An Introduction by Fabio Bettin, Operations Manager, Noble Caledonia
Venice is arguably one of the most unique places on earth and one of the most visited cities in the world. Its charm and atmosphere along with its fascinating history and being entirely built on water, draw millions of visitors every year. At first visit, Venice strikes anyone with its beauty and sights such as St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. It certainly takes more than one visit to appreciate some of the city’s lesser-known treasures, discover an osteria where the locals frequent and appreciate the true nature of the city.
As a Venetian, I have always wanted the opportunity to show travellers the Venice that I experience as a local and was therefore delighted to be able to design this new and unique escorted tour. Knowing that many who travel with Noble Caledonia will have spent some time in Venice before, I have devised this tour for guests who have already visited the city and as the title hints, it focuses on the minor lagoon islands. The pace of life on the islands is slower and this allows for the opportunity to view the city and the Lagoon in a completely new light. I have included in the itinerary places where I enjoy going when I am in town, experiences which even the locals may not have had the opportunity to partake in and activities that will introduce you to some local people, such as farmers on Sant’Erasmo Island and fishermen on Pellestrina.
We will be based on Murano Island, which for most tourists is known for the glass-blowing craftsmen. The hotel itself is housed in a former “Conteria”, a glass pearls factory, and there will be time to wander around Murano and explore independently. Each day you will be visiting different islands, sailing on various types of boats while admiring the lagoon gliding away, and sampling seasonal and local gastronomy both in places known amongst the locals and in some unique settings.
I hope you will return from this trip with a deeper understanding of the complexity of Venice’s millenary history and its contemporary fragility, but most importantly with a profound love and connection with the Venetian Lagoon.
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
This elegant hotel is located on Murano Island and set within the walls of a former “conteria”, or glass factory. The hotel features 119 rooms and the décor throughout reflects its Venetian surroundings with lagoon blue interiors, local artwork and lighting designed by local glass companies. The conservation work done to preserve the main structure of the factory and its heritage is remarkable and the hotel staff will happily explain more about the history of this unique hotel. We have chosen Murano Island as the location for our stay as it has a more local feel than central Venice with many Venetians still living on the island. Next to the hotel is the Murano Glass Museum, a must-see collection for anyone interested in discovering more about the art of Venetian glass blowing and there is also a public waterbus stop providing easy access to explore the city’s many wonders.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer by private motorboat to the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice for a five night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for a Venetian Spritz aperitif masterclass followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Burano & Torcello Islands.
This morning we will take a private motor launch to visit two of the most important islands of the Northern Lagoon. We sail from Murano and across the Northern Lagoon, passing by the abandoned islet of Madonna del Monte to reach Burano, a tiny island dotted with brightly painted houses. We will have a stroll along its picturesque ‘calli’ and learn more about lace making, the exquisite local craft still practised by some of the local women. We continue by sailing across to Torcello where we can walk the paths of the nature reserve and see the spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the 7th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, before lunch at the renowned Locanda Cipriani. After lunch we return to Murano for a free afternoon to relax or explore the island, before we have dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Pellestrina Island & Mussel farming cruise in the Southern Lagoon.
This morning we will board our private launch and transfer to Pellestrina, the thin strip of land that, together with the Lido, separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. After a brief walk in the village, we will board a local fishing boat for a cruise on the Southern Lagoon to discover how mussels, one of Venice’s most renowned seafood delicacies, are farmed and harvested. We will have the chance to learn more about lagoon life and the local fishing industry from our guide and the fishermen themselves. We will then enjoy a unique lunch featuring the catch of the day served on the top deck of our fishing boat, while we sail back towards Pellestrina. The remainder of the day and dinner are at leisure for independent exploration. Transfer options back to Murano Island or the St Mark’s area will be available after the cruise, for those wishing to go into Venice’s historical centre. (B, L)
Day 4 San Lazzaro & Sant’ Erasmo Islands.
Today we have planned a visit to two other important islands of the lagoon, which are not regularly visited by tourists. Our transportation will be a “Bragozzo”, a traditional wooden fishing and transport boat of the Adriatic Sea, which disappeared with the advent of modern fishing boats. With its flat bottom designed to sail in shallow waters, this type of boat is normally decorated reinterpreting the classical Venetian designs. We will first visit San Lazzaro degli Armeni, a small islet in front of the Venice Lido that has housed one of the world’s main Armenian Mekhitarist monasteries since the early 1700s. Sailing up the lagoon, we will then stop at Sant’ Erasmo Island, Venice’s very own fruit and vegetable orchard. During our walk we will discover some of the vegetable gardens and unique products of the lagoon and we will enjoy an al-fresco lunch in one of the local restaurants. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for some time to relax before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Morning at leisure & Venissa Estate.
After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure to relax or to explore independently, perhaps taking a stroll around Murano Island like a true local. We will meet in the late afternoon and transfer to Mazzorbo Island, where we are in for a treat. We will visit the renowned Venissa estate, a cloistered vineyard where the Dorona di Venezia wine variety has found a magical equilibrium on a land that is constantly threatened by salt and water. After a wine tasting, we will enjoy our farewell dinner at their contemporary osteria on the island. (B, D)
Day 6 Venice to London.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 4 to 9 May 2025 • 28 September to 3 October 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Deluxe Room Twin | £4295 | |
| Premium Room Twin | £4495 | |
| Deluxe Room Single | £5495 | |
| Premium Room Single | Not Available | |
Tour Reference Code: LAVENETIAN
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Five nights accommodation at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice • Meals as indicated including drinks (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Excursions as specified with local escort and guide • Gratuities • Entrance fees • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel Insurance.
NB: Please note that Venice is by no means an easily accessible city and we do not recommend this tour for those with walking difficulties. The tours will involve walking on paved/cobbled ground as well as climbing steps to cross bridges. Boats are the main means of transportation, which may involve negotiating steps and walking on moving gangways, or getting in and out of motor launches that sit low on the water.
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
This elegant hotel is located on Murano Island and set within the walls of a former “conteria”, or glass factory. The hotel features 119 rooms and the décor throughout reflects its Venetian surroundings with lagoon blue interiors, local artwork and lighting designed by local glass companies. The conservation work done to preserve the main structure of the factory and its heritage is remarkable and the hotel staff will happily explain more about the history of this unique hotel. We have chosen Murano Island as the location for our stay as it has a more local feel than central Venice with many Venetians still living on the island. Next to the hotel is the Murano Glass Museum, a must-see collection for anyone interested in discovering more about the art of Venetian glass blowing and there is also a public waterbus stop providing easy access to explore the city’s many wonders.
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