Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
4.5
Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
By Venice Tours Srl
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Venice is known for its beautiful decorative masks, and this hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to make your own. The lesson is led by a master artisan, so you learn about the Venetian Carnival traditions and special techniques that have been perfected in Venice over many years. Then, fire up your artistic skills to create your own mask to take home.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 4 per group
Duration: 1h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian, French, Spanish
More
Highlights
- Enjoy a Venice Carnival mask-making class with a master artisan
- Remember your Venice trip with a special souvenir—take the mask home
- No need to bring anything with you—all materials are provided
- A small group means more attention from your instructor
- Course of decoration (you will keep the decorated mask)
- All necessary paints and supplies
- Live commentary
- Entry/Admission - Piazza San Marco
What's not included- Hotel pickup
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1San Marco 596 Venetian Masks, P.za San Marco, 598, 30124 Venezia VE, ItalyFacing the Church of San Zulian, pass its façade on the left and you have reached “Campiello San Zulian”. The laboratory is in the opposite corner on your left.
- Option 2Circolo Artistico - Palazzo Delle Prigioni, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4209, 30122 Venezia VE, ItalyPrison Palace is close to San Marco Square beside Doge's Palace. Do not go to the entrance of Doge's Palace, to get to the Prisons Palace cross the bridge on the right side of the entrance of the Doge's Palace.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21441P34- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21441P34
From
$73.99
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1A Venetian master artisan will explain you the ancient technique of decorating a Venetian papier-mâché mask providing information about the use of masks in Venice during past centuries. At the end of the course, you will keep the mask as a very special souvenir to bring back home.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Curious150322004220 contributionsNice experienceSuch a great idea to take this tour! Many thanks to our guide and to our gondolier! Is a nice experience you have to do . It is a must ❤️Written December 4, 2024
- michellezW4461CB0 contributionsGreat gondola experienceGreat for families. Our guide Ricardo is very friendly and made an effort to talk to every person. The tour itself to the gondola boat is very short, so don't expect much from that. There wasn't much mention for the virtual experience so we forgot we had that included until we saw Ricardo randomly on the street and he reminded us about it. We also sadly did not use the other offerings as we were on a tight schedule but if you are planning to visit the offered places, this may be worth your money.Written December 3, 2024
- suzannecY7382IE0 contributionsGood your- LOTS OF STAIRS!!My sister and I visited Venice for the first time and we were only there for 2 and a half days. So, we took the 3-part tour because we thought it would be perfect for seeing the bigger sites in a shorter period of time. We were right because this tour was organized, timely and interesting! The English speaking tour guide was just ok- sometimes hard to understand and not always speaking directly into the microphone. But we got the gist of what he was saying! However, the part of the tour that came as a surprise to us was the 200+ stairs that were not addressed in the description of the tour. The Doge was especially demanding with about a 2-mile walk in all, including the prison and dungeon tour at the end. I am not used to walking this much and it really took a lot of the joy out of the experience for me. My sister is more fit than I am but even she was tired and her feet/legs worn out near the end. Buyer beware! There are a lot of steep, concrete stairs and a lot of walking on this tour!Written December 3, 2024
- angusl7430 contributionsDon’t miss itFriendly tour guide. Amazing trip. Enjoy the gondola ride with a relatively cheaper price. The VR experience is also worth mentioning.Written December 2, 2024
- britton100 contributionsExcellentExcellent organisation, excellent guide, beautiful.calm, relaxing gondola experience- something I’ve been dreaming of doing in Venice for a long time! Would definitely recommendWritten December 2, 2024
- Passenger606719482590 contributionsGreatRiccardo was a great guide. Sympathic, Venetian and acquinated. Also our gondolier gave answers to all of our curiosities, he was very nice.Written December 2, 2024
