Venice · WORKSHOPS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 workshops & classes justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Choose a paper-mâché mask, learn Venetian Carnival traditions, and decorate it with guidance from artisans such as Giorgio, Nicolo, or Petra. You will use paints, glitter, and decorative details, then take your finished mask home. Small groups and several languages are available.
“My daughter was sad to not have the cat mask option as shown on display, but we had an overall great time!”
Spend three hours in a Venice restaurant making fresh fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu with an English-speaking chef. Barbara, Serena, Thomas, Eddie, and other instructors lead the class, then serve your meal with wine. It is hands-on, social, and well suited to couples, families, and first-time cooks.
“We had such fun and learned such a lot from wonderful Barbara and Sarina! We would definitely do it again! Thank you so much! Delicious food, wine and company! Xx”
In Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood, you’ll make fettuccine, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and tiramisu in a small English-language class. Serena, Barbara, Thomas, and other instructors guide the work, then you sit down to eat with wine, limoncello, and coffee.
“The tiramisu was from the original recipe and was honestly devine. Serena was great, really friendly and jovial, typically Italian in all the best ways. Great experience with plenty of food and wine, great value”
Work beside Venetian glass artisan Massimiliano Caldarone in his small workshop near Campiello Widmann. Learn old Murano glass techniques, make a personal pendant or small glass piece, watch a professional demonstration, and take your creation home.
“This was simply an incredible experience. Massimiliano was patient, kind, generous with his knowledge, funny, entertaining, and the best teacher we could have asked for to introduce us to such a beautiful art form. From making the pieces ourselves, to being transfixed as he masterfully crafted a piece right before our eyes - this was a one-of-a-kind, brilliant experience. 5 stars in every way and worth every penny.”
In a small workshop near Saint Mark’s Square, a Venetian artisan such as Giorgio, Nicola, or Alvis introduces Carnival mask traditions, then guides you through painting and decorating a papier-mâché mask. You keep your finished piece. The class lasts about 75 minutes and is offered in English.
“The mask making was fun. The person that teaches it is also an authentic multigenerational amazing mask designer himself. Definitely recommend”
Meet your guide near St. Mark’s Square, cross to Murano by water taxi, and watch a master glassblower shape glass by hand. At Colleoni Glass Factory, you’ll make a small mosaic or piece of jewelry with Murano beads. Guides such as Giovanni add local context, though shopping takes a sizable part of the visit.
“Giovanni was a very helpful guide. The demonstration was informative and fun. I loved that it was interactive in that you can make jewelry or a mosaic. I wish we had less time to shop in the show room. It was too long.”
Meet your English-speaking guide near Rialto, cross the lagoon to Murano, and watch a glass master shape a vase and sculpture. Then choose a bead jewelry or mosaic workshop. Guides such as Giovanni and Nicolo are praised for helpful local tips, while the glass factory shop offers a 20% discount.
“It was ok, not sure I would do it again. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting”
At Carta Alta’s small Giudecca studio, Augusto and his team guide you through the history of Venetian masks, from Bauta to Dottore della Peste. Choose a paper-mache mask, decorate it with baroque details, and take home your own creation after 1.5 hours.
“I loved every moment, from picking out the decorative pieces to creating the mask and finally seeing it all come together. The entire experience was amazing!”
Choose from more than 50 handmade papier-mâché masks, then paint and decorate yours with acrylic tempera, metallic gold and silver, feathers, ribbons, and sequins. An artist guides you in English, Italian, or French during this one-hour, family-friendly workshop for up to eight people.
“It was perfect and the instructor was really helpful and patient.”
Meet Venetian glass artist Massimiliano Caldarone at his workshop near Campo Widmann for a private, hands-on lesson. Choose colors, shape warm glass, and create a personal souvenir, often a pendant. You will also watch Caldarone make a more advanced piece and receive 10 percent off his artwork.
“It was absolutely stunning watching the artist work. It was really fun trying to do it yourself and the artist guide you calmly to really make the experience even more enjoyable. The artist has a lot of patience so you can feel relaxed and he really puts great effort in not making it feel that you are a novice. There are also many amazing works of art to admire and purchase afterwards.”
Meet chef Filippo or Vanessa near Rialto Market, shop for seasonal ingredients, then prepare fresh pasta or gnocchi, a Venetian dish, and tiramisu. The small-group class includes Spritz, Prosecco, food, kitchen tools, and a courtyard meal. Vegetarian options are available.
“A very authentic Venetian experience, lots of fun and the food was beautiful! Would definitely recommend!”
Spend about three hours in a Venetian home with a Cesarina host such as Giulia, Tessa, Nadine, or Matilde. Make two fresh pasta dishes and tiramisu from scratch, then eat together with prosecco, local wine, and espresso. The class is shared, informal, and capped at 16 people.
“This cooking class was amazing! Patrizia welcomed us into her home, which was beautiful. She was as accommodating as she could be with our daughter having celiac. The tour company did not tell her until the last minute which was through no fault of her own. Everything was awesome. She had wine for us, appetizers. I think the tiramisu was my favorite. It was private, just the four of us and I think that made it even more special. Thank you again! :)”
Join an Italian home cook such as Anna, Barbara, or Carlotta for a three-hour class in a private Venetian home. Make two pasta shapes and tiramisu, enjoy prosecco and snacks, then eat with wine and coffee. Groups stay small, with no more than eight people.
“A great experience! Food was amazing and Francesco was a great host! We left feeling so full and his hospitality was incredibly. 10/10 would do again!”
Work inside a Murano glass factory with instructors such as Hillary, Tam, Melissa, Emilia, and Stefania. Practice without glass, handle molten glass near 1,000°C, then shape a cup, bowl, or small vase. Collect it after cooling or arrange paid worldwide shipping.
“Awesome experience! Stefania first gave us a tour of the original 200 year Murano factory. It was so informative and impressive. Then she assisted us in making our own Murano glass. She was so patient and helpful, explained everything step by step. I'll be honest...it was HOT! But such an awesome experience! We had our items shipped home and can't wait to get them!”
Spend one hour at Palazzo delle Prigioni near St. Mark’s Square, choosing a traditional mask and decorating it with paint, glitter, and other materials. An artisan instructor, sometimes introduced as Beatrice, explains the mask’s story and helps with the finishing touches. The class is offered in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
“Loved it! My guide gave me great history and understanding on the lovely city of Venice, and I got to immerse myself in the culture a bit!”
Pick a monument, a boat or a counter bar.
