Molten glass magic - Glassblowing class - PRIVATE

Fun Experience, Not Worth The Cost

I’ll start by saying the guide who picked us up from our hotel was fabulous. He was a true native and a pleasure to chat with. The glassblowing artist we “trained” with was a wonderful teacher, he guided your hands so you got a feel for how the glass moved. Unfortunately, you don’t have the freedom to make whatever you want, it’s at the discretion of the teacher. We pulled what only could be described as “abstract lilly flowers.” We did get to collectively blow a colored vase (there were 4 of us and we took turns creating it.) The biggest downfall, lie, false advertisement, is that you get to keep your pieces. The glass has to cool down over a 24 hour period, so they claim they will ship you your creations “if they make it.” They gave this disclaimer a lot, and the reasoning is so that they don’t have to send you anything you created. I can tell you though that 5 pieces did not shatter in the cooling process. We chose this more expensive tour because of the idea that we could make and take something larger than a bead. However, we never got our pieces, an email, a phone call, nothing giving us any information about our art. I’m sure they destroyed it. In our opinion, it’s not worth the excessive cost when you don’t get to keep anything. We did love our artist though and ended up purchasing one of his beautiful vases from the shop afterwards.

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Learning to Create with Glass

Overall it was an excellent experience. The one on one attention you receive from a master glass artist is something you’ll never forget. You get to manipulate the hot glass which is not easy to do and create something of your own. Blowing glass is fun and not as easy as it looks. I would recommend this experience for anyone.

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Once in a lifetime Murano glass experience!

An incredible experience from start to finish! We were met at our hotel by a wonderful guide who took us to a private water taxi in S. Marco. From there, we were taken to the glass factory where we were met by Tomasso, who was our private guide through the experience. After watching a short demo of the various glassmaking techniques, we were welcomed onto the factory floor to work with glass master Giovanni. The workshop was fun, informative, and incredibly unique. Everyone there stressed safety above all, yet made the whole experience fascinating and informative. As with all glass factories on Murano, the trip ended with a visit to their gallery where they do their best to upsell their art pieces. After some purchases, we were taken back to S. Marco via private boat, taking with us priceless memories.

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Highlight of Venice for the Family

Such a great experience. Simone picked us up just outside our Airbnb and escorted us to a water taxi to take to Murano. Our Master glass artist walked us through how the products were made and did a demo before assisting us making a few pieces. We basically got to pull glass (with his assistance), and blow 1 piece of glass (also with his guidance). Wish the class was a little longer and we were able to make a few more pieces, but nevertheless it was very cool and a highlight of our trip. There were a few tours that came by and got to see a demonstration behind the bar of the walkway, and I'm sure they were envious of us being able to participate. After the class, there was a tour of their store, and they did put pressure to purchase, but that is as expected. It was mentioned in the previous reviews, and this is their livelihood, so if you don't want to be bothered, I'd suggest you not go on a tour such as this. Host was informative, friendly and personable and would definitely recommend this as a unique and memorable experience.

Response from the operator: Hello and thanks for your review! I am happy you enjoyed this experience and that you had the chance to understand how difficult working the glass is and also how great it is when you make it! I am sure, too, that other people were a little evious of you being "on the other side of the bar"! :-) About the purchasing, well, it's their work...they are there to teach, to show, but also to sell, so I think it is "part of the game". I think that you buy just if you really want to; otherwise just smile, say thanks and go ahead! :-))) Thanks again for choosing this experience and for doing it with us! all the best!

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More than just a tour, hands on glass making.

The tour was wonderful, the craft of fine art glass making was impressive and educational. My only suggestion is that the summary in the event indicated, take your own creation with you, and that would not be possible.

Response from the operator: Thanks Mark! We're happy you liked the old art of the glassblowing. Just a question: you did not receive the piece or you could not take it with you? Just to understand and try to make the most of your comment.

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