Murano by Private Watertaxi Including Glass Blowing Demo with Hotel Pickup
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Murano by Private Watertaxi Including Glass Blowing Demo with Hotel Pickup
By Artistic Glassworks Colleoni
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian, French, Spanish
More
- Private local guide
- Private way taxi
- Glass factory tour with glass master performace
- 20% discount on purchase in the glass factory
- Hotel pick up
- Private transportation
- Entry/Admission - Canal Grande
- Entry/Admission - Artistic Glassworks Colleoni
- Entry/Admission - Duomo di Murano Santi Maria e Donato
- Entry/Admission - Artistic Glassworks Colleoni
- Entry/Admission - Isola di Murano
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Drop off
- Start:Traveller pickup offered.Pickup details
- PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HOTEL PICK UP IS INCLUDED FOR HOTELS IN VENICE ISLAND ONLY
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9555P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Dress code is smart casual
- Please note that the tour will end in Murano. Return ticket to Venice by public transport is not included. From Murano Faro, you will be able to purchase a public boat ticket to any Venice's destination: San Marco, Train Station, Fondamente Nove, etc.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9555P5
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Safari030596401340 contributionsA wet Venezia didn't dampen our spirits for the Murano Glass TourOur tour guide - Rachel - met us at the Church of the Pieta - and we got on the boat. The weather was somewhat rainy in Venezia that week but the canal was manageable. Rachel was quite informative and engaging throughout the whole day with dry wit. The glass factory was a full-blown demonstration and plenty of picture taking opportunities. No phots in the showrooms but there was a LOT of beautiful glass and some of it was discounted. Made Christmas shopping easy this year and it all arrived in California intact! Murano was a very colorful place - the photos you see look good even under gray skies. Burano was a nice stop for lace which my wife loved and got a tip on the oldest fabric store in Venezia. Food was wonderful and our captain "Bligh" - I didn't get his real name but he was quite the character and complained quite visually when a docking port on the canal was being hogged by some water taxi - on our way back to Venezia. Well worth the time and money. The prosecco served on the way back was excellent as well.Written 26 November 2024
- Valeriia L0 contributionsNice experienceI had an excellent experience during the tour. We had an opportunity to visit two islands, see a glass blowing technique and have some time to explore the island ourselves. A tour guide gave us good recommendations on where to go on the island.Written 22 November 2024
- Rita B0 contributionsA real Venice must see and with a fabulous guideVenice is a very special place and we were delighted to experience a novel tour with a knowledgeable local guide. The glass blowing demonstration was remarkable and you could feel the heat from the powerful oven. Just mind blowing!Written 22 November 2024
- Pjoalp0 contributionsExcellent guided tour of Murano and BuranoExcellent guide who was very friendly and informative throughout our trip to Murano and Burano. Glass blowing/making was fascinating to watch. Would have been nice if we could have seen a bit more of Murano outside the glasswork tour. Burano a beautiful island to visit and nice to have time to wander and have some lunchWritten 20 November 2024
- Brian M0 contributionsBoat trip to Morano/BoranoFantastic guide and an amazing experience. Worth every penny. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Venice. Top classWritten 19 November 2024
- LoveTravel6925720 contributionsNot so good!I would not recommend. Tour was only 20 minutes of a gentleman making a vase then a horse. Yes, that was interesting to watch but then you are sent through their “showrooms” which is really them trying to sell you items. There was a lady hovering over me the entire time. There are many beautiful pieces to see but I ended up buying a couple of items at another location on Murano at a better price than the factory.Written 11 November 2024
- U1495WZdanielm0 contributionsBoat trip to Murano GlassWe had a fantastic time at the glass blowing experience as the glass blower made a vase and horse statue. The store is filled with amazing glass pieces (a ton to look at or buy). Interesting on how the lace is made and boat rides very informative about the surrounding island and sights. Our host was a young lady from Venice who was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the experience!!Written 31 October 2024
- 485tiab0 contributionsLoved watching the master craftsman at workIt was amazing watching the masters at work and how they created a plate and a vase. Stunning work. Enjoyed making a keychain from Murano beads. The shop is stunning. Our Guide is very passionate about Murano glass and its heritage, he was very knowledgeable and ready to answer questions.Written 29 October 2024
- Storyteller2108580 contributionsPrecious islandsSo a joy to visit these two islands although two short of visit at each. Would have loved to explore more. Guide was so cute and engaging and informativeWritten 20 October 2024
- Y9999OAianc0 contributionsTrip from VeniceJust over 2 hours free time in Burano felt a bit long, there's not a vast amount to do. Glass Experience was brilliant - so good to see. Shop was massive, something for everyone. 20% discount helped! Back to starting point in exactly 5 hours.Written 16 October 2024
- Mary Ann E0 contributionsInteresting but if you are looking to buy a piece. Go by yourself.We were taken to one factory. no time to explore others. I didn't like the offerings at this one. Was looking to buy, but no.Written 15 October 2024
- glenn e0 contributionsBeautiful half day tourThis experience was worth every penny. Our very informative guide, Alex, was friendly and entertaining. The island of Burano was really picturesque with beautiful photo opportunities down every turn and lots of beautiful little shops, cafes and restaurants. Murano was quaint but that was more for just a tour of glass blowing - which was also amazing. It was 5 hours in total and everything, including the weather, was perfect.Written 12 October 2024
- Lee K0 contributionsBurano and MuranoExcellent day with a great tour guide who was very informative and made the day fun the island of Burano is not to be missed and the glass blowing was incredible to watchWritten 10 October 2024
- HelenC7000 contributionsGlass TreatsWe had an excellent visit to the factory and enjoyed our 'workshop'. My granddaughter made a bracelet to show off and I managed a very unartistic wall hanging.Written 5 October 2024
- jenyarn0 contributionsGreat interactive day to explore more of Venice than St Mark's SquareThis was a really great tour of the glass factory at Murano and the beautiful little lace-making village of Burano as well as a great way to see Venice and its islands. It was not rushed and there was time to relax and explore the village of Murano. We got to view a demonstration up close inside the glass factory where three of the glass blowers created a lion. Our tour guide was very interesting - giving us insights during the ferry ride about the history of the little islands we passed. The only drawback was a salesperson after the glass tour trying to sell us a set of Venetian glasses for about 4-5 times the price of what we ended up buying them for in the many glass shops in Venice.Written 3 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
53 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
5
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
6
Christopher C
Marbella, Spain59 contributions
Sept 2022
The guide who accompanied us, Gabriele, was a cultured, well spoken class individual. The trip from our hotel took a little over a half an hour, on a boat provided by the Murano factories, and Gabriele was like a history book. When we got there we saw an interesting artist make several pieces, and then visited their enormous shop where all the different artists and factories .. 8 or 10 of them, showed their amazing works of art, far more variety and you will find in the shops in Venice, and at far better prices. Note that prices are negotiable, for important pieces maybe another 20 percent on top of the 20% promised by the tour explanation. The sales person was very helpful also. It is certainly better to take this tour than anything suggested by hotel concierges, since all of the concierges receive important commissions for recommending clients to the Murano factories, whereas in taking his tour the commission goes to you in the form of an opening discount.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikaela
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Our guide was fantastic, giving us great insight into the history of Venice and Murano. She picked us up right on time at our hotel lobby and had the water taxi pre-arranged to pick us up right next to our hotel. After arriving in Murano we got to see a marvelous demonstration of glass blowing by one of the maestro (master) glass blowers. We had a chance to shop at the glass factory before seeing a beautiful church on Murano. Our guide even went the extra mile by helping us arrange another water taxi back to our hotel and making sure we made it back safely without getting lost. Great tour!
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve W
67 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
You're met by a local guide who's friendly, personable, and knowledgeable about the city and its history, then handed off to the tour guide at the glass factory itself. As he said, it's better to let an expert handle that part of things. The glass demonstration was shocking simply because of the ease in the master glassblower's work. He made it look boringly easy, even though it's not. After the glass factory tour, you're met by your guide and get a tour of Murano, along with some of the churches in the city and the history of them.
Overall, it was a great tour, and truly is private. You're not fighting to keep up with a crowd or struggling to hear what's being said. If you have any interest in seeing the glass blowing demonstration or touring Murano, this is the way to do it.
