By private water taxi, cross the Laguna Veneta waterway to the lace and fishing island of Burano.  It is the jewel of the Venetian Lagoon with the gentle curve of its canals, cheerful air and brightly painted houses in personalized primary colors. 

In a nearby shop, hidden in a narrow alley, watch Vanna, a skillful lace-maker, demonstrate the Burano merletto/needle-lace techniques such as Needlepoint lace and Point in the Air.   Famous people such as Elizabeth Taylor and Nicolas Cage among others found their way there.  The quaint store has some of Vanna‘s award-winning creations and a large selection of authentic Burano lacework (needle/merletto & bobbin/tombolo) and embroideries.

A quick glide over water takes you to Murano Island, the center of glassblowing factories.   In 1291, in order to prevent devastating fires, eliminate the disagreeable effects of smoke and to safeguard the secrets of the glassmaking techniques of master craftsmen, the Venetian government prohibited furnaces from operating in the city of Venice and moved all glassmaking operations on the Island of Murano.   Today, this cluster of small islands connected by bridges is a glass shopping paradise.  We will visit one of those locations owned by the Glass Artist, Nason Giampaolo, whose family has been in the Venetian glass business for many generations.  

Navigate your way to Venice and board your motorcoach for a drive back to Parma.