Duration: 4 hours

Description: Unlike most of the conventional tours of Venice that sell mass-produced tourist trinkets, this special tour will take
you into the heart of Venetian traditions-- still very much alive if only you care to look for it-- and bring you
closer to the local artisans and craftsmen of Venice who, through their skillful work, keep alive techniques that
are centuries-old and, even more their specialized knowledge, keep alive the legacy of history and culture
itself. We will bring you to the best of Venetian production, choosing artisans who work with quality and
tradition, and knock at the door of their small workshops: each one a hidden gem in the magnificent labyrinth
of Venezia

The Gold Laboratory ( Cannaregio )
Carrying on a family tradition dating back to 1926, Mario Berta Battiloro still revels in the painstaking process of
applying gold leaf-- whether embellishing architectural motifs in ancient palazzos or adding the finishing
touches to a high-end meal.
The Paper Laboratory ( Giudecca )
Watch bits of pulp, glue, and sometimes flowers transform into sheets of beautifully soft, thick paper before
your eyes. This artisanal workshop, Carta Venezia, produces some of the finest stationery and paper products
available in Venice-- all handmade, of course.
Venetian Masks ( Dorsoduro )
Discover the history, significance, and beauty behind the Venetian mask with this two hour workshop. Suitable
for children and adults, a Venetian craftsman will illustrate the various stages of craftsmanship, helping you to
discover how to create your own mask in the process. You can then decorate it with your own designs and
creativity, bringing home a unique piece of Venice created by you.
Visit to the Remèr ( Dorsoduro )
What is the name for an artisan who creates the accessories for gondola-rowing? A remèr, that is-- the builder
of those unique oars and oarlocks used only by Venetian gondoliers. During the workshop in the craftsman's
shop, we'll find out what a forcola (oarlock) is, what it requires, why its shape is so particular, and how to build
an oarlock and an oar.
Tessiture Bevilacqua ( Dorsoduro )
During your guided visit you will discover an ancient Venetian weaving mill, whose foundation dates back to
the end of the 19th century. Inside the building, you will find original 18th century looms that give proof of the
great tradition behind the products. The velvets and brocades of the Venetian weaving mill are famous all
over the world as they are required for the furnishing of important palaces and for collaborations with fashion
houses as well as for expositions and exhibitions.
It’s a unique chance to see weavers and looms at work, while they produce the refined soprarizzo velvet, and
to touch with your own hands a fabric made following ancient techniques.

Including:
- Visit and workshop hands on in 2 laboratory ( paper lab and mask lab )
- 4 hrs English speaking guide
- 2 ways transfers