- 83haydene0 contributionsRelaxing timeIt was a great ride and our guide was very informative and excited to teach the group about venice! The gondola ride was incredibleWritten December 2, 2024
- liaglio0 contributionsGreat experience with VR endingBeautiful experience and very knowledgeable and kind staff. Reccomend 100%. The Virtual reality part in the end is of great added value.Written December 2, 2024
- kaeleighn20240 contributionsRicardo the guideOur guide was wonderful, very enthusiastic and informative, he answered the questions that were asked in a timely manner and ensured that the questioner was not embarrassed for their queries. Overall, he was lovely. If I may add though, there was a lack of guiding on the water, which was unexpected at best, and drew somewhat away from the touristic part of the journey. Although it did make for a peaceful ride and allowed questions to be posed towards the gondolier. Our gondolier was also very knowledgeable and answered questions nicely as well.Written December 1, 2024
- Holland26120 contributionsGreat 2 night visit!Expected it to be cold.......how wrong we were ! Lovely weather , people, food - thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Stayed at Delfino hotel & caught the bus that stopped outside the hotel to the .island. Worth purchasing a 24 hr ticket for the water bus ( also covers bus service). November was a great time to visit , no crowds or heat.Written December 1, 2024
- FernandoAlvarezJr0 contributionsGreat!!!Ricardo was a great tour guide! He was super friendly and nice. We'll definitely be back again soon sometime in the near future! - greetings from DCWritten December 1, 2024
- 972nemats0 contributionsJust Great!We had so much fun, thank you Elisabet for the informative guide and the interesting facts about the city. I definitely recommend.Written December 1, 2024
- 604michalisp0 contributionsNice TourVery good and very detailed tour guide we went to Murano and Burano and we learned a lot of things we couldn’t know if we didn’t have her !Written December 1, 2024
- ColleenInHawaii0 contributionsGreat ExperienceGreat experience. The islands are beautiful. The guide (Claudia) is knowledgeable and provides clear information and instructions. Perfect amount of time at each location. Would highly recommend.Written December 1, 2024
- Resort094433621640 contributionsGondola extravaganzaElisabetta Augelli is not just a Venice tourist guide—she’s a one-woman gondola extravaganza! With her boundless energy, hilarious quips, and uncanny ability to make history unforgettable, she turns every canal ride into an adventure. Whether summoning pigeons, singing operatic tunes mid-ride, or dropping fun facts (and phones) into the water, Elisabetta keeps you entertained and slightly damp. If you’re heading to Venice, she’s the guide who will make your trip unforgettable—chaos, laughs, and all!Written November 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
142 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Karolyn M
37 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
It was a nice small group with a good selection of mask types and paints to choose from. We learned a little bit about the history of the masks. The work shop also sold masks so was busy with customers too impacting a bit on the amount of help we were able to get. However we were pleased with the customised end result, lovely souvenir.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear,
thank you for the review, we will take note about your suggestion.
Best regards
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jsrefugee
Nashville, TN12 contributions
We booked the Mask painting workshop through Venice tours and received an email confirmation. When we arrived at the appointed time, the owners told us the time Venus tours booked us for was not available and they had notified Venus that the tour was cancelled. We tried messaging and calling but we're told they could not help us because "Dotravel" made the booking. Dotravel does not list a telephone number and subsequent messages and phone calls to Venus tours went unanswered. We had to dispute the charge with our credit card company. We only had a couple of days in Venus with 12 year old children and this was one of the few things they wanted to do. Venus Tours ruined our last day in Venice. Would never recommend them to anyone.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Client, I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. After checking, I inform you that unfortunately, Do Travel booked an activity we (Venice tours, local provider) closed a few months ago, in fact, when we noted the reservation, we immediately contacted Do travel in order to cancel it for free and refund you. Probably Do Travel didn't cancel it and the reservation has been kept anyway even if for us it's not working anymore.
