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.

Join Andrea Rossi, a passionate fourth-generation fisherman - featured on National Geographic - in an unforgettable boat tour that delves into the lagoon's heritage. Set out from Burano, explore the wonders of Torcello, and discover the diverse flora and fauna of the lagoon, complete with a fascinating demonstration of traditional net fishing. You'll also encounter thriving bird communities. Take the time to savor the lagoon's tranquility, capture photographs, and immerse yourself in the world of aromatic aquatic plants that have shaped Venetian cuisine for centuries. Lunch is at Venissa’s Osteria on Mazzorbo, and a vineyard visit awaits to uncover the secrets of Dorona, the native grape variety of the Venetian lagoon, from which Venissa's exceptional wines are crafted. With each step, you'll feel the lagoon's rich history and natural wonders come to life.

This tour starts and ends in Burano. From Venice to Burano, it's a 25 min ride by private water taxi or a 45 min ride on the public vaporetto (runs from 5AM on). Meet Andrea at Burano vaporetto stand.

Discover the flora and fauna of the Venetian lagoon, lunch at Venissa’s Osteria Contemporanea and end with a small wine tasting tour at Venissa. Along the way, you'll find plenty of photo opportunities, with stops for foraging, a chance to observe the differences in various species of clams, and the possibility of seeing pink flamingos and other birds. 

Andrea is a genuine representative of Burano's fishing culture. His primary mission in offering tours is to ensure the preservation of the traditional practices of the Venetian lagoon — this includes gathering edible plants from the mudflats and employing ancient fishing techniques.

This tour promises a blend of scenic beauty, rich history, culinary delight, and a rare insight into the art of wine-making in the Venetian lagoon.

Enjoy a tasty 3-course lunch at Venissa’s Osteria Contemporanea, a renowned establishment on Mazzorbo. The meal, paired with a glass of wine, showcases the lagoon's fresh ingredients and the culinary finesse of contemporary Venetian cuisine.

Dining at Venissa's Osteria offers an experience that blends culinary art with the rich produce of the lagoon. The osteria’s contemporary twist on traditional dishes provides a gastronomic journey that complements the natural exploration of the lagoon.

A relaxing lunch at Venissa inside a secret lagoon vineyard.

Lunch at Venissa

This is where the tour starts and ends. Burano is a charming and colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon, known for its brightly painted houses and long-standing tradition of lace-making. Located about 7 kilometers from Venice, a 25 minute water taxi (to be arranged via your Venice hotel) or a 40-minute vaporetto (water bus) ride can transport you to this picturesque locale from Venice. Historically, Burano was a fishing village, and this heritage is evident in its culture and cuisine, with seafood being a prominent feature in local dishes.  You can also stay overnight at Venissa or Casa Burano. It's amazing to wake up early on the island before the tourists get here and wander around.

From Venice, travel to Burano by water taxi or public vaporetto. 
Meet Andrea at the vaporetto stand in Burano,
If staying overnight in Burano or Mazzorbo (Venissa or Casa Burano), it's a short walk. 

One of the most striking aspects of Burano is the vibrancy of its buildings. The houses, painted in a rainbow of colors, line the island's canals and streets, creating a cheerful and photogenic environment. This tradition of painting homes in bright hues dates back centuries and was originally thought to help fishermen find their way home in the dense fog that can envelop the lagoon.

Meet in Burano

Begin your adventure with a serene boat ride along Torcello's canals. This leg of the journey offers a glimpse into the island's rich history and serene landscapes. Visit the renowned basilica, explore the local museum, and walk through the streets where Attila once roamed. This part of the tour provides an intimate look at one of the lagoon's most historically significant islands.

Torcello stands as a testament to Venice's early history, far removed from the city's modern hustle. The basilica and museum serve as time capsules, preserving art and artifacts that narrate centuries-old stories. This stop offers a peaceful yet profound insight into the roots of Venetian culture, allowing you to connect with the past in an almost untouched setting.

Boat along small canals of the island of Torcello.

Boat Along Torcello's Canals

Venture deeper into the lagoon to discover its rich flora and fauna. Witness the skillful art of net fishing, a practice that sustains the local ecosystem. Explore habitats where various bird species, including the exotic pink flamingo and African ibis, thrive. This part of the tour is a celebration of the lagoon's biodiversity, offering a chance to observe and learn about its inhabitants.

