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at a Murano glassmaker in action. You'll learn how finished glass is carefully prepared and made. Watch the silica sand turn to glass, discover how the bright colors (typical of Murano glass) are achieved and hear all about working as a glassblower in Murano! You'll have time to spend at leisure on Murano, a great opportunity to browse the workshop's impressive glass art collection.

Next, head to the neighboring island of Burano, where you'll be greeted by its vibrantly colored fishermen's houses. Just as Murano is famous for its glassmaking, Burano is famous for its lacemaking. Visit a local workplace to see the island's craftswomen at work. Burano lace is the finished product of a painstakingly precise textile craft. Your guide will talk about the history of the exquisite Venetian lace and explain how the handcrafted finery is sadly becoming a dying art.

Before your half-day trip comes to an end, you can visit the fascinating Burano Lace Museum (Museo del Muretto), or spend your time exploring the colorful little streets, taking photos or browsing the shops for a lace keepsake!

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Venice port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon