Travel bucket list idea:

Glass-blowing in Murano

Venice, Veneto, Italy

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Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 24 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Murano became the capital of glass in 1291 thanks to a decree banning all furnaces from Venice proper to avoid fire risk. The island soon became centre for glass-blowing, shipping chandeliers, mirrors, vases and glass tableware across the world. Today, Murano remains a unique place where the skills of centuries are still practised by latter-day artisans.

Watching a top glass-blower is an absorbing sight, from the ferocious heat thrown out by the yellow glow of the furnaces to the balletic genius of the Murano craftsmen as they blow, snip, twist and tug at their fiery blob of liquid to transform it into an exquisite vase or seahorse. Afterwards, you can buy pieces in the showrooms.

Don't miss

The Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) is housed in a beautiful 17th-century palazzo and has a vast collection of Murano glass from elaborate 18th-century chandeliers to exquisite glass beads.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

While it is perfectly possible to wander round the glass shops independently, you need to book an appointment at a furnace in advance. You’re best off booking onto a guide tour. If you want to buy glass, a few pointers to sort the schlock from true quality:

glass shops toting vetro di Murano are usually a rip-off
shops selling vetro artistico di Murano are a little more reliable.
the real deal is VERY expensive; a wine glass costing under €10 will be an Asian import.

Newly-opened gallery/design shop/restaurant/bistro Punta Conterie is a good stop-off for snacks or a gourmet meal and some contemporary glass culture. It has a rooftop terrace with watery views.

When to do it

You can visit Murano seven days a week, all year round. But in the summer months it will be packed; go in winter for a more authentic experience.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Venice Murano Island Glass Factory Tour with Glass Blowing Demonstration

Venice

Venice Murano Island Glass Factory Tour with Glass Blowing Demonstration

Take part at the Colleoni Glass Factory tour and admire an expert glass Master creating an object with the blowing and the sculpture techniques. Visit our showrooms and use you ticket as a credit to spend by us

Price: €10

Min age: 0

Rating 4.08 / 5 [192 ratings]

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Murano Glass Blowing demonstration-The Glass Cathedral

Venice

Murano Glass Blowing demonstration-The Glass Cathedral

Join us for a remarkable and spectacular demonstration of the Glass Masters of "The Glass Cathedral" which is dedicated to the love of working with Murano Glass. The most complete glass blowing demonstration on the island of Murano surrounded in a one of a kind ambiance ( inside a former XIIth century Church which was a glass factory already in 1826). You will be surrounded by soft music and the beautiful works of Murano Glass. Here, you will be able to observe the masters at work and watch as they create two original pieces before your eyes. The demonstration is 25 minutes long and you may be able to sip a good glass of Prosecco or have a drink while enjoying your stay with us.

Price: €10

Min age: 0

Rating 4.48 / 5 [83 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Tour Fornace Arte di Murano original artistic glassware Murano glass

Venice

Tour Fornace Arte di Murano original artistic glassware Murano glass

More then 2000 square meters of ovens and new technologies that give the possibility to realize unique pieces in Murano glass. You can observe in the details all working phase and analyze how pieces will packed safety before shipment. we give the possibility to try some of master technique you will see during the tour.

Price: €17

Min age: 1

Rating 4.5 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Murano Glass Experience plus Visit to a Burano lace island

Venice

Murano Glass Experience plus Visit to a Burano lace island

Meet you local guide in Venice city center, then board a private boat and admire the lagoon of Venice. Stop in Murano island to see S. Maria and Donato Cathedral followed by an old glass factory visit. Afterwards stop in Burano island and explore the lace island

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.50 / 5 [731 ratings]

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Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Venice

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Cruise the Venetian Lagoon by private water taxi and meet the artisans keeping Venice’s traditional crafts alive. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional glassblowing on the island of Murano, and traditional lacemaking on Burano. The tour includes discounts on souvenirs from both demonstration workshops. Both islands have plenty to see, and you’ll have ample time to explore.

Price: €42

Min age: 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [3228 ratings]

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Murano by Private Watertaxi Including Glass Blowing Demo with Hotel Pickup

Venice

Murano by Private Watertaxi Including Glass Blowing Demo with Hotel Pickup

Travel by private taxi boat through the Grand Canal from Venice with your guide to reach Murano Island. Visit the historical center with its 7th-century cathedral and watch a glass-blowing demonstration in a glass factory. Here, you will also be able to try on the Cinderella glass slipper. If it fits, you will receive a piece of Venetian glass as a special gift! Enjoy free time in the showrooms and a special 20% discount on purchases.You then will be able to return to the city center at any time by public transportation (own expense).

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.38 / 5 [140 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Glass Lampwork workshop and walking tour in Murano

Venice

Glass Lampwork workshop and walking tour in Murano

Get ready to discover the Murano island, witnessing artistry in action in its glass factories, experiencing the lampwork tradition by creating your own Venetian bead and visiting the Byzantine-style 12th century mosaics of its churches. You will have a personal glass lampwork workshop, in which you will create your own Venetian bead, keeping alive a 17th century artistic practice. We will visit the oldest glass factory in the world active since 1295 and see how tradition is combined with contemporary design and creativity. We will stroll around Murano, discovering some hidden gems like its churches and walking through off-the-beaten paths.

Price: €62

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Authentic Murano Glass Tour

Venice

Authentic Murano Glass Tour

What does it mean being a Master Glassblower? The best Murano Glass experience, with the opportunity to meet a real Master Glassblower! Explore one of the oldest authentic Murano Glass factories, where the only exclusive "furnace" of the island was created. You will live the glass blowing art, with the chance to see a Master Glassblower and his team working following our millenary tradition. And then.. Maestro Fabio Fornasier will surprise you with a secret exhibition part of the project "Fantasy has no limit", usually not open to the public.

Price: €129

Min age: 1

Rating 4.86 / 5 [52 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Private tour on Murano Island: discover the art of Artisanal Glassblowing

Venice

Private tour on Murano Island: discover the art of Artisanal Glassblowing

A 3 hours guided visit to Murano: the worldwide famous island for the glassblowing's tradition! You will enjoy the tour from an artistic, historical, and traditional point of view, admiring the artisans of this peculiar art at work! Your guide will accompany you through the discovery of the techniques of this ancient art, in a tour which includes a demonstration by the real glass craftsmen! You can also choose to attend the optional visit of San Donato’s, the splendid Church of the Island. You will enjoy also a walking tour of Murano islands to admire its picturesque square and the fascinating palaces. A great experience where you will learn the manufacture and glassblowing art.

Price: €149

Min age: 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [38 ratings]

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Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano and Torcello

Venice

Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano and Torcello

Visit the most beautiful islands of the lagoon: Murano, Burano and Torcello. A private boat tour with friendly guide and driver will let you discover the best of Venice like a local. You will reach the island of Murano with possibility either to visit a glass factory or to stroll around its quiet streets. Then you will reach Burano, a fisherman island with picturesque houses and great local biscuits. The last island of the tour will be Torcello, with the first Basilica of Venice.

Price: €180

Min age: 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [285 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Glassblowing beginners class in Murano

Venice

Glassblowing beginners class in Murano

You will experience nothing like this in Murano. This is the only place where you can experience such an amazing class along with glass masters working on a real furnace. No demonstration, just real a real hotshop!

Price: €245

Min age: 12

Rating 4.97 / 5 [36 ratings]

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Grand Canal boat tour and Murano glass experience with Hotel pick up

Venice

Grand Canal boat tour and Murano glass experience with Hotel pick up

Meet your private guide at your Hotel and by a confortable watertaxi explore Venice Learn about the legendary buildings and Families that lived for centuries Reach Murano island and enter in an historical glass factory for a private visit Your guide is at total disposal for any questions

Price: €250

Min age: 0

Rating 4.32 / 5 [25 ratings]

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Private Murano and Burano VIP Venice Boat Tour

Venice

Private Murano and Burano VIP Venice Boat Tour

Enjoy a private boat tour to Burano and Murano islands. On board of a luxurious motor-launch and accompanied by your English speaking guide, you will visit two among the most famous islands of the Venetian lagoon, Murano famous for its glass production and Burano, famous for its colorful houses and for being home to centuries old tradition of lace making. Pick up and drop off from Venice city center or from your centrally located hotel.

Price: €400

Min age: 0

Rating 4.8 / 5 [20 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Private Grand Canal Boat Tour and Murano Glass Experience

Venice

Private Grand Canal Boat Tour and Murano Glass Experience

A private guided boat ride along the Grand Canal followed by a visit to the famous Murano island Glass factory that is known for its glass production all around the world.

Price: €518

Min age: 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

private boat tour Murano & Burano

Venice

private boat tour Murano & Burano

Visit the most beautiful island of the lagoon, Murano & Burano with a professional private guide! Venice is surrounded by many different islands, among these are Murano and Burano, which are also one of the most visited spots in the entire lagoon. To really get an insight into the life pace that differs in each of them and to enjoy the highest quality time, we offer you a perfect option: private boat ride and visit to these adjacent islands.

Price: €632

Min age: 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [17 ratings]

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Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour

Venice

Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour

Discover the delights of the Venetian Lagoon on this private 4-hour tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello islands in Venice. Watch skilled glassblowers at work on Murano Island. Admire pretty houses in pastel shades around Burano Island’s delightful fishing port and learn of the ancient lacemaking traditions still practised today. Explore Torcello Island and marvel at top highlights such as the 12th-century Church of Santa Fosca and the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This private tour ensures personalized attention from your guide.

Price: €814

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Grand Canal Boat Private Tour: Murano and Burano 4 hrs

Venice

Grand Canal Boat Private Tour: Murano and Burano 4 hrs

Step aboard a private boat and let the beauty of Venice enchant you as you explore one of the world’s most romantic cities and its spectacular sights with a local guide. You’ll set your own schedule for this four-hour tour with an included pickup at your hotel or the cruise terminal, learning about the artistry of glass-blowing on Murano, marveling at the technicolor homes and intricate lacemaking traditions passed on through generations in Burano, and taking in the rich history and architecture of the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square, with a few detours to lesser-known lagoons and neighborhoods along the way.

Price: €1,020

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Venice

Veneto, Italy

Venice

Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.

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