Written October 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Twomaples
Canada489 contributions
A family owned and run business Nicolai makes welcome a small group of about 3 budding artists into his workshop full of beautifully hand crafted masks. You have your choice from a wide variety of blank masks and 2 or 3 paint colours. He quickly sketched a grid onto your mask and instructs you how to use the paint. Every mask I saw while I was there was different and every one turned out well. Nicolai put the finishing touches on each mask at the end and they quickly dried under a small fan. A discount was offered on purchases made at the workshop and they were carefully wrapped. A relaxing activity with a positive outcome, I highly recommend this activity.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written February 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PurpleLady28
London, UK19 contributions
Feb 2020
This was the highlight of our weekend trip to Venice. An authentic shop decorating authentic paper mache masks. The class takes place in same. The instructor and his boys were super informative. I wouldn't think too much about whether to book this. Just do it!!!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear,
thank you very much. The mask master will be glad to hear such nice words.
Best regards
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer C
West Melbourne, FL216 contributions
This class was the highlight of our 2 week vacation for my 7 year old. She loved everything about the class and wanted to paint more masks. She would have gone back every day if I had allowed her to. The owners of the shop arrived very patient and explained the history of Carnival to us while we waited. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough!
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear,
thank you very much for your wonderfull review.
We are glad to know that you and your child enjoyed the carnival workshop!
Best regards
Written July 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luac84
Brighton, UK564 contributions
Apr 2022
Booked via Viatour, its a little tricky to find but hey its Venice! :)
Once we arrived we were asked to choose a mask and asked to choose colours, we got told the history of the Venetian masks which was very interesting.
Its nice to have a break and get away from the hustle of Venice in this small workshop, there are also some amazing masks you can purchase from the shop.
The shop was still open to the public which at times was a little irritating as we were trying to listen to the history and had to stop while customers came in, the workshop is small so can only really fit a few people inside so its a bit awkward when the public comes in and you are sitting there on a tour.
Overall this is a great place to visit and we were both really pleased with our masks, make sure to ask for glaze over the top for an extra 2 euros it makes all the difference! This is suitable for adults and children of all ages.
Once we arrived we were asked to choose a mask and asked to choose colours, we got told the history of the Venetian masks which was very interesting.
Its nice to have a break and get away from the hustle of Venice in this small workshop, there are also some amazing masks you can purchase from the shop.
The shop was still open to the public which at times was a little irritating as we were trying to listen to the history and had to stop while customers came in, the workshop is small so can only really fit a few people inside so its a bit awkward when the public comes in and you are sitting there on a tour.
Overall this is a great place to visit and we were both really pleased with our masks, make sure to ask for glaze over the top for an extra 2 euros it makes all the difference! This is suitable for adults and children of all ages.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review
Written May 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
clive895
Bordon, UK2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
It is a shame that the reviews on this activity does not match the reality. We arrived at the venue near St Marks by accident. There is nothing outside the museum which encourages you to go inside, we found it eventually by accident. It would help to have a little sign .The arrival time was 11am yet we were told straight away that we have just 1 hour, instead of the 1 hr 15 minutes as stated. There was no history about venetian face masks, instead we were just encouraged to do a base coat and then just paint . That would have been ok if there was paint available. Unfortunately, there were limited colours which devalued the whole thing. The artist that took us was very pleasant but she was restricted because of what was available. At 12 0'clock on the dot we were finished. It was no different than painting a clay mug but at 3 times the cost. It was a pity that it was so under whelming.
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
we are deeply sorry about your negative feedback.
However, this experience took place as indicated on the website. In any case, your review will definitely help us improve our service.
We are at your disposal in case that you need further clarifications or If you have any other suggestion for us.
Regards,
Venice Tours
Written September 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
onamauihi
Fuquay-Varina, NC214 contributions
Just prior to our appt time, we stopped at a cafe nearby to have breakfast ( a pastry and a drink) while there, the shopkeeper stopped in for his breakfast too.
If you have google maps, just follow that for the address. It got us there with ease. He happened to be sitting outside in his office waiting for my hubby and me. We were the only ones in his early morning class. Cute shop and nice artist. He truly is an artist and once you as what he does with your masks you’ll understand. We were pretty happy with ours but he really makes them beautiful with his added touch. Turns out it was his 42nd wedding anniversary that day. It was our 36th. Anyway we did the photos of course but while we painted he explained a lot more about which masks were made and what they symbolized. Really interesting history too.
