Italy

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

Prepare to be captivated on a 6.5-hour private boat tour through Venice’s cultural tapestry, weaving together its craftsmanship, history, and natural beauty along the Venetian lagoon. Begin in Murano, where you’ll witness the ancient art of glassblowing at an exclusive, family-run factory. On Burano, the island’s vibrant facades welcome you to its lace-making traditions, and a special lace tour offers insight into this delicate craft. 

Next, stroll the historic streets of Torcello, uncovering tales of Attila the Hun and Venice’s earliest settlements. A traditional lunch in a Torcello restaurant introduces you to local flavors in a picturesque setting.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Fort Sant’Andrea, an abandoned stronghold strategically situated in the Venetian Lagoon. The tour concludes at the pier of San Marco Square, where, as the boat bobs in the waters overlooking the Doge’s Palace, Davide shares stories of Venetian grandeur and its enduring legacy.

This tour starts and ends in Venice. After booking, contact Davide via Chat to confirm pickup: typically at a vaporetto stand close to your hotel if you're staying in Venice, or a pre-agreed point.

From the mesmerizing glassblowing traditions at Murano’s family-run atelier—where your guide’s personal connections grant exclusive access—to the intricate lacemaking at Burano’s historic workshop, tied to the guide’s own family heritage, this private tour in Venice offers an intimate window into its artistic soul. 

Torcello’s quiet streets invite you to step back into Venice’s origins, with its ancient Cathedral renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and ties to the city’s earliest settlers. At Fort Sant’Andrea, you’ll step into a historic stronghold designed by Michelangelo’s pupil, Andrea Palladio, and strategically placed to protect Venice’s lagoon. 

Aboard a vintage motorboat and guided by a passionate Venetian, this meticulously curated private boat tour blends natural beauty, personal connections, and Venetian traditions into a journey that celebrates the enduring spirit of the lagoon’s islands.

Get ready for a spectacular journey through the magical islands of the Venice Lagoon. Walk over to the agreed meeting point where Davide will pick you up. 

This is where it all starts. You will be picked up from a pier that's walking distance from your hotel. 

Stop Zero: Meet at Venice

Culminating the tour, the boat gracefully guides you to the pier outside San Marco Square, where the grandeur of Venice's historic power unfolds. Doge's Palace, an architectural marvel, can be seen from the water. 

While the boat approaches the pier at San Marco Square, Davide regales you with stories and details of the Doge's Palace, offering insights into the political and cultural zenith of the Venetian Republic. Here, beneath the watchful eyes of winged lions, the journey culminates, leaving an indelible imprint of Venice's history and craftsmanship.

This memorable private boat tour ends at San Marco Square in Venice. 

Stop Five: San Marco Square

Murano, an island bathed in tradition and craftsmanship, is the first enchanting stop on this journey. Here, you will step into the mesmerizing world of glassblowing at a special family-run factory. Davide has access to take you to this special glassblowing factory. The artisans reveal the ancient art of transforming molten glass into exquisite masterpieces. Witness the alchemical process where vibrant hues are shaped into delicate forms, breathing life into timeless Venetian craftsmanship. You'll also see their creations and have an opportunity to ask questions and have a deeper engagement with the artisans.

What sets this Murano stop apart is the exclusive access to a multi-generational glassmaking family, providing an intimate understanding of their artistry. Visitors will have the privilege of witnessing the secrets behind creating intricate glass pieces and see some rare pieces—a unique encounter that leaves an indelible mark of Venice's artistic heritage. The symphony of molten glass and the echoes of centuries-old techniques make Murano a unique opening act, celebrating the city's artisanal soul. This visit is a true privilege.

Rare access to a family-owned glassblowing factory on Murano.

Stop One: Murano

The boat gracefully glides towards the technicolor dreamscape of Burano, the second captivating stop on the journey. This heart-shaped island, with its vibrant pastel facades and charming streets, feels like a living canvas. Burano invites you to immerse yourself in tradition, craftsmanship, and local island life. 

Lace-making, a delicate art passed down through generations, comes to life in the nimble hands of skilled artisans—keepers of a craft that is becoming increasingly rare—offering an up-close look at one of Venice’s most cherished traditions. There’s also a quick stop at San Martino Church, known for its leaning bell tower and historical significance.

