Duration: 6 hours 

Type of Service: VIP Venetian Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Water Taxi

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are only a quick boat ride away from Venice, but each has a unique feel that you can explore on this day trip! With a small group of only 15 people, an air-conditioned, private water taxi and complimentary prosecco on board, you’ll feel like a VIP as you escape the crowds of Venice and head to the charming, smaller islands of the Venetian lagoon.

Begin your day by meeting at a central point in Venice to board your luxury boat. On the way to your first stop, you’ll be introduced to the history of the Venetian Islands by your expert, local guide. Murano is famous for its glassmaking craftsmen, and there’s no better way to experience the island than by visiting one of its famous glass factories. Here, you’ll see a live demonstration by a master artisan and visit a private gallery to view some of their most beautifully intricate pieces

Your next stop is the peaceful island of Torcello. Descriptively called “the garden of Venice”, it’s a wonderful respite in the middle of your tour, filled with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. While in Torcello, you’ll have free time to wander the gardens or climb to the top of the local bell tower for views overlooking the lagoon.

Then, make your way to Burano, the most colorful island of Venice! Perfect for a photo op, this tiny island is known for vibrantly colored cottages and its highly skilled lacemakers. You’ll meet the artisans keeping the Venetian lace tradition alive and have time to discover the city streets on your own, with recommendations from your local guide.

Finally, board your boat again for a quick ride back to Venice while you enjoy a glass of prosecco and stunning views of the city by water.

Sites Visited

Things to Know:

• Glassmaking demonstration at a factory in Murano
• Visit a private Art Gallery with glass masterpieces
• Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano
• Visit Torcello Island
• Expert, English-speaking guide
• Round-trip transportation on board of a historic luxury boat
• Complimentary prosecco while you travel between islands
• Small groups of 15 people or less
• Discount at the glassblowing & lace-making shops (10%+ depending on the item)
• Tour is offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
• Tour begins at 9:00am
• Meeting Point: Central Venice: Riva degli Schiavoni - more details upon booking
• Wear comfortable walking  or tennis shoes

Duration: 12 hours

Type Of Service: VIP Small-Group Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes Tour with Seafood Lunch

There is nothing better than the VIP Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes to explore a real Italian coastal paradise with the exclusivity of a small-group tour. This is the most complete experience and the only one-day tour to Cinque Terre that will allow you to discover the beauty of the villages while breathing the true relaxed essence of this paradise. A small-group adventure. The personalized attention of a knowledgeable guide. Exclusive escapes from the crowds that will reveal hidden, no touristy, gems. Relaxed savoring of two of the treasures of this region: its cuisine made of ancient traditional recipes and its local unique wines.

Departure from meeting point in the morning, transfer to the North West Riviera with a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
During the day the guide will introduce guests to this spectacular corner of Italy, famous for its panorama, its wine, its food, beautiful sea and hiking opportunities.
Our comprehensive exploration will include the visit of some of the most beautiful villages and landscapes of Cinque Terre National Park (a world-heritage protected by UNESCO since 1997) which are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, the villages clinging to a remote stretch of the Riviera coastline. You will enjoy the five-mile-long rocky coast lined by thousands of dry walls built on terraces cultivated with vineyards, and the small medieval fishing villages built on rock… add to this the incredible color of the sea and the sky, and you may understand what paradise the Cinque Terre really is. Enjoy the most astonishing views either from land and sea, as we stroll along the national park by boat, train, and walking/hiking on the fabulous trails on the cliff (including famous Via dell’Amore - see notes -) in a perfect mix for a memorable experience.
A delicious full lunch with wine tasting in a typical restaurant on the sea is included, thus you will be able to enjoy incredible fresh seafood cooked the Ligurian way, accompanied by some great white wines typical of this region.

An amazing boat ride (weather and sea conditions permitting) will be an additional memorable perspective on the Riviera, to take back home with you the most incredible pictures of this day.
This experience is a unique opportunity to explore Cinque Terre in a day, also enjoying a few enchanting escapes from the crowds of the villages. You will have the chance to admire the astonishing coastal panorama from a high vantage point, with a very light hike on an almost levelled trail through seaside vineyards. Natural amphitheaters of luxuriant vineyards will disclose to your eyes and senses, facing the sea and the open horizon, and you will learn about the unique peculiarities of grape harvesting (that often include incredible steep mono-rails through the vineyards) and wine production of this region.
Get the best out of a day out, join this small group adventure!

Things to Know:

• Small group tour with 16 people or less
• Round-trip transportation from Florence in A/C luxury minivan
• Visit this UNESCO World-Heritage Italian coastal paradise
• Discover the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre
• Enjoy some relaxed escapes from the crowds, through luxuriant panoramic seaside vineyards – light hiking
• Savor a delicious lunch with seafood and wine tasting in a typical restaurant
• Magnificent views of the coast on a light hiking trail through vineyards
• An amazing boat trip to take the most beautiful pictures of Cinque Terre from the sea
• Tour departs at 8:00am / Tour check-in at by 7:45am
• Tour offered 7 days @ week to peak season
• Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Meeting point location: -Piazza della Repubblica (next to the APPLE STORE under the loggias, corner with Via Pellicceria) - more details upon booking

Duration: 5 hours 

Type of Service: Half Day Venetian Islands: Murano Glassblowing and Burano Lacemaking - group tour

Most first-time visitors to Venice spend the majority of their time around its famous Saint Mark's Square. Those with a bit more time in Italy also fit in a visit to Murano, a nearby island. This is the place to go if you're interested in the famed Murano glass, where you can watch a demonstration of glass making and maybe buy a Venetian glass souvenir or two.

 Burano has been occupied from the 6th century, but it only became important in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles and it became popular among the European elite. It’s a fine art form and takes an incredible amount of patience and time to create. So as you can imagine, it’s a luxury few can afford. Most of the lace that's for sale in souvenir shops are affordable, so it's not created by hand. Still, it's beautiful and the shops are worth visiting. 

 Venetian Islands Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking - No trip to Venice is complete without discovering the Venetian Lagoon's two most cherished islands. This half-day trip to Murano from Venice with Burano offers perks not usually found on other group tours, like transport by private water taxi and a dedicated guide throughout. Gain perspective on the ageless arts of glassblowing and lacemaking and the mastery of artisans, as well as delight in the unique charm of the tranquil canals and piazzas.

Take a Private Water Taxi to Murano - Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano to see its world-famous blown glass. On the way, admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and entertaining commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass.

All glassmaking was moved to this tiny group of islands in the Middle Ages, and it was the only place where mirrors were made for centuries. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them. Times have changed, but you'll behold exactly what has made Murano glass so sought after for nearly 750 years.

Learn More with our Expert Guides - Upon arrival, you'll dock at a specially chosen glassblowing workshop where you'll marvel as craftsmen shape molten glass into dazzling works of art. See these sparkling treasures come to life as you learn how colors and the most ambitious shapes come to be. You can also browse in the gallery, or shop with our discount. Afterward, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried.

 Discover the Finest Handmade Lace at Burano - The next stop on your Venice cruise is Burano. Considered by many as one of the most colorful places in the world, this small fishing community with its brightly colored houses also has some of the finest handmade lace anywhere. Watch this cultural tradition in action as women stitch by hand, like countless generations before them. After the demonstration, you will have free time to visit the lace museum, stroll Burano's vibrant waterways, or shop for souvenirs.

