A journey into the heart of Venice: The lagoon, where it all began

PROGRAM

Monday 9th November

• Arrival at the airport of Venice, at 2:00 pm transfer to NH Hotel Villa Murano, a brand new structure in a XX century industrial architecture.

• Check-in and relax @NH Hotel Villa Murano

• 3:30 pm - Meet in the Hotel lobby with your tour leader for a Walking tour in Murano, visiting: Spazio Marina and Susanna Sent

The showroom and boutique event venue overlooking the lagoon is the house of the famous glass design workshop of Susanna and Marina Sent. From a family of traditional glassblowers, the sisters Sent founded their own business in 1993, and were soon established as the go-to producers of highly original glass jewellery, to be found in most international contemporary art museum shops and in the best boutiques. They are internationally recognized for their reframing of ancient artisanal techniques, such as murrine and filigree glass, with an innovative, contemporary approach to form and colour. In their beautiful showroom, Susanna and Marina welcome tailored events and bespoke activities for sophisticated customers.

• Visit to the Church of Santa Maria and San Donato (Time allowing) This imposing church, originally founded in the 7th century, was rebuilt in between 1125 and in 1140 AD, when the external decoration of the abse was created. The marvellous stone mosaic floor also dates from around 1140: it measures over 500 square metres and is made of glass pieces together with porphyry, serpentine, and other precious stones, set into figural images and geometric patterns that represent Christian themes.

• Dinner and overnight stay at NH Hotel Villa Murano

Tuesday 10th November

• 9:00 Meeting in the Hotel lobby for an Excursion by private motorboat to the islands of the Lagoon: 

• Burano, a fishing village famous for its brightly coloured cottages, and home of exquisite hand-made lace, where you will taste the typical 'buranello' cookies; 

• Torcello, once a thriving lagoon settlement at the very origins of Venetian civilization. Inside the ancient church of Santa Maria Assunta, glittering medieval mosaics evoke the richness and importance of Torcello’s history. 

• 12:45 pm Return to Murano and visit The Glass Cathedral A stunning former church transformed into a unique event venue, where the sacred charm of the architecture meets the artistry of Murano glass. An exclusive space that celebrates centuries of craftsmanship through contemporary installations, exhibitions and private experiences.

  
  

a Murano glass factory whose furnaces produce contemporary glass artworks in collaboration with international artists such as Tony Cragg and Ai Wei Wei. After an introduction to glass blowing in the working furnaces, we'll visit their nearby exhibition and event spaces - now hosting the Biennale related exhibit Glasstress - in the fascinating setting of ancient and disused furnaces.

• 1:45 pm light lunch at NH Hotel Villa Murano.

• 3:45pm – Discovering Murano

  After some free time to relax, meet in the hotel lobby for a special experience dedicated to Murano and its extraordinary heritage.

  Discover how centuries of craftsmanship continue to inspire contemporary creativity, in a fascinating setting where the island’s industrial past and artistic identity come together.

  
  

• 5:15 pm – The Lagoon Behind Venice

  A private encounter offering a different perspective on Venice and its islands.

  Through stories, traditions and objects connected with everyday life on the water, discover the unique civilization that developed across the Venetian Lagoon – a world shaped by fishing, craftsmanship, boats, islands and an intimate relationship with the sea.

• 7:30 pm – A Lagoon Evening

  End the day with an informal and convivial evening inspired by the flavours and atmosphere of the Venetian Lagoon.

  Local food, wine and conversation provide the setting for a relaxed evening together, experiencing Murano after the daytime visitors have left the island.

• Overnight stay at NH Collection Murano Villa

Wednesday 11th November

• Transfer by private motorboat to one of the best hotels in the city center.

• Check-in for your stay in Venice