Is it worth the trip to the glass factories? Any recommendations on stores with good buys on glasswares made in Italy.

Most hotels offer a free boat ride to Murano. Most of the factories have show rooms with gorgeous pieces of glass. I was there in March, had no intention of making a major purchase, but ended up purchasing a beautiful glass fish piece. Remember, bargaining is essential... Good luck!

Murano is definitely worth it. And, most hotels will see that a boat takes you there and back. But, the glass factories do pressure you to buy. A few years ago, we went and bought a beautiful cut crystal bowl and 2 candlesticks to match, for our dining room table. We continued to say no to their price until... "they made us an offer we couldn't refuse," in their words. We're happy with our purchases, we haven't seen anything like our Murano glass in the U.S., but we hadn't really intended to make a purchase

I used to work for Neimans in the buying office in mail order (about 11 years ago). I remember a factory that I believe was called Ongaro Fugo. Hope that helps. They had beautiful things.

Sorry it is spelled "Ongaro Fuga"

Many of these "free tours" are the equivalent of time share sales pitches in the US, or the "free fashion show" at Paris department stores. That said, it is cool to see the factories if you can just decline the presssure to buy. You will be something of a captive, however - they time the return trip to be sure you are there long enough for the sales people to work on you.

Visited Murano a few weeks ago, Sept 9 and although most of the Murano glass is not actually sold on the island (there are 3-4 glass retail stores with original Murano glass around San Marco Square) some of the diplays on the island are very elegant. We bought a decanter and two wine glasses that are stunning. While the island was established to get the fire hazzard of the glass blowers out of Venice the number of glass blowers has decreased from 2000 to less than 50 and most don't allow you in to watch. However, one glass blower had his shop door open because it was so incredibly hot, and a crowd gathered around to watch.