The taste of the lagoon
Gastronomic and Historical Lagoon — a Private Boat Tour
A monastery, lace, a basilica and lunch with wine — a day of the lagoon's taste and history
You can cross the lagoon not only with your eyes but by taste: local wine from a vineyard on the water, a seafood lunch where it's caught, a monastery reached only by boat. This route is about the two things the lagoon is richest in: history and gastronomy. Seven hours across the northern lagoon where every stop is either meaning or taste, and more often both.
In short
- A full day across the northern lagoon with the accent on history and gastronomy.
- The San Francesco del Deserto monastery — a quiet island the tourists don't reach.
- Burano with its lace and Torcello with its Byzantine mosaics.
- Lunch with local wine at the Venissa vineyard on Mazzorbo.
- The price is for the whole boat; optionally our guide aboard.
The programme
- Certosa and Vignole. Two islands important to the lagoon's history; nature and views from the water, flamingos over the mudflats.
- Sant'Erasmo. Venice's "kitchen garden" — the island that has supplied the city with vegetables for centuries; seen from the water.
- San Francesco del Deserto. A quiet monastery on its own island, reached only by boat. A visit to the cloister with its cypresses and garden — one of the most peaceful places in the lagoon.
- Burano — lace. The colourful fishermen's island and the lace museum; we unpack the tradition, taste the bussolà biscuit.
- Torcello — mosaics. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with 11th–12th-century mosaics, the quiet of an ancient island.
- Mazzorbo — lunch and wine. The finale at the Venissa restaurant's vineyard: lunch of the lagoon's seasonal produce and a tasting of local wine among the vines.
Boat and guide
As standard, the skipper, water, prosecco and wine are aboard. For a calm gastronomic day a comfortable boat suits best; choose in our boat fleet. On request our licensed art-historian guide comes aboard — with him the monastery, the lace and the mosaics become the lagoon's story.
What's included
- A private boat with skipper for 7 hours
- Water, prosecco and wine aboard, snacks
- A route with a monastery visit and the islands
Paid separately
- Our licensed guide aboard (optional)
- Lunch at the Venissa vineyard
- A wine tasting (45 min / 1 h / 1.5 h)
- Entry tickets (Torcello, the lace museum; a donation at the monastery)
The price is for the whole boat. For 1–3 guests at the price shown; for four or more, quoted on request.
FAQ
How is the gastronomic route different from a regular lagoon one?
The accent is on history and taste: the San Francesco del Deserto monastery, lunch with local wine at the Venissa vineyard, lace and mosaics. A day of meaning and gastronomy rather than swimming.
What is the San Francesco del Deserto monastery?
A quiet Franciscan monastery on its own island in the northern lagoon, reachable only by boat. One of the most peaceful and least-visited places in the lagoon.
Are lunch and wine included?
No, lunch and the Venissa tasting are paid separately — arranged on request. The boat, water, prosecco and wine aboard are included.
How much is it?
From €1,580 for a private boat for 7 hours. The price is for the whole boat, not per person; guide, lunch and tasting optional.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Venissa has a seasonal menu that's easy to adapt; let us know ahead and we'll arrange it.
The lagoon by taste and by memory: a monastery in the quiet, wine among the vines and mosaics older than the city. Seven hours that nourish more than the eyes. Write to us with your dates and party size.
Available dates and a quote for your party — in reply to a short message.
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