Itinerary

Hidden Crafts of Venice

Our journey begins by uncovering some of Venice’s lesser-known worlds of craft, visiting intimate treasure troves run by passionate and welcoming families. We will meet a traditional printer in his tiny studio and museum, discover the art of beautifully crafted stationery and perhaps be tempted to revive the lost art of correspondence. In a tiny, colour-filled boutique, we will explore the mesmerising art of paper marbling, before stepping into the studio of a master mosaicist to see how the intricate decorative traditions found throughout Venice’s churches and palazzos continue to be practised today.

Silk, Velvet & Venetian Splendour

At the Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, the magnificent interiors and exquisite collections set the scene for the splendour of 17th and 18th century Venice. Housed in an aristocratic palazzo, the museum’s historic garments and sumptuous interiors offer a fascinating glimpse into the extravagance and elegance of Venetian life in bygone times.

We’ll venture beyond the exhibition rooms for a special backstage visit to Palazzo Mocenigo’s celebrated archives, discovering the hidden treasures rarely seen by visitors.

From there, we will visit the legendary Bevilacqua weaving studio. Established in the 15th century, this family-run business continues the extraordinary tradition of Venetian silk weaving. We will see master weavers at work on historical 18th-century looms, remarkably they are still used today to create exquisite soprarizzo velvet by hand. With its raised pile, intricate patterning and extraordinary play of light, this sumptuous velvet is one of the most distinctive expressions of Venetian textile artistry—and its painstaking production is now practised by only a handful of skilled weavers.

The Glassmakers of Murano

One of the highlights of our week will be a full day on Murano, arriving in style by private water taxi, we’ll explore the island’s celebrated glassmaking heritage. We’ll visit the legendary Ercole Moretti, discovering the extraordinary world of Venetian glass and the remarkable techniques behind its luminous colours and intricate forms.

A thrilling hands-on workshop with master craftsperson Andrea Penzo awaits us, creating our own tiny glass bead to take home as a very special souvenir. And, of course, there will be time for some irresistible bead shopping, with Rebecca guiding you towards the island’s finest treasure troves of handmade Venetian glass beads.

If bead shopping doesn’t appeal, there’s always the celebrated Glass Museum to visit, or for those who feel like soaking up the atmosphere on Murano, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll through this tiny, charming island steeped in history.

Fortuny & the Art of Textiles

Back in Venice, we will visit the Museo Fortuny, housed in the extraordinary Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, where Mariano Fortuny and Henriette Nigrin lived and worked. The museum preserves the atmosphere of their inspiring home and studio, offering an intimate insight into their world of fashion, textiles, art, theatre, photography and decorative arts. We will explore their pioneering experiments with printed and pleated fabrics, colour and light, and discover the extraordinary garments and textile designs that helped revolutionise early 20th-century fashion, transforming textiles and clothing into works of art.

We continue to the Rubelli Foundation for a private viewing of its remarkable archives, delving further into the history of Venetian textiles, design and pattern. The collection encompasses exquisite historic textiles dating back to the 15th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the luxury, artistry and commercial power of Venice and the celebrated merchant families who helped establish its textile reputation.

Carnival, Costume & Theatre

Our final day offers an insight into the spectacular world of Venetian costume, fashion and theatrical design with a behind the scenes visit to the celebrated Antonia Sautter atelier.

Renowned for her extraordinary Carnival costumes, her workshops bring together skilled artisans, sumptuous materials and traditional craft techniques to create theatrical costumes, textiles and accessories that capture the magic, mystery and drama of Venice.

The Lacemakers of Burano

Our journey continues by private water taxi to the enchanting island of Burano, where colourful houses, winding lanes and charming bridges provide the setting for one of Venice’s most delicate textile traditions: needle lace. At the Lace Museum, we will discover the history of this exquisite craft and learn how Burano’s lace-makers became celebrated across the royal courts of Europe in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

We’ll experience the intricacies of needle lace for ourselves during a private lace workshop with Martina Vidal, an artisanal atelier recognised by the prestigious Homo Faber foundation. Martina is passionate about preserving and continuing the savoir-faire of her ancestors, passed down through generations of women on this island of enchantment.