another question...about murano glass blowing factories
 

You all are always so helpful that i can't resist asking more questions... we only have saturday or sunday to take a little trip from venice to murano. are there glass blowing demonstrations on sundays? or should we do it on saturday? Also, if we go over there on our own, any recommended factories? I think my kids would enjoy seeing the actual glass-blowing although we're not interested in any major shopping. <BR>Thanks so much again!

Don't know about Sat vs Sun, but the tours can take a little while because of the mandatory trip through the showroom with an aggressive salesman. Still, it's worth seeing. If you have time after the glass, hop back on the water taxi to the island of Burano. It's known for producing lace (like Murano is for glass), but it's probably best known for its brightly coloured houses along the little harbour. It's a short stop, but quaint.

I wouldn't bother with the glass blowing demonstration....it's just a prelude to a hard sell in the showroom afterwards. <BR> <BR>You're in Venice with many great things to see and do. Don't waste your time with this. <BR> <BR>Just my opinion. <BR> <BR>Italy photos at: http://www.jimtardio.com/italy.html <BR> <BR>

Did we go to the wrong Murano? Four of us had three day water passes and although the hotel wanted to send us by their boat to Murano, we opted to go on our own. We wandered around the streets in and out of showrooms, and walked down a couple of little alleyways where we entered and watched glass blowing in several factories. A couple of the small ones actually didn't appear even to be connected with any showroom, and the workers just smiled at us and basically ignored us while we watched them create incredible little flowers that were to go on lamps and fixtures. We entered one factory on our own and someone was giving an English full scale lecture about what was going on. She smiled at us and we listened and watched. There was no attempt made to herd us in to the showroom to buy anything. We popped in and out of quite a number of showrooms, and sometimes when approached simply said we weren't interested in buying any glass. We spent about three hours there before taking another boat to Burano for lunch and a nice stroll. I suppose if you accept a free trip to Murano be prepared for the hard sell, but as independent travelers to the little island, we certainly didn't encounter any of that. We had a great time.

Patrick, I think we'll use your approach. <BR> <BR>does anyway know if eveything is open there on sundays? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>

I agree that the rest of Murano was a joy to explore....great little pizza places along the canal. <BR> <BR>The glass blowing just didn't fit in with what I wanted to see and do in Venice. I live in Los Angeles and have been down to Mexico many times, and have seen this process. It just wasn't a big deal to me....not to imply that you won't enjoy it. <BR> <BR>The factories will most certainly be closed on Sunday, I know many of the shops are. <BR>