Venice Lagoon Islands Boat Tour with Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Cruise from San Marco to witness glass blowing, lacemaking, and local Venetian life
Dealing with crowded public ferries and timetables for three separate islands will quickly make you wish you stayed ashore. This full-day boat tour eliminates the stress entirely. Cruise the lagoon in a comfortable boat to Murano, where you’ll watch a master artisan shape molten glass. Next, explore Burano's famously colorful houses. Finally, visit the historic Torcello to see Venetian-Byzantine mosaics. It’s the best, most relaxing way to experience the famous lagoon islands of Venice.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Roundtrip boat transportation from San Marco
-
Welcome host
-
Glass-making demonstration
-
Free time in Murano, Burano, and Torcello
-
Tour guide on islands
-
Entry fee to Torcello Basilica
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins in Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice
Meet a team member at the designated check-in point, four bridges from Saint Mark’s Square toward the Arsenale. Board the comfortable large boat with a panoramic deck and begin sailing across the emerald-colored waters of the Venetian Lagoon. -
2
Murano
The first stop is Murano, the island famous worldwide for its historic glassmaking tradition. Head directly to a local factory to watch a skilled craftsman during a live, intricate glass-blowing demonstration. Afterwards, enjoy one hour of free time! -
3
Burano
Next, travel to Burano, the fishing island recognizable by its streetscapes of brightly colored houses and long history of delicate lace production. Head to the town center for two hours of free time to have lunch and explore. -
4
Torcello
Then travel from bright Burano to Torcello, the oldest settlement in the lagoon area. You have one hour of free time here. Use this time to visit the old Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta to see its famous Venetian-Byzantine mosaics. -
5
Your tour ends with return to Saint Mark's Square
The boat excursion ends with a return trip across the lagoon, dropping you off near the original departure point at San Marco. This central location leaves you perfectly situated in the heart of Venice.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves ancient ground and uneven terrain. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
Tour Changes: On busy days, the order of visits to the islands of Murano and Torcello may be changed.
Weather Advisory: In case of particular weather conditions (e.g., fog) or adverse weather, the service may not be regular and may be suspended.
Please Note: This is not a guided tour. The boat departs each island punctually at the scheduled time communicated on board. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, so please adhere strictly to the departure times to ensure you return to Venice with the group.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 6.5-hour tour includes
Roundtrip boat transportation from San Marco
Team member at the meeting point
Visit and entry to a Murano glass factory
Live glass-making demonstration by an artisan
1 hour free time on Murano Island
2 hours free time on Burano Island
1 hour free time on Torcello Island
Maximum group size of 50
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Government-issued ID
Camera
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano
Hop around the Venetian islands to discover glassblowing, colorful houses, and a serene lagoon
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
Skip the lines at St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace, ride a gondola, and meet artists on colorful islands
Free Cancellation Private Boat
Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour
Cruise in style to colorful Venetian islands and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking
Free Cancellation Private Boat Private Tour
Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour
Explore colorful streets and ancient trades in Murano and Burano with a private boat and local guide
Free Cancellation Private Boat Private Tour
Hidden Canals - Private Venice Boat Tour
Uncover the real Venice as you explore secret gardens, local neighborhoods, and sail the Grand Canal
Free Cancellation New Tour
Glass Workshop and Walking Tour in Murano
Explore the famous Venice island in 2 hours and craft your own gem with an exciting workshop!
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride
Visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the hidden areas of Venice
Guided Tour Private Tour
Private Venice Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride
Skip the lines and explore Venice’s top landmarks with a private guide before gliding through canals
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Venice Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio with Authentic Sit-Down Dinner
Enjoy 8 tastings, including cicchetti, wine, pasta and gelato, in Venice’s most authentic district
Free Cancellation Family Friendly
30-Minute Shared Gondola Ride Through Venice
Warning: this gondola ride may cause sudden urges to sing opera at strangers!
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Venice Doge's Palace Private Tour
Dive into Venice's dark history at its grand Gothic palace, Bridge of Sighs, and ancient dungeons
Free Cancellation Day Trip
Unforgettable Dolomites Semi Private Day Trip from Venice
Admire stunning mountains while exploring Cortina, Lake Misurina, and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly. Since some areas of the islands include ancient, uneven terrain, we recommend a soft baby carrier over a stroller, as the tour is not wheelchair or standard stroller accessible.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour involves navigating on ancient ground and uneven terrain across three islands, including getting on and off the large boat several times. Unfortunately, the itinerary is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for guests with significant mobility issues.
Is this a fully guided tour?
This boat excursion is not a guided experience. You will enjoy generous free time on Murano, Burano, and Torcello to explore independently at your own pace.
Is there a dress code for this tour?
There is no specific dress code for the boat or for walking on the islands. However, if you choose to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello, you must wear modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
