EMOTIONAL MURANO PEARL OF VENICE Walking Tour PLUS Optional Create Your Own Necklace With A Craftsman PLUS Optional Create Your Own Perfume With An Expert

A walking tour to discover the island of Murano and its traditions, and unveil the cret of the glass which has made the island famous worldwide. In 1291, a decree by the Republic of Venice made Murano the only place permitted for the production and processing of glass, a unique art preserved today by the most skilled Master Glassmakers. La Serenissima learned the art of creating and shaping glass from the Roman people, who settled on the Venetian islands to escape the Barbarian invasion. The immeasurable value of this activity led to the creation in 1605 of the Golden Book of master glassmakers, in which the names of the greatest craftsmen were inscribed, giving them noble status on Murano and licensing them to practise their trade. The guided tour starts from Chiesa Santa Chiara founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1231 and subsequently a convent for the Franciscan order of Santa Chiara restored in 1519. Napoleon put an end to the church's religious role, and it became one of the island's principal sites of glassmaking activity. You will go also to the Basilica of San Donato, founded in the 10th century and home since 1125 for the body of San Donato, brought from Kefalonia after its conquest by Doge Michiel. Its singular form makes it a rare example of Romanesque style in the lagoon, and its interior contains some particularly splendid mosaics. You will also discover the treasures housed in the church of San Pietro, built in 1511, which includes masterpieces by Tintoretto and Bellini, evidence of the island's wealth. In the church of Santa Chiara you will learn about man's ancient links with glass, a relationship made special by the nature of the only lightweight, ductile material that can be shaped to create items of everyday use, the tour will finish there. A guided excursion through the following stages:

Create "Your Perfume" - Choose and test fragrances under the guidance of an expert Master, who will give you a sample of the perfume selected and created exclusively by you. On request it is possible to create a personalised glass flask or vial with names or a dedication engraved; the cost of this is not included and is payable directly to the Master.

Create "Your Necklace" of Venetian beads - Under the watchful eye of an expert Craftsman and following his suggestions, you will create your own necklace in the colours and size you choose. The setting (wire and pendant) is included in the cost, while if you like to have more beads, they are payable directly to the Craftsman.