Overall, it was a great tour, and truly is private. You're not fighting to keep up with a crowd or struggling to hear what's being said. If you have any interest in seeing the glass blowing demonstration or touring Murano, this is the way to do it.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolene P
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Absolutely nothing but the glass factory happened on our “tour”. No stops for the Duomo or a 15 min walk through the streets of Murano, just corralled us in to one of the factories to spend money.
Our guide arrived to our hotel ten minutes late, not a big deal. We took a taxi from the Grand Canal just outside the train station to Murano Island. She did provide us some information of Venice along the way, certainly was not a 30 minute “tour”. Once we arrivedon the island, we were Immediately greeted by an employee of the glass factory. He took us in.
We watched a demonstration of the glass making, while we listed in on another tour guide explaining the process to his group, and then led into the factory showroom where we could purchase items. The cost was astronomical as well no mention of 20% off. We did learn that if we paid in cash in full, the price could be negotiated down but then shipping was a massive cost in itself.
After that, the tour was done. Pick up 09:10, drop of 10:10. We were told by our tour guide there wasn’t much to see but factories on Murano island, and she recommended a water taxi we could take. We were done so early the line we needed hadn’t started pick ups yet. Good thing, cause we wandered around the corner and realized Murano has a vibrant and eclectic selection of shops full of legitimate Murano glass, at REASONABLE, respectable prices. We met a fantastic local artisan and spent all our money in his shop full of beautiful handmade jewelry.
Terrible “tour”, honestly the worst and most shameful money grab we experienced our whole trip.
Our guide arrived to our hotel ten minutes late, not a big deal. We took a taxi from the Grand Canal just outside the train station to Murano Island. She did provide us some information of Venice along the way, certainly was not a 30 minute “tour”. Once we arrivedon the island, we were Immediately greeted by an employee of the glass factory. He took us in.
We watched a demonstration of the glass making, while we listed in on another tour guide explaining the process to his group, and then led into the factory showroom where we could purchase items. The cost was astronomical as well no mention of 20% off. We did learn that if we paid in cash in full, the price could be negotiated down but then shipping was a massive cost in itself.
After that, the tour was done. Pick up 09:10, drop of 10:10. We were told by our tour guide there wasn’t much to see but factories on Murano island, and she recommended a water taxi we could take. We were done so early the line we needed hadn’t started pick ups yet. Good thing, cause we wandered around the corner and realized Murano has a vibrant and eclectic selection of shops full of legitimate Murano glass, at REASONABLE, respectable prices. We met a fantastic local artisan and spent all our money in his shop full of beautiful handmade jewelry.
Terrible “tour”, honestly the worst and most shameful money grab we experienced our whole trip.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Clients
We contacted your guide and her version is pretty different
She arrived in time at 9 am at your hostel, boat was a bit late but guide enternatained you waiting the private transport.
During your visit the Saint Donato Church was closed for rennovation but you visited another church with your guide.
This tour is a 2 hour 30 minutes tour including glass gactory and church
Guide is a licensed expert guide and not a personal shopper
L
Written 18 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ania G
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The experience was nice, however be advised before entering the gift shop area. The person helping us, Enrica, seemed very helpful in answering all of our questions as we made an expensive purchase to be shipped to out home in the US. When we called her the next day because we saw a replica in a shop in Venice (much less expensive and also claimed to be original crustal from Murano) of what we purchased she assured us that their product was not just hand painted and the color was added during the glass blowing process. So the set we bought was original.
So we proceeded with the sale. When the product arrived at our home it was clearly hand painted and some of the color was coming off just like the replicas we saw on the streets in Venice.
The representative for Colleoni, Marianna, was extremely not helpful. Told me multiple times Enrica would contact me, but never did.
I wouldn’t recommend buying anything unless you are into overpaying.
So we proceeded with the sale. When the product arrived at our home it was clearly hand painted and some of the color was coming off just like the replicas we saw on the streets in Venice.
The representative for Colleoni, Marianna, was extremely not helpful. Told me multiple times Enrica would contact me, but never did.
I wouldn’t recommend buying anything unless you are into overpaying.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia Serpa
Rome, Italy6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The private taxi to the glass factory was very easy and watching the glass masters was very fascinating! The walk through the gallery was very nice but the person showing you the pieces was pushing us to buy thousand dollar pieces and very frustrated with us when we did not buy it. In addition, we had to take the public water bus that stopped at multiple locations to get back to our hotel but we wished that a private taxi would take us back to our hotel even if that meant we had to pay more for the tour. The tour guide we had Roberto was extremely patient, kind, and accommodating to my family and did a wonderful job helping us navigate our way through the streets of Venice and Murano.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arestocrit
London, UK9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
If you’re visiting Venice, a trip to Murano is a must.
