Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Tour

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey deep into the Venetian lagoon on our excursion to the beautiful and unspoiled islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. From the brightly-coloured fishermen’s huts of Burano to the glassworks of Murano and mysterious landmarks of Torcello, the islands conserve another side of Venice’s past and present where time seems to stand still and centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship live on today. Visiting the islands in the company of one of our expert local guides - and with the benefit of a private water taxi at your disposal throughout - is the perfect way to experience the marvels of the Venetian lagoon in total comfort. Join us on this special journey to the islands of Venice, and enjoy the perfect day-trip from the Floating City!

Tour Description

Murano: The Centre of the Glassmaking Industry for 700 Years

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 13^thcentury 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.

The Spectacular Painted Houses of 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.

Torcello: A Journey to the Cradle of Venetian Civilization

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 7^th 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.

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