Explore three famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon – Murano, Burano and Torcello – on a half-day sightseeing excursion by motorboat. You'll stop at a glass-blowing factory on Murano, shop for handcrafr in Burano and visit Venice's first cathedral on the tranquil island of Torcello.
Board a comfortable motorboat, departing from Venice and speed along the Venetian Lagoon to three islands famous for their handicrafts and architecture: Murano, Burano and Torcello.
You'll cruise past the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore, San Servolo, San Lazzaro degli Armeni and Sant'Elena Gardens to Murano, divided into nine islets crossed by a wide canal. Known for its glassware shops and factories, Murano boasts a long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291, when glass artisans moved their kilns from the old city center. Explore the island on foot and stop at a glass factory to watch a skilled glassblower create works of art.
View the magnificent splendor of Murano's palaces and Veneto-Byzantine style churches, some with mosaics and ornamental motifs designed in the 12th century, and catch a glimpse of San Michele – Venice's 19th-century cemetery – across the water. Before re-boarding the boat, you'll have time to visit a museum showcasing the world-famous Murano glass.
Afterward, journey to the island of Burano and admire the picturesque fishermen's houses painted in bright pastel colors. In this miniature Venice, you'll find the famous lace – abundant since the 16th century and once considered the most refined in Europe. Browse local shops and find lace on display at a museum dedicated to the craft of lace making before your guide returns you to Venice.
Burano is an archipelago in the Venetian Lagoon. According to the legend, the island, such as the nearby Murano, was colonized at the time of the barbarian invasions, when the population of the coast took refuge there to escape the invaders. Local craft traditions are focused on the processing of the tissue and especially lace: in the centre of the island is also the Lace Museum, which illustrates the processing technique that has made Burano universally famous.
The island of Torcello is one of the oldest settlements in the Lagoon of Venice. Inhabited since the early years of the Roman Empire, Torcello enjoyed its glory days in the Byzantine era: during the 15th century, it was brought to its knees by a series of plagues, while the progressive growth of Venice helped to accelerate the decline of the settlement.
When you reach the island of Torcello – established between the 5th and 6th centuries and the earliest center of civilization in the Venetian Lagoon – you'll see evidence of the island's glorious past as it once flourished with ornate palaces and churches. You will see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in the 7th century; then you will explore the excavated remains of the circular baptistery in the Church of Santa Fosca, which showcases a delightful portico and striking Byzantine interior.
We also suggest you the Lyric Opera concert in a Historical Palace in the Centre of Venice, the Guided Walking Tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Group Tour of the amazing Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Classical music concert inside a historic church in Venice and the Group Tour of St. Mark's Sestiere in Venice, with Gondola Ride.
Meeting point information and local telephone numbers at your destination are included on your Confirmation Voucher.
This tour is free for infants 0-6 years old.
No refund for latecomers or no shows.
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