Burano and San Francesco of the Desert
A day to discover the hidden beauties of the Venice Lagoon.
Itinerary
- • Trasport by private boat.
- • Visit to Burano
- • Visit to the island of San Francesco del Deserto
- Return to Venice in the late afternoon.
Appointment with our guide in your hotel in Venice and then off to discover two jewels of the Venice Lagoon.We will embark our private boat at the Riva degli Schiavoni and head to the island of Burano, the island of colorful houses and lace.
As soon as we disembark we head to the other side of the island to observe the entire lagoon of Venice and to begin our visit, partly guided and then free to wander enjoy the beauty of the island and the friendliness of the locals sitting outside embroidering and chatting.
We will have free time for lunch and immediately after we will embark on a private boat to reach the island of San Francesco del Deserto, located a short distance and not accessible by public transport.
For centuries the island of San Francesco del Deserto has been inhabited by Franciscan friars. It is said that returning from a trip to Palestine, Saint Francis of Assisi stopped on this island, that at the time was called “Island of the Two Vineyards”, to pray in solitude and that once he returned to Assisi, he sent a group of friars to this place where he had found peace.
When Saint Francis died, the owner of the island built a church in his honor and later donated the island to the Franciscan Minors.
About 200 years later, the island was abandoned due to malaria and since then it has taken its current name of Isola di San Francesco del Deserto.
From 1400 onwards, the island has been administered by the Franciscan Order, except for the early 1800s when the Napoleonic troops transformed the island into a warehouse and a munitions depot.
Fifty years later, the island was donated to the Diocese of Venice, which allowed the friars to re-found the monastery that is still active today.
We will be shown the Monastery by one of the friars (free donation). The visit will give us the opportunity to hear the history of the events of this place surrounded by an oasis of peace and serenity.
If you want to escape the kaos and enjoy some tranquility, the excursion to these island is just right for you!
What’s included
- • Tour leader and guide services
- • Transport by private boat
- • Visit to Monastery
What’s not included: Personal expenses
- Anything not explictly specified
- Lunch
Useful information:
Recommended period: March-October. Closed every Monday of the year, September 17 and October 4
It is possible to stay on the island of San Francesco in the desert even all day in meditation, the friars provide 30 personal cells. Reservation in advance is required.