We had the best time. I booked this for my husband and me and wasn’t sure how much he’d like it but as it turns out, Tony had a really good time. Made me happy to know he enjoyed it too. It’s a small shop but you can probably get about 5 people in there without a problem.
I hope you enjoy your time non Venice. This was such a nice way to start our visit. He is highly recommended
If you have google maps, just follow that for the address. It got us there with ease. He happened to be sitting outside in his office waiting for my hubby and me. We were the only ones in his early morning class. Cute shop and nice artist. He truly is an artist and once you as what he does with your masks you’ll understand. We were pretty happy with ours but he really makes them beautiful with his added touch. Turns out it was his 42nd wedding anniversary that day. It was our 36th. Anyway we did the photos of course but while we painted he explained a lot more about which masks were made and what they symbolized. Really interesting history too.
We had the best time. I booked this for my husband and me and wasn’t sure how much he’d like it but as it turns out, Tony had a really good time. Made me happy to know he enjoyed it too. It’s a small shop but you can probably get about 5 people in there without a problem.
I hope you enjoy your time non Venice. This was such a nice way to start our visit. He is highly recommended
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written October 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josephine Y
5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
My husband and I loved painting masks! It was one of the highlights of our trip. Giorgio and his son Nicolò were patient, knowledgeable, and entertaining. You can save a lot of money by booking your class directly through the shop's website (just google the shop's name).
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written May 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stefunkah
6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
I did it with my 10 year old and 5 year old siblings and it was so fun. First you choose a mask to paint (there is a good variety), then choose some colours, the man will rule the mask up for you and you paint! The people are very helpful and explain everything very well. When you have finished painting your instructor will ask if you want gold, silver or white decorations (depending on the colours you pick to paint your mask) and will paint on some beautiful little decorations. Totally recommend, do it if you can!!!
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review
Written January 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael
Riverview, Florida
Is a green card still required for entrance?
Can I use a list of Covid immunizations that I have had (4)
Written April 28, 2022
Hello, we are heading to Venice with our children. We are from the United Stated. It states a green pass is needed. Will our vaccination CDC which is equivalent be good for them?
I just don't want to purchase it and get there and not be able to get in.
Thank you
Written February 4, 2022
Hello my name is Michael Marinelli I have enjoyed visitng Venice several times in the past being with an Airline and having overnights there. On one of my last overnights I purchased a mask from a onderful young man and his brother who had a shop butI have since lost their contact information and would love to make contact with rhem again. They made very unusual masks whichthey said were for the Theater productions many were of a more whimsical nature than taditional Venetian masks. If you have an email i could send you a picture of the mask I purchased and you might recognize the style and purhaps the maker si I could contact them again. I would appreciate any help you might be able to give me...thank you
Written December 30, 2020
Hi, is this still open for bookings with the coronavirus outbreak? Everything is still open as normal with this activity?
Written March 5, 2020
Venice is not an affected era and this is a wonderful activity to do.
Written March 6, 2020
Guten Tag, finden am 5. Oktober auch Herstellungskurse statt?
Lg
Written September 26, 2019
Hola, ¿puede reservarse directamente o debe hacerse a través de las empresas touroperadoras? Gracias
Written July 23, 2019
I would like to have my granddaughter do this activity on our visit, but don’t really want to make a mask myself. Is it possible to sign up just one person but be there to observe?
Written March 4, 2019
Yes, my kids did this activity and I could watch through the door while drinking a Prosecco in the courtyard at the restaurant next door. It was ideal.
Written July 22, 2019
I want to book a course for tomorrow but where can I find you? Please response fast, thanks :-)
Written March 3, 2019
cactusjacq
St. Neots, United Kingdom
My 11 year old daughter wants to do this. I will have two other daughters with me who are older. Are they able to come and watch?
Written February 25, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.