Top Venice Art & Culture Classes

Murano glass is one of Venice's most famous crafts, but most tourists never go beyond a glassblowing demonstration. With this hands-on class, take a deeper dive into the city's glass-making traditions by creating colorful beads under the guidance of a seasoned artisan. Discover the historic Venetian art of lampworking using techniques passed down through the centuries, and take away your handcrafted beads as a unique souvenir of your time in the Floating City.

Partake in one of Italy’s most time-honored art forms during this two-and-a-half-hour small-group glass-blowing workshop on the island of Murano. Suitable for beginners, workshops include a live demonstration and hands-on instruction in shaping molten glass. Make an original art object to take back home as a souvenir, ready for pickup the next day. Your glass piece can also be shipped worldwide at an additional cost.

Bring home the ultimate souvenir of your Venetian sojourn—your own papier-mâché carnival mask, handmade to your own design. A local master artisan works with you and your small group to unleash your creativity, as well as sharing stories of craftsmanship and carnival. Work with a whirlwind of materials—not just paint, but feathers, glitter, and trimmings—to create something that’s truly and uniquely yours.

Get an inside peek into the world-famous glassblowing factories of Murano with this small-group tour. From central Venice, ride a water taxi across the Venetian Lagoon to the colorful island of Murano. Watch a glassmaking demonstration by a master craftsman, and enjoy time to browse the factory showroom featuring finished works of art. Finally, attend your choice of hands-on workshop to create a take-home piece of jewelry or mosaic using authentic Murano glass.

Take a course on mask-making from a master artisan in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.

Head to one of the few remaining artisan mask studios still active in Venice for this mask-making workshop, a wonderful way to unleash your creativity—and craft a unique and expressive souvenir. Learn the history of Venetian masks and the artisans who make them, then paint and decorate your own mask using traditional techniques such as painting and gilding. Your tutor is on hand throughout to help realize your vision.

Immerse yourself in the lush sounds of baroque music at this authentic chamber performance in Venice. The 17th-century Church of San Vidal provides an intimate historic setting and fantastic acoustics for concertos and symphonies by European masters such as Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel. The talented members of the Interpreti Veneziani ensemble bring these musical masterworks to life for a night out you won’t soon forget.

Rather than gondola rides and crowded sightseeing spots, this hands-on experience allows you to learn about a traditional Venetian craft—glass-blowing. Enjoy the special opportunity to visit a glass factory, meet a glass master, and watch how Murano glass is blown. You can also enjoy the opportunity to try out some glass skills yourself.

Discover the island of Murano, near Venice, with a small-group glass workshop and walking tour. See traditional artistry in action at Murano’s famous glass factories and visit the workshop of a local artist for a hands-on class. Complete the experience with a walk around Murano to see its churches, landmarks, and striking architecture.

Take a break from the usual sightseeing and snapping photos in Venice with this special experience that allows you to be an artist for the day. Learn how to capture the sky, lagoon, and historic palaces through the time-honored medium of watercolor. A local Venetian artist takes you to find the ideal corner of the city to paint, where you can create your own artwork.

The Doge's Palace prison near St. Mark's Square is where Casanova was held before his famous escape—a specific and unusual piece of Venetian history that standard walking tours rarely cover. This experience combines a guided visit to the historic prison with a hands-on Carnival mask-making workshop led by a local artisan, with a completed mask to take home at the end.

You don’t have to brave Venice in February to enjoy the magic of Carnival. Capture yourself against six different settings and backgrounds with a range of dresses, masks, hats, and feathers at a studio in the heart of Venice. Create fun videos and photos to share online or print out—it’s the perfect activity for when history and art gets a little much.

Make the most of your time in Venice by exploring the traditional craft of glassmaking. A peaceful alternative to overcrowded group tours—this private experience offers a more personal visit, where you watch master artisan Alessandro Boscolo—part of a family with a long glassmaking heritage—shape and blow glass. You can also try the techniques yourself and create your own piece to take home.

Learn the secrets of glassblowing during this activity in Venice. Visit the Glass Factory Showroom near St Mark's Square to see examples of this highly specialized glass art, beloved by collectors the world over. Learn about this technique's origins in the Roman Empire from you guide, then watch a glassblowing demonstration by a Master Artisan.

Venetian masks have a long and storied history: during the republic’s heyday, they were used to conceal the identities of residents who engaged in decadent activities. In their masks, peasants and noblemen were equal. Make your own Venetian mask (yours to keep), adorned with sequins, ribbons, and other fineries, under the tutelage of a local artist. All materials are provided.

This Venice Highlights Tour combines history, culture, and immersive experiences for a deeper connection to the city. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide, walk across the Bridge of Sighs, and glide through Venice’s canals on a gondola ride. End the day with a virtual reality journey at the Gondola Gallery, unveiling the craft behind this iconic vessel. Escape the crowds on a semi-private boat tour to Murano and Burano, where you’ll witness master artisans at work—glassblowers in Murano and lace-makers in Burano—offering a rare glimpse into Venice’s traditions. Explore Torcello Island, the first centre of civilization. Continue your experience with a thrilling VR adventure that brings history to life: watch Piazza San Marco transform through the ages, see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel, explore the Doge’s Palace as a medieval fortress, and discover how the iconic Rialto Bridge was once a wooden drawbridge.

Step into a hidden Venetian atelier and enjoy an evening of creativity, wine, and social connection. Sip fine Italian wine while bringing your own canvas to life, sharing laughs and inspiration with fellow guests. Surrounded by candlelit décor, vintage mirrors, and hand-crafted tables, you’ll create a unique painting to take home—a memorable experience in the heart of Venice.

Travel to your cruise port the easy and stylish way with this private motorboat transfer. A professional driver will pick you up at your central Venice hotel in a clean and comfortable motorboat and transport you directly to the cruise port (either Venezia Marittima or San Basilio). Relax and enjoy the ride as you zip by Venice’s historic palaces and beautiful lagoon on the way to your waiting ship.

Explore a unique part of Venice’s history and culture—and enjoy a hands-on art experience that few other visitors get to have—thanks to this small-group mask-making workshop. Make your own way to the centrally located artisan studio, and get ready to create your very own Venetian mask using papier-maché and other provided materials. As you craft, learn insider facts and stories about the city’s mask-making traditions that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter.

Taste your way through the canal city on a street food tour of Venice. Meander through the Floating City without having to navigate or overcome the language barrier in a small group that guarantees personalized attention. Pass top sights such as Rialto Market and the Grand Canal, while you savor Venetian specialties including cicchetti (small plates), buranelli (butter cookies), and much more.

Enjoy a private 1-hour tour in Romanian with a local guide through the stunning Palazzo Ducale in Venice. Tickets are an additional cost. The Palazzo Ducale is the city's most significant museum, filled with legends and captivating stories shared as you explore its halls. Continue your journey on foot throughout the city or stay within the palace's historic walls.

Live a unique experience where you will be the protagonist. In about two hours, you will participate in the enchanting journey of creating your ring. Starting from the casting process and continuing with milling and welding, you will be guided through each phase of the process. At the end of the workshop, with our assistance, your ring will be ready to be worn by you or a loved one. The workshop can be booked in both English and Italian, with a maximum of four participants per session.

Experience the magic of Venice with a private gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Glide past iconic landmarks and romantic side canals as your gondolier navigates through the heart of the “Floating City.” Afterward, explore Venice’s hidden gems with a digital map on your mobile, featuring more than 200 points of interest, while wandering its charming alleys.