Murano glassblowing tour from Venice: watch artisans at work

Murano's glassblowing furnaces, the island's hidden palaces, and a thousand years of craft in one morning

A 3-hour private guided tour of Murano from Venice includes a live glassblowing demonstration by working artisans, a walking tour of the island's squares and palaces, and entry to the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato (San Donato). The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or Mandarin Chinese. Watertaxi to and from Venice is included; the church is open Monday to Saturday 9am–12pm and 3:30pm–7pm, and Sunday 3:30pm–7pm. Small groups only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Murano glassblowing and island tour

• Watch glassblowing demonstration
• Walk tour of Murano island
• Visit Church of San Donato
• Admire Murano Cathedral
• Boat ride past San Michele Island

The Experience

Murano is a 15-minute boat ride from Venice, and the tour starts the moment you leave the main lagoon behind. Your guide meets you at the dock and walks you straight into a glassblowing workshop where artisans are working at the furnace. You stand close enough to feel the heat and watch the craftsman pull molten glass on a rod, shape it with hand tools, and turn it into a finished object in minutes — a technique that has been passed down for centuries and was once a closely guarded secret of the Venetian Republic. The demonstration is not a performance; it is the everyday work of the studio, and your guide explains the steps and the history as it unfolds.

After the workshop, the tour moves into the island itself. You walk through Murano's squares and past the palaces that line the canals, and your guide shares the stories and myths of the place. The Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato — a masterpiece of Venetian architecture and the symbol of the island — is included if the church hours align with your tour time. On the boat ride back to Venice, you pass San Michele, the city's cemetery island, and your guide narrates its history as well.

The whole experience runs 3 hours and stays in a small group. The watertaxi is included both ways, so you do not arrange separate transport or figure out the boat schedules yourself. If you want to add Burano to the day, that option is available at checkout and extends the tour.

What’s included

• Watertaxi from Venice to Murano and back.
• private guided tour with live commentary in your chosen language.
• live glassblowing demonstration by working artisans.
• guided walking tour of Murano's squares and palaces.
• entry to the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato when church hours permit.
• small group only.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see glassblowing happen in a real working studio rather than a tourist workshop, and if you prefer a small group and a guide who can answer questions as you walk. The 3-hour length and included watertaxi mean the day holds together without you arranging multiple boat rides or timing your own connections back to Venice.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the glassblowing demonstration on Murano?

You watch a working artisan at the furnace pull molten glass on a rod and shape it into a finished object by hand, using techniques that have been passed down for generations. The demonstration is live work, not a staged show, and your guide explains the steps and the history as the craftsman works.

Is the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato included in the tour?

Yes, the basilica is included when your tour time falls within the church's opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am–12pm and 3:30pm–7pm, or Sunday 3:30pm–7pm. Your guide will let you know if the timing works for your departure.

How do I get to Murano from Venice, and is transport included?

The watertaxi from Venice to Murano and back is included in the tour price. Your guide meets you at the dock on Murano, so you do not need to arrange separate boat tickets or figure out the schedule yourself.

Can I add Burano to this tour?

Yes, a Murano and Burano combined option is available at checkout. You can choose the glassblowing tour of Murano alone or extend it to include Burano in the same day.

What language options are available for the guide?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, Mandarin Chinese or another language depending on the option you select at checkout. Choose your language when you book.

Will I be in a large group or a small one?

The tour operates with small groups only, so you will not be part of a large crowd. This keeps the experience more personal and makes it easier to hear your guide and move through the workshop and island.