Is the boat suitable for all ages?

Yes, the private boat used is accessible and stable, suitable for most ages, including families.

Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, restrooms are available at key stops including Murano’s glassblowing studio.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

This tour focuses on walking and boat experiences and does not include meals, so dietary restrictions are not applicable.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?

Currently, the tour is primarily offered in English; check with the operator for other language options.

How many people are on the private boat?

Private boats typically accommodate small groups, usually up to 6 people for an intimate experience.

Is Murano glassblowing demonstration included in the tour price?

Yes, the live glassblowing demonstration is included, providing exclusive access to the artisan process.

Venice Walking and Boat Tour with Murano Glassblowing Experience | Boat Tour | City Tour

Venice, Italy’s famed floating city, offers an unparalleled blend of history, waterways, and artisanal culture, all waiting to be discovered through Land And Water’s distinctive 3-hour combination walking and boat tour. This journey begins on foot in the heart of Venice's iconic San Marco district, where visitors wander through the storied St. Mark’s Square and adjacent narrow alleys that reveal the city’s unique Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Amid the rhythm of daily life, travel past centuries-old buildings, quiet hidden courtyards, and local shops that offer a glimpse into Venetian culture beyond the main tourist routes. Transitioning from land to water, guests board a luxury private boat that cruises gently along Venice’s labyrinth of canals. Skimming past piazzas and grand palazzos, this tranquil ride showcases the city from a perspective reserved for locals and insiders. The boat's quiet glide on Venice’s iconic waterways highlights the magical interplay of water and stone from beneath arched bridges and beside shimmering façades. The tour culminates with a visit to Murano Island, world-renowned for its glassmaking tradition dating back to the 13th century. Here, guests witness expert artisans in a working glassblowing studio, where molten glass is transformed into exquisite art pieces. This unique access reveals not only the technique behind Murano’s famed handicraft but also its centuries-old legacy embedded in Venetian history. Land And Water stands apart by seamlessly blending active cultural immersion with serene canal cruising, making it an essential experience for travelers seeking both depth and tranquillity in Venice. The combination of walking, boating, and witnessing artisanal mastery offers a multifaceted adventure that honors Venice’s essence as an enduring hub of creativity and aquatic wonder.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness required to comfortably walk on uneven city streets and stand during the boat ride.

Wildlife

Mute swans gliding along Venetian canals
Various species of freshwater fish visible in clear canal waters

History

Venice’s Murano Island became the center of glassmaking in the 1200s, safeguarding secrets of glass artistry for centuries.

Conservation

Venice faces challenges from high tourist traffic and rising waters; sustainable tourism efforts focus on minimizing environmental impact and preserving historic waterways.

Under The Tuscan Sun Tours is a Florence-based tour operator specializing in private and small-group experiences across Tuscany and nearby regions. Founded to connect visitors with the cultural, culinary and scenic highlights of central Italy, the company offers a wide range of day trips, shore excursions and immersive activities. Operating from Florence, Tuscany, the catalogue includes private VIP shore excursions from Livorno, La Spezia and Piombino to destinations such as Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and the Chianti wine region. Options span guided walking tours with reserved entries (Uffizi, Accademia), winery visits with tastings and meals, truffle hunting with trained dogs, cooking classes, Vespa tours and curated visits to Bolgheri for Supertuscan wine tastings. Services include private vehicles and professional drivers for full-day transfers, small shared tours for groups up to eight people, and tailored itineraries for families or wine enthusiasts. Specific shore excursions list included stops, tasting experiences and local activities, while other experiences emphasize cultural sites such as Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, and Carrara marble quarries. Under The Tuscan Sun Tours works with licensed local guides and established wineries, restaurants and activity providers to deliver organized itineraries and reserved accesses. The business emphasizes clear pickup arrangements from ports (Livorno, Piombino, La Spezia) and from central Florence, offering a practical way to turn limited time into a full Tuscan experience.

Base locationFlorence, Italy

Tours offered161+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace