Unique Experiences in Venice, Italy

Venice is a city of timeless beauty and rich tradition, offering far more than gondola rides and St. Mark’s Square. For travelers seeking immersive, hands-on experiences, Venice’s artisan culture opens the door to creativity and connection. By guiding your clients toward unique activities, you’ll help them take home not just memories, but new skills and deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage.

Glassblowing in Murano

Carnevale masks

Glassblowing in Murano is one of Venice’s most celebrated crafts. Suggest a visit to a traditional glass workshop where families can watch master artisans shape molten glass into intricate designs. For those eager to try their hand at the art, many studios offer beginner-friendly classes where participants create their own glass keepsake. It’s a chance to learn from the best while crafting a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Equally iconic is Venice’s tradition of mask-making. The city’s famed Carnevale masks reflect centuries of history and artistry. Recommend a hands-on workshop where clients can paint and decorate their own mask under the guidance of skilled craftspeople. These workshops often dive into the stories behind different mask styles, adding depth to the creative process.

For a more culinary twist, suggest a Venetian cooking class. Clients can visit local markets to select fresh ingredients before learning how to prepare traditional dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or tiramisu. This interactive experience offers a flavorful way to connect with local culture—and clients will leave with recipes to share back home.

Venetian cooking class

rowing lesson on a traditional Venetian batellina

Venetian bookbinding

Adventure-loving families will enjoy a rowing lesson on a traditional Venetian batellina. Unlike the iconic gondola, these flat-bottomed boats provide a more authentic and active experience. Guided by an expert rower, participants learn the unique voga alla veneta style—standing and rowing as Venetians have for centuries.

Finally, encourage clients to explore the art of bookbinding. Venice has a long history of fine craftsmanship in this field, and some studios offer workshops where visitors can learn traditional techniques to create their own journals or sketchbooks. It’s a peaceful, creative activity that results in a beautiful, practical memento.

By suggesting these hands-on experiences, you’ll help your clients go beyond sightseeing and truly engage with Venice’s vibrant artistic and cultural traditions. These activities create stories they’ll cherish—and skills they’ll take home—with every handcrafted, home-cooked, and newly learned moment.