You will witness the intricate craft of lace-making and the dedication needed to preserve this delicate art. One part of Davide’s family hails from Burano, and his stories of growing up visiting the island provide a personal lens through which to experience its culture. His deep connection to the island makes this walk in Burano feel intimate and meaningful. 

A private walking tour through colorful Burano and its lace-making traditions in the Venetian Lagoon

Stop Two: Burano

Torcello, an island shrouded in myth and history, emerges as the next captivating stop. According to tradition, this serene isle is believed to be the birthplace of Venice. Torcello invites you to explore the remnants of its once-thriving community, anchored by the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta—a treasury of Byzantine mosaics and whispers of a bygone era. Lunch is at a traditional restaurant where Davide knows the family and will reserve a place for an authentic meal (Mixed appetiser, Risotto with local fish, local Burano sweets and wine), 

Torcello is steeped in myth. Its ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, adorned with magnificent Byzantine mosaics, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Though modern archaeology may contest its claim as the birthplace of Venice, Torcello offers a unique moment of pause—a place where time feels suspended, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of the city’s origins.

The island’s tranquil solitude and the ethereal beauty of the basilica create a poetic interlude in the Venetian journey. Adding to the charm is a memorable lunch at a waterfront restaurant, where Davide will dock the boat directly, ensuring an authentic taste of Venice and its lagoon culture.

Walk through the ancient streets of Torcello. Lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Stop Three: Torcello + Lunch

Fort Sant’Andrea, designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, was constructed to protect Venice’s lagoon from naval attacks. Strategically located at the mouth of the lagoon, it served as a key defensive structure for the Venetian Republic.

Today, visitors can access the fort and explore its surviving features, including its massive battlements and passageways. Although not frequently visited, the fort offers a glimpse into Venice’s military history and its efforts to safeguard the city’s maritime dominance. Its location provides striking views of the lagoon and the surrounding islands, making it both a historical and scenic stop.

Fort Sant’Andrea is a rarely visited gem in Venice’s lagoon, made accessible through ongoing preservation efforts. Davide, your guide, has a personal connection to the site and regularly organizes clean-ups with friends to maintain the fort’s condition for rare visitors.

This level of care ensures a safe and exclusive exploration of a structure few travelers ever experience. With Davide’s insights and stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the fort’s military significance and the local dedication to preserving Venice’s hidden history.

Discover Fort Sant’Andrea on a private boat tour: explore Venice’s historic lagoon fortress up close

Stop Four: Fort Sant'Andrea

Boat Tour in Venice, exploring crafts and history in Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Fort Sant’Andrea.

Story of the experience (Itinerary):
• 9 AM – Leave f rom Venice
• 9:30 AM – 10:30 Glassblowing (special Family
Factory Murano – demonstration, history, see
special pieces
• 10:50-11:20 AM - Torcello walk and history
• 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Burano – Lacemaking
and sweets, church, streets
• 12:15-1:15 PM – Lunch and a glass of wine at Da
Primo (will need a different restaurant for
Mondays when Da Primo is closed)
• 2:00-2:30 PM - Fort Sant’Andrea OR Giudecca
(Fortuny Factory visit)
• 3:00-3:30 PM - End with San Marco Square,
go below the Doge’s Palace, explain history

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Crafting Dreams.

This Experience accommodates a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 participants to make the base costs and logistics work. Fewer people can book but will be charged a supplemental fee to achieve the minimum. What's Included: Coffee/water. The factory tour is very special, it’s hard for tourists to access it on their own. A typical Venice lunch at Torcello is included. Children below 6 years can join free-of-charge. Chat with Davide after booking if small children are joining so he can prepare.

Wind-cheater and sunscreen during summertime. 
Warm layers in wintertime.

**For your safety, this tour may be canceled in bad weather. Davide will message you via Chat if any slight time adjustments are needed due to tides or weather. 

A passionate and experienced boatman and guide - born and raised in Venice, Davide De Giorgi has an extensive knowledge of the city’s lagoons, which he acquired through his family’s fishing background and his own experiences sailing around on a vintage motorboat. This cultural insight, along with Davide’s studies in anthropology and languages, make his tours an unforgettable immersive experience.

Stop Zero: Meet at Venice

Private

Private