Going on a Glass Run?

[Cheryl Sussex]

Having recently come back from a trip to Venice and buying some items of glass I feel very frustrated that I could not bring back more items. Problems with packing the items, only taking the stuff back as hand luggage etc etc.

I'd very much like to do a another glass run with the sole purpose of buying as much glass back as I can. I'm not sure I trust the shops sending me the items through the post. How does everyone else do it? Would you dare put items in your normal checked in luggage? Experiences, good / bad?

[fossilfly]

Thats a good question. I have done it both ways, but for more expensive/fragile items, I would ship it back via the post office, since you can insure it. Potentially, you can bring an empty suitcase with you, on your way down, and fill it with glass for your return trip. Just make sure its not a duffle bag!:rolleyes:

[Caroline]

Having recently come back from a trip to Venice and buying some items of glass I feel very frustrated that I could not bring back more items. Problems with packing the items, only taking the stuff back as hand luggage etc etc.

I'd very much like to do a another glass run with the sole purpose of buying as much glass back as I can. I'm not sure I trust the shops sending me the items through the post. How does everyone else do it? Would you dare put items in your normal checked in luggage? Experiences, good / bad?

HI. Just in Murano last month and bought a beautiful and very simple piece by Arnaldo Zanella. The shop on Murano were happy to ship and insure the piece for us. (We probably paid too much for it and they laughed all the way to the bank!) Anyway the piece has turned up and everything went very smoothly. Caroline, Wales, G.B.

[boybob]

it is my understanding that there are no bargains on glass in Italy.... ?????

[glassman]

it is my understanding that there are no bargains on glass in Italy.... ?????

I agree that it is almost impossible to find a bargain in either Murano or Venice, especially in St. Mark's Square. You really have to know what you are purchasing. The average visitor, unfortuately doesn't and will often wind up overpaying. Without a strong haggling ablility and a knowledge of glass prices, many people will overpay. However, many tourists just want to purchase a memento of their travels, and the price, while more expensive, may not mean as much as the sentimental value of the purchase.