The lagoon's serene sandbanks and diverse wildlife create an unparalleled natural experience. Here, you'll observe age-old fishing traditions, understanding the balance between human activity and nature. The opportunity to forage for aromatic plants used in Venetian cuisine adds a sensory dimension to the tour, connecting you to the land and its culinary heritage. You also might have the rare opportunity to observe a variety of bird species (depending on the time of year), including the majestic pink flamingo, African ibis, hawks, ducks, and herons, in their natural nesting grounds. This segment of the journey is capped with a photographic stop at an island in the middle of the lagoon. This is truly a serene and picturesque escape into nature.

Explore lagoon flora and fauna, witness net fishing, look for water birds.

Fauna & Flora of the Lagoon.

Conclude your tour with a visit to Venissa’s vineyard, where you will learn about the Dorona grape, native to the Venetian lagoon. The tour includes the DORONA tasting of two wines, offering a palate of unique flavors crafted from this rare grape variety.

Next door to the Osteria where you have lunch. From here, after the tasting, you can walk back to the vaporetto stand in Mazzorbo or Burano.

The vineyard visit at Venissa is an opportunity to discover the hidden viticultural heritage of Venice. Learning about the Dorona grape and its adaptation to the lagoon's environment adds a fascinating chapter to your understanding of Venetian culture. The wine tasting session provides a sensory culmination to the tour, allowing you to savor the distinct taste of wines born from a unique terroir.

Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting at Venissa.

Secret Vineyard

Unveil the mysteries of the Venetian lagoon with a captivating 6-hour boat tour and vineyard visit.

1.	[:05] Boat along small canals of the island of Torcello:
[:30] Make a stop to visit Take a walk in the small streets of Torcello. Visit basilica, museum, and the remains of the passage of the conqueror Attila. 
2.	Continue to discover the fauna and flora of the lagoon, entering the quiet sandbanks.
o	[:40] Demonstration of fishing with nets. 
o	[:45] Go to where various species of birds’ nest, including the pink flamingo, African ibis, hawks, ducks and herons. 
o	[:20] Snack and coffee or prosecco and burano sweets in the middle of the lagoon.
o	[:45] Learn about and collect the aromatic plants used in cooking since ancient times by Venetians and current Venetian chefs to create unique dishes and liqueurs. 
o	[:20] Photographic stop on island with former monastery in the lagoon. 
3.	[:20] Boat back to Burano.
4.	[:80] Lunch at the osteria in Venissa (70 Euros: 3-course set plus one glass of wine)
5.	[:40] Vineyard Visit and Small Wine Tasting at Venissa: (DORONA, 40 min - euro 45 pp

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

Secret Lagoon, Secret Vineyard

This experience accommodates a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 people to manage base costs and logistics. Children below 6 years can join free-of-charge. What's included: A toast in the middle of the lagoon with Venetian prosecco and Burano sweets. Plus coffee and water. A 3-course lunch and small tasting at Venissa is included. ** If you're interested in a refreshing dip in the lagoon, please bring a bathing suit and let Andrea know.

Hat. Sunscreen. A wind-cheater or jacket is always a good idea. 
Winters are very cold, so dress appropriately. 
** For your safety, this tour may be canceled in bad weather. Andrea will message you via Chat if any slight time adjustments are needed due to tides. 
***Please notify Andrea through chat once the booking is complete if the group includes young children. This will enable him to make necessary preparations, including arranging suitable safety jackets and other essential provisions.

Andrea Rossi, a fourth-generation fisherman from Burano, has a profound relationship with the Venetian lagoon. Fluent in Italian and Spanish, Andrea also has a basic grasp of English. Despite the language differences, his vibrant and expressive communication effortlessly bridges the gap, captivating travelers with unique insights into the lagoon. His dedication to sustainable fishing and preserving the heritage of the lagoon highlights his exceptional guiding abilities. To fully appreciate Andrea’s rich narratives, we recommend downloading a translation app, given the reliable connectivity in the Venice lagoon. This tool will help you capture the subtleties of his stories and deepen your understanding of this unique environment.

Meet in Burano

Venice | Italy