Private Shore Excursion

Venice in 2 Days Excursion from Port

Art & History
Family
Duration: 2 days
Languages: EN, ES, ZH, RU

This Venice in 2 days excursion introduces you to this wonderfully unique city on the water. Experience the city highlights and hidden gems with a knowledgeable local guide before taking to the water for a Venice gondola ride. Travel across the Venetian Lagoon by luxury boat and see the magic of Murano glassblowing and Burano lacemaking.


Perfect for:
  • First Timers
  • Art & History Lovers
Covid-19 Health & Safety Measures

What to Expect

If you are in the Floating City for 48-hour or less this Venice in 2 days excursion will leave you feeling contently inspired. With a carefully crafted shoreside itinerary combining the real Venice with the two most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon our Venice in 2 days excursion offers the opportunity to maximize your precious ashore time.

 

Designed with cruisers in mind, this carefully crafted 2-day private tour combines the best of Venice and its islands away from the crowds.  First, we will take you deep into the heart of Venice's then to the islands of Murano and Burano to learn about the age-old Venetian glassblowing and lacemaking traditions.

Day 1 Experience the Real Venice by Land & Water Private Tour (2.5-hour)

Your private cruise ship excursion begins in St. Mark's Square, Venice’s number one sight. Your guide will debrief you with a comprehensive history of Venice, followed by an explanation of the square's importance as the religious and political center of the city. This section of the tour includes an introduction to the architectural wonders of the square, such as the ornate Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica, the extravagant Doge's Palace, and the majestic Bell Tower.

 

From this stunning piazza, your Venetian guide will introduce you to present-day Venice and its people. You'll navigate Venice like the locals do, crossing bridges and snaking through the interconnected streets and canals. The tour continues with a visit to the commercial center of Rialto whose stunning views, outdoor market, and rows of shops have been captivating visitors for centuries.

 

We’ve pre-booked your gondola ride so once the walking tour is over you'll step into a gondola and begin your half-hour private ride on an authentic Venetian gondola enjoying the most evocative views of the city. As if in a dream, glide through Venice's most secluded waterways, slipping under small bridges as you appreciate how totally unique this Floating City is.

Day 2 Murano Glass & Burano Lace Private Tour (4-hour)

Murano and Burano are the top two islands to visit on day trips from Venice. Murano is famous all around the world for its glass making: it has been producing beautiful crystal since the 10th century when Venetian traders brought back the secrets of production from the East. Burano with its pastel-colored fishermen's houses is as pretty as the lace it is famous for. During your private tour, you'll learn about the age-old handcrafts that brought these little islands fame, and see quality Murano glass and Burano lace being made first-hand.

 

Take in panoramic views of the city as you cross its Lagoon in the comfort and privacy of your private boat and with the personalized attention of your captain and guide. As navigate on to Murano your personable guide introduces you its storied history. Here enjoy a visit to a traditional glassmaking factory, which includes furnaces and laboratories. Learn the amazing secrets of glass blowing an art passed on from father to son through the centuries. See first-hand glass being blown and fashioned into vases, glasses, and baubles.

 

Neighboring Burano is dedicated to more secular pursuits. Most of the island's inhabitants are fishermen and some of their wives and daughters still make the lace for which the place is famed. With its brightly-painted houses in shades of lemon, lilac, and tangerine, Burano has a more southern appearance than anywhere else on the lagoon and boasts all the charm that nets, sailcloth, and fishermen give to any port. You will have a complete tour of the island where the local lace making technique "a tombolo" will be explained. After your tour, re-board the boat to transfer back to St. Mark's Square.


Highlights

  • St. Mark’s Square
  • External visit of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs
  • Rialto Bridge
  • Hidden alleys & canals
  • Gondola ride
  • Murano & Burano Islands
  • Glass blowing demonstration at a selected factory on Murano

What Is Included

  • 6-hour private licensed professional local guide
  • 30-minute private gondola ride (unguided)
  • Round-trip transportation to Murano and Burano in a private luxury water taxi with a dedicated captain

What Is Not Included

  • Cruise ship pick up & drop off
  • Transportation during the 2-hour guided walking tour portion on day 1
  • Interior visits on day 1. All buildings will be viewed from the exterior only.
  • Food & drinks
  • Tips (optional)
  • Anything not expressly mentioned as included

Meeting Point

St. Mark’s Square. Full details provided upon booking.

Important Information

  • This private tour is available on request any day except Christmas Day New Year’s Day, and Labour Day.

Good to Know

  • Each gondola can accommodate up to a maximum of 5 people so with bookings of more than 5 people, your party will be divided into two or more gondolas.
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility.
  • We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes. During summer, it can be very hot, so bring a hat and some water with you.
  • Note to parents with young children: Venice is not a great city to get around with strollers as everything is cobblestone. Consider putting young children in a backpack carrier whenever possible.

How to Book Your Private Tour

  • Send Us Your Inquiry
    Fill out the tour inquiry form and we will respond with availability and price quote.
  • Payment Policy
    Full payment by credit card is required to make a reservation. We use industry leader Stripe for all card transactions.
  • Tour Voucher
    Within two business days of payment, we will email you a voucher with all the booking details. Such email constitutes your proof of purchase.

Tour FAQs

We'll go to Rome after visiting Venice. Do you offer any private shore exursions there?

Is this Venice in 2 Days Excursion from Port suitable for kids?

Yes! Our expert guides know how to engage kids of all ages.





Would you like to personalize this tour?

If you would like us to put together a bespoke tour tailored to your needs, our dedicated trip planning specialists are on hand to help you develop an experience that will be just right for you and yours.
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Venice in 2 Days Excursion from Port

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