Built on top of a lagoon and crisscrossed by canals, water is the heart and soul of Venice. Hop on a private boat, exclusive to your tour group, to motor away from the main city and experience the frozen-in-time charms of Murano and Burano. Discover the ancient traditions of glass-blowing and lace-making as you tour these tranquil islets with a small group of up to 20 participants and an expert, English-speaking guide to enrich your experience.

Meet your guide in central Venice and hop onto a private boat to cruise across the lagoon to Murano, looking back at the bridges and palazzos of the city. Listen to your guide describe the history of Murano, where the secrets of glass-blowing and mirror-making have been kept since the Middle Ages. Step out of the boat at a glassblowing workshop, where you can watch artisans spinning and shaping fiery orbs of molten glass to craft shimmering works of art.

Browse the gallery, shop for discounted souvenirs if you'd like, and then get back in the boat to putter over to Burano. Colorful clusters of vibrantly hued homes line the rainbow waterways in this charming fishing village. Check out the tilted campanile of the Church of San Martino, and hear legends and facts about the island's famous lace-making heritage. Follow your guide down cobblestone lanes where women sit stitching delicate designs, and delve more into this age-old art—passed down through generations and preserved as a true remnant of the past—at the lovely Museo del Merletto. Before heading back to town, enjoy some free time to continue touring the island.