Things to Know:

• Explore the islands of Murano and Burano with an English-speaking tour guide
• Learn about Murano’s rich history and glass-making heritage Admire the brightly painted houses of Burano island
• Travel by motorboat and see the sights from the water
• A great introduction to Venice for first-time visitors
• Plenty of free time to stroll around the island and enjoy the peaceful environment
• Tour offered daily - 7 days @ week based on availability
• Tour times are at 8:15am, 1:45pm and 2:30pm
• Meeting Point: Central Venice: Vittorio Emanuele II Monument - more details upon booking
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Group Tour of 30 people or less

Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Type Of Service: Florence to Cinque Terre Private Car Transfer Tour with a one-hour stop-over in Pisa

Our car service transfers provide our clients the opportunity to make the most of their time while in Italy enjoying tours of other popular tourist destinations as they travel from one Italian city to another. On our Florence to Cinque Terre car transfer, enjoy a one-hour stop-over in Pisa and spend time at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli, as part of your private car transfer from Florence.  Your driver will drop you off at Piazza dei Miracoli and await for your return at the car parking lot.

We can arrange for skip the line tickets for those guests who want to climb the two-hundred eighty-eight steps of the Leaning Tower while in Pisa.  The Leaning Tower tickets are 28 euros per person.

Things to Know

• Luxury Mercedes vehicle or something similar with air-conditioned with an English-speaking driver
• Pick-up from Hotel in Florence, with a one-hour stop-over in Pisa
• All transfers are based on each passenger-carrying maximum 1 standard suitcase and 1 carry-on per person
• Clients taking our Florence Cinque Terre Transfer can also pay an additional 28 Euro per person for reserved tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa (please be aware children under 8 years are not allowed to climb the Tower) The climb takes 25 – 30 minutes each way.  There are no hand-railings when climbing the steps and tennis shoes are highly recommended.
• Private Car Transfers offered 7 days a week between April and October based on availability
• Two departure times to choose from are; 9:00am – 2:00pm or 10:00am – 3:00pm
• Please be aware that most of the Cinque Terre town centers are not accessible by car, the driver will drop you off at the nearest car parking lot closest to the designated town.

Duration: (8:00am - 6:00pm)

Type Of Service: Unique day tours of Cinque Terre from Florence to Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia

Departing from: Center City of Florence

A small group tour with no more than 8 passengers.  You will be greeted by your English-Speaking driver/tour guide at a designated location in the center city of Florence.  After driving through Tuscany into the Liguria region, your first stop will be the Cinque Terre village of Manarola.  Enjoy panoramic views and take spectacular pictures of the land and coast.  Manarola is one of the oldest villages of Cinque Terre.  You will explore the narrow alleys and pretty pastel squares that epitomize the area, and perhaps sample some renowned local wine at a cozy wine bar and tavern, as you are exploring.

After you visit Manarola, you will meet your tour escort at a prearranged time for your shared boat ride to Vernazza.  While on the boat, admiring the dramatic coastline from the water, framed against the hills will arrive at your second stop at the village of Vernazza, arguably the most beautiful of the five villages with a large open harbor, castle, and church.  You will enjoy some free time to walk around and have a relaxing lunch(lunch cost is clients responsibility) at one of the open-air restaurants that line the waterfront, or pick up some snacks/picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic lunch down by the water or stroll through the back streets for impressive views along the coast.  

After your visit to Vernazza, you will meet your tour escort who will drive you to Corniglia, where you will enjoy panoramic views and take some of the most spectacular pictures.

Things to Know:

• Leave behind the Renaissance treasures of Florence for the day to discover the rugged beauty of the Ligurian coastline
• Visit three of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most scenic destinations
• Tour operates with a minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 8 (semi-private tour)
• Dine on a local dish as you stroll, shop, people watch or swim (don't forget to pack your swimsuit and towel) or even take a 30 minute light hike
• Complimentary appetizer on the tour
• Round-trip transport from Florence in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Public boats operate subject to weather conditions.  When boats are not operative transfer between towns, the tour will be by train or mini-van.
• Tour is conducted 7 days a week during the peak season Late March - Mid October
• During winter months (November - Mid March) tour days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, based on a minimum of 4 people
• Meeting Point: Florence Center City - the tour starts directly outside the Cafe Paskowski in Piazza Repubblica
• Wear comfortable walking shoes