Murano glassblowing tour: Watch a maestro at the furnace

Stand feet away as a Murano maestro shapes molten glass, then explore the island's artisan studios and waterways

A guided tour from Venice to Murano that includes a live glassblowing demonstration at an authentic furnace, a walking tour of the island's canals and artisan workshops, and round-trip semi-private water taxi transport from St. Mark's Square. The tour runs 3 hours and operates in rain (boats are covered), though it may be postponed in exceptionally bad weather. A qualified English-speaking guide leads the group throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Venetian Lagoonpassing by
2. MuranoEntry included30m

Murano glassblowing and island walk

• Depart from St. Mark’s Square by water taxi
• Arrive at Murano Island
• Watch glassblowing demonstration at furnace
• Opportunity to buy local glass products
• Guided stroll through Murano canals and studios
• Return to St. Mark’s by water taxi

The experience

The tour departs from St. Mark's Square by semi-private water taxi, crossing the Venetian Lagoon to reach Murano. Once on the island, you'll step inside an active glass furnace and stand just a few feet from a maestro as molten glass becomes shape and color in real time: the kind of proximity most visitors never get. The glassmakers of Murano were once forbidden from leaving the Republic of Venice to protect their secrets, and that exclusivity still shapes the island's identity today. You watch the craft unfold without narration or barriers between you and the work.

After the demonstration, a qualified guide leads a walking tour through Murano's charming canals, artisan studios, and the quieter corners of the island. This is not a rushed loop. The pace allows you to absorb the atmosphere and ask questions about what you've seen. The guide provides context on the island's history and the artisans still working there. If something catches your eye in one of the studios, you'll have the chance to browse and buy directly from local makers. The furnace visit often includes an opportunity to purchase pieces on site.

The return journey follows the same route by water taxi back to St. Mark's Square. The entire experience takes 3 hours. You'll need to arrive 10 minutes before departure at the meeting point, and you should bring your printed voucher to exchange for your ticket. The tour operates in rain since the boats are fully covered, though exceptionally bad weather may trigger a postponement to another day. Note that on certain dates, a €5 Venice access fee applies to most day visitors from outside the city. Check the operator's website for exemptions and applicable dates.

What’s included

• Glass demonstration at an authentic Murano furnace.
• guided walking tour of the island's canals and artisan studios led by a qualified English-speaking guide.
• round-trip semi-private water taxi transport from St. Mark's Square.

Options for this experience

2 options

English-language tour of Murano Island11:00 and 14:00Lasts 3 hours

Private tour of Murano and BuranoGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Opt for this choice if you want a private tour. Get absorbed in the enduring craft of Murano glass, then travel on to Burano Island.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 5 start times, from € 34 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 101 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 6)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see glassblowing happen in real time rather than watch a video or read about it. The furnace visit is the core of the experience, and the island walk afterward gives you context and time to explore without rushing. The semi-private water taxi and small-group format mean you're not herded onto a crowded boat, and the guide's presence throughout keeps the day coherent without requiring you to navigate Murano on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the glassblowing demonstration on Murano?

You stand inside an active furnace and watch a master glassmaker shape molten glass by hand, transforming it into finished pieces. The demonstration is live and unscripted. You see the craft as it actually happens, from the heat of the furnace to the final form.

How much time do I spend walking around Murano after the furnace visit?

The walking tour takes place after the demonstration and covers Murano's canals, artisan studios, and island atmosphere. The entire tour, including the water taxi rides and the furnace visit, lasts 3 hours, so the walking portion is a substantial part of the experience.

Does the tour include a guide, and what language does he or she speak?

Yes, a qualified and experienced tour guide leads the entire experience in English, providing information during the water taxi ride and throughout the walking tour of the island.

What if the weather is bad when I'm scheduled to go?

The boats are fully covered, so the tour operates normally in rain. In cases of exceptionally bad weather, the tour may be postponed to another day rather than cancelled outright.

Can I buy glassware directly from the artisans on Murano?

Yes. During the furnace visit, you'll have the opportunity to purchase pieces of local glass production on site, and the guided walk also passes artisan studios where you can browse and buy directly from makers.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

The tour includes the glass demonstration, the guided walking tour, and round-trip semi-private water taxi transport from St. Mark's Square. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included. You'll arrange those separately if needed.