Our guide, Gabriella, meet us at our apartment and walked with us to the watertaxi. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. We walked around Murano and told us many things about the island we wouldn’t have known.
The glass factory tour was wonderful. The skill of the Master glass blowers is incredible to watch. The staff and family at the factory are friendly and welcoming. The only thing that took a little shine off was the sales pitch at the end. We both have a background in high-end luxury retail. So, when the ticket price is €5000 and you immediately get told “For you €2700” you know the ticket price is artificially high. You are definitely reminded that each piece is a “one-off” and you should buy now if you like it. And yet we were also told “don’t worry if you break a glass, we send you another one”. Go in with eyes open at the end of the tour. The pieces, from simple glasses to amazing sculptures, are incredible. But don’t get pressured into something you don’t really want or need.
Lovely way to spend half a day while visiting Venice. We purchased a beautiful sculpture to remind us of the day and will go back next time we are there.
Our guide, Gabriella, meet us at our apartment and walked with us to the watertaxi. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. We walked around Murano and told us many things about the island we wouldn’t have known.
The glass factory tour was wonderful. The skill of the Master glass blowers is incredible to watch. The staff and family at the factory are friendly and welcoming. The only thing that took a little shine off was the sales pitch at the end. We both have a background in high-end luxury retail. So, when the ticket price is €5000 and you immediately get told “For you €2700” you know the ticket price is artificially high. You are definitely reminded that each piece is a “one-off” and you should buy now if you like it. And yet we were also told “don’t worry if you break a glass, we send you another one”. Go in with eyes open at the end of the tour. The pieces, from simple glasses to amazing sculptures, are incredible. But don’t get pressured into something you don’t really want or need.
Lovely way to spend half a day while visiting Venice. We purchased a beautiful sculpture to remind us of the day and will go back next time we are there.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VeeGee
9 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We appreciated the hotel pickup and private water taxi, given that we’re inexperienced travelers, but the glass demo was disappointing. We’ve seen other glass-making demos in the United States and the pieces made were more complex. We can only assume that the bulk of the price of this excursion goes toward the transport, which, by the way, is only one way. We wanted a one-way trip so that we would have plenty of time to wander among glass galleries. Our guide for the ride from Venice to Murano was very helpful in explaining exactly how the much cheaper vaporetto transport operates and we had no trouble getting back on our own.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy G
2 contributions
Sept 2022
Truly a one of a kind experience. Our guide, Elena, was wonderful and a joy to spend the morning exploring Murano with. The demonstration and explanation of the glass blowing techniques was fascinating . It was explained to use that the master glassblower was getting ready to retire after 50 years; he began learning this trade at the age of 10. Wonderful to know that this unique trade, craftsmanship will continue to be passed on from generation to generation. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is planning a trip to Venice. I have always admired and appreciated "old world" traditions and trades - grateful I was able to see one of the masters create a beautiful piece of artwork that will stand the test of time.
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie L
Fowler, IN70 contributions
It was enjoyable taking a water taxi to Murano and hearing a bit about the island from our escort. The gallery we visited provided a demonstration of a true artisan at work, then we visited their showroom that had a wonderful display of artisan pieces. It was so informative to see the real Murano glass, and not copies.
After the showroom, there is time on your own to stroll the island. Unbeknown to us; however, we had to provide our own transit back to our hotel. It would have been helpful to have been pre-informed.
After the showroom, there is time on your own to stroll the island. Unbeknown to us; however, we had to provide our own transit back to our hotel. It would have been helpful to have been pre-informed.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I’m interested in booking this tour for Friday June 24th at 15:00. I’m alone and I see that I am only able to book the tour for a minimum of 2 people. Can I book the tour for myself?
Thank you,
Tom
Written 23 June 2022
Hi, my group includes a 3 year old and a 9 year old. Do I need to purchase tickets for them as well? Or only the adults in the group? Our group is a total of 7 people (including the kids)- will we all fit together in the Watertaxi?
Written 19 May 2022
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