Italian Escapades – Murano Glass and Venice Gondola Ride
Italian Escapades – Murano Glass and Venice Gondola Ride
Italian Escapades – Murano Glass and Venice Gondola Ride
WJ Tested: Insight Vacations Italian Escapade Tour – Day 8: Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration on Giudecca Island and Venice Gondola Ride
Water Taxi to AVG on Giudecca Island
Did we mention that the Insight Vacations Italian Escapade tour is not well suited to those that want to spend their mornings in bed? Well, you could if you wanted to on some mornings, but then you would miss so many remarkable and exciting things. As our group was meeting in the lobby of the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal by 8:15 am, the wake-up call came at 6:45 am and then we were off to breakfast.
Master Glass Blower at AVG – Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca
By 8:30 am we boarded a water taxi for the 20-minute ride to Giudecca Island where we watched an artisan Murano master glass blower work his magic. Our stop at AVG – Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca – lasted about an hour, affording plenty of time to wander the showrooms.
Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration at AVG – Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca
Although we are not much into shopping and certainly had no desire to purchase a chandelier or decanter set, there were a few in our group that did make Murano glass purchases and had them shipped to their homes.
Murano Glass Showroom at AVG – Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca
Venetian Mask Artist at AVG
Venetian Masks
Crystal Gondola at AVG
Note: At least if you make a purchase at the factory you know that you are buying real Murano glass and not a knockoff – unfortunately there are plenty of fakes to be found throughout Venice and other parts of Italy.
Insight Vacations Included Gondola Ride in Venice
Following the visit to AVG we took a 20-minute water taxi ride to the boat dock next to Hotel Metropole and near St. Mark’s Square. Here we lined up for a 30-minute included gondola ride.
Gondola Ride in Venice, Italy
Tour Director Mark had arranged for an accordion player and singer to be in one of the gondolas, so we enjoyed being serenaded as we cruised along the tiny canals and past historic buildings.
Serenaded on Venice Gondola
Gondola Ride with Insight Vacations in Venice, Italy
Gondola Ride in Venice
By 11:30 am our morning tour in Venice was completed, we were free to enjoy the remainder of the day as we pleased.
Exploring Venice, Italy
Tip: Snack Bar Clodia is where the gondoliers hang out during their breaks. If you like beer try A Modo Mio IPA (Italian beer) €4.50 (22cl) – you can find it located down an alley next to Hotel Danieli.
Optional Excursion: Visiting the Island of Burano
Mark had arranged an optional tour to the island of Burano that included a seafood lunch at one of his favorite restaurants. Again, most of our group joined him for that excursion at 1:30 pm.
Optional Tour: Burano
Next… Mosaics at the Church of St. Appolinaris in Classe and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Previous: Insight Vacations Italian Escapade – | Tour Overview | Meet and Greet in Rome! | Rome with Local Historian | Skip the Lines – Vatican Museums | Siena | Florence & Michelangelo’s David | Florence to Pisa | Exploring Baveno and Stresa on Lake Maggiore | Prosecco at Fratelli Berlucchi Vineyard | Visiting the Medieval City of Verona | Venice and Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal | Classe and Assisi |
If You Go:
Note: WAVEJourney were guests of Insight Vacations for their April 30 – May 12, 2013 Italian Escapade tour. Read our full disclosure statement to see that this has no effect on our reviews.
