Venice: Private Sailing Tour of Murano, The Lido, and Mysterious Islands

Discover Venice’s hidden charms on a private sailing tour lasting 8 hours, offered by Alma Del Mar Srl. Departing from the Diporto Velico Veneziano, this journey takes small groups of up to 10 participants across the lagoon’s most captivating and lesser-known islands. From the renowned Murano to the historic Lido, and the enigmatic Lazzaretto Vecchio and Poveglia, this experience showcases Venice’s authentic, quieter side away from the crowds.

This tour combines cultural visits, natural scenery, and relaxing moments, making it ideal for couples, families, or groups who want a relaxed, personalized exploration of Venice’s lagoon. A special highlight is the glassblowing demonstration at a historic Murano furnace, along with onboard Italian breakfast and a Venetian aperitif, all set against the backdrop of the lagoon’s stunning vistas.

Key Points

• Duration and Departure: The 8-hour tour starts at Diporto Velico Veneziano, with flexible availability and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Small Private Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a live guide in English, Italian, or Spanish.
• Authentic Island Visits: Includes Murano glass furnace, Lido’s Art Nouveau villas, and mysterious islands like Lazzaretto Vecchio and Poveglia.
• Cultural and Natural Highlights: Enjoy breakfast and aperitif onboard, a photo stop at Palazzo del Cinema, and scenic sunset views over Venice.
• Flexible and Relaxed Pace: The itinerary balances sailing, sightseeing, and leisure, with lunch at a typical island restaurant (not included).

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From the Diporto Velico to Murano’s Glass Furnace

The tour begins in the morning at Diporto Velico Veneziano, where the crew welcomes you with a short briefing and a personalized welcome kit. As you gently sail along the calm lagoon waters, a Venetian breakfast of espresso and pastries is served, offering a taste of local flavor while the guide shares stories about hidden Venice.

The first main stop is Murano, famous worldwide for glass art. Here, you’ll visit a historic glass furnace to witness a live glassblowing demonstration, providing insight into centuries-old techniques. The secrets of master glassmakers are unveiled during this visit, making it a memorable highlight for lovers of craftsmanship.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Isola della Certosa

After the Murano visit, the boat heads to Isola della Certosa, a lush green oasis surrounded by the lagoon. This stop offers a calm moment to relax, take photos, and soak in the natural scenery. Travelers have the option to lunch at a typical island restaurant (not included), giving a taste of local cuisine amid peaceful surroundings.

The Lido di Venezia and Palazzo del Cinema

In the early afternoon, the tour docks at the Lido di Venezia. Known as the famous beach of Venice, the island features elegant Art Nouveau villas and a lively promenade. The Palazzo del Cinema provides a stunning photo stop and offers a chance to explore the cultural history linked to the International Film Festival.

This part of the tour emphasizes a refined, cultural experience, away from the summer crowds and nightlife. Walking along the Lido’s promenade, visitors enjoy scenic views of the lagoon where the sea meets the lagoon.

Discovering the Mysteries of Lazzaretto Vecchio and Poveglia

The boat then sails toward the most mysterious islands in the lagoon. Lazzaretto Vecchio once served as the quarantine station for Venice, now a deserted site filled with history and stories. Following this, the boat approaches Poveglia, a small island shrouded in legends and historical intrigue.

Both islands are hard to reach and steeped in stories that evoke curiosity and fascination. These stops reveal a quieter, less touristy side of Venice, rich in history and atmosphere.

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Sunset Over Venice and the Onboard Venetian Aperitif

As the day winds down, the sky turns golden, and Venice’s majestic skyline appears in full view. The boat glides back toward Diporto Velico, while onboard, a refined aperitif is served, featuring Venetian cicchetti and Prosecco DOC. This relaxing moment allows travelers to soak in the scenery and reflect on the day.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving a lasting impression of a more authentic Venice that few visitors see.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Starting Point: Diporto Velico Veneziano
• Murano: Visit, glassblowing demonstration, long-tail boat ride (2 hours)
• Sant’Erasmo: Visit, optional lunch (not included), boat ride (2 hours)
• Lido di Venezia: Walk among villas, visit Palazzo del Cinema, boat ride (1 hour)
• Lazzaretto Nuovo: Explore the quarantine island, boat ride (105 minutes)
• Piazza San Marco: Enjoy an aperitif, boat ride, sunset view (1 hour)

While the stop at Sant’Erasmo is included in the itinerary, the main focus remains on the authentic islands and scenic sailing.

Practical Details and Group Experience

This tour is designed for a small private group, with a live guide speaking English, Italian, or Spanish. The group size maximizes intimacy and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed, personalized experience.

Flexibility is a key feature; travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now, pay later option adds convenience, allowing flexible planning without immediate payment.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Venice Experiences

Unlike larger boat trips, this tour focuses on small groups and personalized attention, ensuring a more intimate connection with the lagoon’s hidden sites. The inclusion of a glassblowing demonstration at Murano and visits to mysterious islands gives a unique cultural and historical depth.

The relaxed pace and scenic sailing distinguish it from more hurried or crowded alternatives, offering a calm, immersive day that combines nature, culture, and history.

Venice: Private Sailing Tour of Murano, The Lido, and Mysterious Islands — Final Thoughts

This tour provides a deep dive into Venice’s lesser-known facets, combining cultural stops, natural beauty, and historical sites. The small group size and personal guide ensure a relaxed and engaging day, perfect for those seeking an authentic experience away from the usual tourist spots.

While the price and length are suited for travelers ready to dedicate a full day, the balance of sightseeing, sailing, and leisure makes it a worthwhile investment for those interested in Venice’s quiet, mysterious side. The onboard breakfast and aperitif add a special touch, making this experience both comprehensive and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The 8-hour private sailing experience includes onboard Italian breakfast, a Venetian aperitif with cicchetti and prosecco, guided visits to Murano, Lido, and mysterious islands, and scenic sailing.

How many people participate in the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is Diporto Velico Veneziano, where the crew welcomes guests and provides a brief introduction.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
The Italian breakfast and aperitif onboard are included, but lunch at a local island restaurant is not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and small group setting suggest it can be suitable for families with children, especially those interested in cultural and scenic experiences.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish, making the experience accessible to diverse travelers.

What islands are visited during the tour?
Stops include Murano, Isola della Certosa, Lido di Venezia, Lazzaretto Vecchio, and Poveglia.

Is the tour physically demanding?
No specific physical requirements are noted, but walking at stops and boarding boats are involved. The pace is relaxed and suitable for most visitors.

How long are the boat rides?
Boat rides last around 2 hours to 105 minutes, with scenic sailing between each stop.

This private sailing tour offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal way to experience Venice’s less crowded, more authentic side.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby