Another question: 2 weeks in Italy in July. We love Murano glass pieces and have a few at home. Should we just buy in Venice? Or, should we take the boat to Murano (apparently nearby) and go direct to factory? Are the prices and choices much better in Murano? I'm referring mainly to larger pieces, maybe 9" or taller, not the little ones. Thank you!

Arline - Definitely go to Murano! The stuff you will find in Venice itself is not as nice, in my opinion. Although Murano is still touristy (with the glass blowing demonstrations, etc.), it's fun to wander through all the little shops searching for just the right piece. Of course, that assumes you have the time... Have fun!

I agree. Go to Murano. It is an experince worth taking in. The glass is getting pricey now but still better than it can be had on this side of the Atlantic. A word of caution though, based on my first experience to Murano. Do not be tempted to buy and have the glass shipped by the factory back home. It costs the earth. I did this with a half dozen little pieces and was horrified, a few weeks later, to receive a post office notice indicating they were holding a package with a postage due cost of over $100. Turns out they ship the glass air express collect, and as the glass is exceedingly well packaged and the package's overall dimensions are used in determining the shipping cost, it doesn't take long for a couple of small things to take away all the advantage of cheaper prices you thought you were enjoying. This past year I travelled to Germany, Slovakia and Hungary where I bought glass pieces, but I forced myself to limit size and plan how I would pack and carry them home before I left home. I brought bubble wrap and a few collapsible boxes overseas with me packed into the bottom of my suitcase so I could use them if I found something I liked. I did, and my pre-planning paid off as the pieces I bought became my pre-planned handbaggage on the way home. I got everything home intact except for one beautiful piece from Passau, and that was my own fault as I packed it wrong and broke it before I even left Europe. Good luck and enjoy.

Lanny

we got suckered into going to Murano witht the free taxi ride from the hotel. Even though we knew it was a scam, we took the factory tour and watched them make a glass horse, and fish, as Rick Steeve's said they would. We than were taken to the showroom where we were shown "select" pieces picked from the "Master". We ended up buying a beautiful vase. After talking to some local back @ Venice, they said you can exect to pay 30%25 more on Burano. Who knows if that is the case. We still got caught up in the whole thing. After reading the reply on cost of shipping to US collect, I may leave it at the post-office and file claim with Visa against vendor if extreme amount. Other than that, Murano is beautiful. Less crowded than the main part of Venice. Stsy away from the glass, and you will enjoy. Unless you are buying small inexpensive pieces.

The message here, dear people, is DO NOT GO TO MURANO ON A TOUR!!!! It's easy to get on a boat and go on your own. You will be able to pick and choose what you want and the info about the bubble wrap and packing is very valuable. I tend to pack a few pieces with dirty laundry and carry aboard. I have found, however, if you are dealing with a reputable merchant and request that they do not ship via air, you will receive your purchases safely and not expensively. You will, however, have to have patience. All of our china is from Umbria and all has been shipped, but we wait a few months for it to arrive. Know what? It's worth it--a special present after the trip.