WMT

VE02   -   MURANO & BURANO ISLANDS TOUR

The Venetian Lagoon, created by the estuaries of the three rivieras and separated from the Adriatic by a row of sand bars , is approximately 32, ½ miles long. Venice lies in the centre and there are some forty other islands in the lagoon. Nearly half of them are deserted, some house market gardens and sanatoriums. The three predominant islands are Murano, Burano and Torcello and the excursion via launch to these islands is unique.

In 1291, when furnaces were banned from Venice as a fire precaution, the manufacturers of exquisite glassware were transferred to Murano. The 16th century was known as the “great age “of Murano glass, when the island supported some 37 glass factories and a population of 30.000. Glassware was one of the few Venetians exports and as such, the secrets of this skilful craft were tightly guarded. Glass making was considered a privileged occupation and those glass artisans were allowed to marry into nobility. Although today glass making is no longer a secret, the Murano product of blown-glass mirrors, chandeliers, goblets and intricate works of art are renowned world-wide. There will be a visit to a major glass factory to view the masters of this delicate craft at work. The display rooms of the finished product provide beautiful viewing.

Burano will be the first stop . Brightly painted houses beautifully decorate this small and cheerful fishing village. The banks of the canals are lined with fishing dories and the setting is indeed picturesque . Burano is well known for its lace making; in the 16th century the industry was at its height and Burano was cited throughout Europe for having produced the finest lace. To preserve the traditional lace making, a school (scuola dei Merletti) was established. Although not a popular art these days, lace making is practised by some of the Burano women. The work produced is beautiful and the hours of labour required to make a fine piece reflects the price. Next to the 16th century church of San Martino one can notice the curious tilt to the campanile and photographers will definitely want to capture this sight

Suggested timing:
08.00  Departure from pier (2 hrs drive to Florence with a rest stop of 20 min.)
10.00  Arrival in Florence and beginning of the guided tour
12:45  Arrival in Piazza della Repubblica, meeting point, for free time
16:15  Meeting in Piazza della Repubblica, with the escort to return to coaches
16:30  Departure from Florence
18:00  Arrival to Livorno
The above timings are approximate and subject to traffic permitting.

Note: Due to new traffic regulations in Florence each coach needs to book an entrance permission well in advance as they are very limited, it is therefore very important to know well in advance the number of coaches needed.
To visit the Museums in Florence we need to book the entrance well in advance.
Possibility to have the guided visit in the afternoon and the free time in the morning.
On Sundays the Cathedral opens at 1.30 p.m., and Santa Croce at 15.00. lunch can be served at 14.00.

Walking Information: Due to parking restrictions the bus parking area is located approximately ¼ to ½ mile from the city centre. The guided walking tour involves approximately 2 miles of extensive walking on cobblestone streets.

Wheelchair Access: difficulty because of cobblestone streets and extensive walking
from bus park to city centre.
Shopping information: Shops open from Monday to Saturday 09.00 to 13.00 / 16.00 to 19.30 (not all shops close during lunchtime). Sunday shops are closed.

Restrooms: available on the motorway , at coffee shops and at the restaurant.

Dress Code: Casual wear and comfortable shoes: entrance to the Cathedral requires specific attire guidelines: ladies must cover knees and shoulders, while gentlemen’s attire must include pants/slacks or jeans only (no shorts).

San Marco's Square
is the only true square in Venice all the other open areas are called "campi" ...


The Bell Tower
Inside the bell tower there are 5 large cast iron bells. Each bell has a name and a purpose... Marangona rang mornings and evenings at the beginning and end of the work day, Maleficio rang for capital executions, Nona rang at the 9th hour, Trottiera called magistrates to meetings in the Palazzo Ducale, and the bell of Pregadi called senators to the Palace...


Gondola Serenade
The Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge in the heard of the city...