Does anyone have knowledge of a serious, behind the scenes private guide/tour of true artisan glass fabrication on Murano. Not looking for a tourist sales pitch experience. TIA!

You can book a tour of the Murano factory and watch them making glass. The one we were on they asked the people in the tour what they would like to see made and then made a Ferrari horse in a few minutes as requested. They explain the process and the ingredients they use to get certain colors. The process is the same as it has been for 100s of years.

You also go through the factory store where you can see excellent examples of all of the artists work. We purchased a wonderful piece of glass and had it shipped home. Not sure what you mean by a tourist sales pitch so take it for what its worth.

mike

I would beware, as the rearing ("Ferrari"?) horse is the stereotypical demo item, so I fear the "as requested" was just a plant from the Vetreria.

Michela and Nicoló Scibilia's Comprehensive Guide to the Island of Murano "Production" chapter is a good starting point for your planning.True artist furnaces only by appt.

bookmaking

Not sure if it's quite what you are looking for, but the best bet for less of a hard sell tourist experience I think would be the official Venice museums' combined glass museum tour & demonstration at the Glass School - http://museovetro.visitmuve.it/en/ev...s-in-action-2/