Murano, Saint George Island and Gondola Tour

                   Enjoy the pleasures of glass blowing in Murano; the beautiful architecture in St. George’s Island; and experience the ride of a lifetime in one of Italy’s famous gondolas. Depart the pier by private non-air conditioned launch and sail along Giudecca Canal passing the Arsenal, the oldest shipyard of “Serenissima” Republic, and the ancient Church of San Pietro di Castello, the city’s cathedral until the beginning of the 19th century. In the northern Venetian lagoon is the island of Murano.

                 Although today glass making is no longer a secret skill, the Murano product of blown-glass mirrors, chandeliers, goblets and intricate works of art are renowned worldwide. Here, you will visit a major glass factory to see the masters of this delicate craft at work, with a tour of the display room.

                  En route back to Venice, continue towards the island of St. Elena, viewing the island of Lido and the tinier islands of the Southern lagoon, arriving soon at San Giorgio island. Dominating the island is the magnificent domed monastic Church of San Giorgio Maggiore which was entirely designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century and is a masterpiece of ecclesiastic architecture. Marvel at the handsomely crafted Baroque choir-stalls and the most magnificent view of Venice and the lagoon.

               Back in Venice, it’s time to board the gondola. Riding six guests per gondola, you will glide through some of the smaller picturesque canals crossed by lovely stone bridges. The scenery speaks for itself on this non-narrated 30-minute gondola ride.