Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour
Cruise in style to colorful Venetian islands and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking
This 4.5-hour tour takes you beyond the crowds of Venice to the colorful islands of Murano and Burano. Cruise across the lagoon in an elegant private boat, then watch a master glassblower shape molten glass and local women create lace by hand. You’ll also have time to stroll through Burano’s bright streets, take photos, and browse the shops before returning to Venice. It’s perfect for both first-time visitors and returning travelers who want to experience a different side of the city.
What You Get With This Tour
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Escape to smaller islands via luxury wooden boat
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Private luxury boat transportation
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Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
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Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
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Free time to explore both islands
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square
Your tour begins between the iconic columns of San Marco and San Teodoro in St. Mark’s Square. Here, you'll meet your guide and get a brief introduction to the excursion ahead. -
2
Take a Private Boat to Murano island
Board a sleek boat bound for Murano Island. As you cross the Venetian Lagoon, you’ll pass clusters of small islands and enjoy the calm waters that feel worlds away from Venice’s often crowded canals. -
3
Watch a glass blowing demonstration
On Murano, visit a glassblower’s studio and see centuries of skill in action. Feel the heat as molten glass transforms into a shining piece of art while your guide explains the craft that made this island famous around the world. -
4
Cruise over to Burano island
A short boat ride takes you to Burano, a vibrant fisherman's island known for its colorful houses. Your guide will explain the tradition behind the bright facades—painted so fishermen could find their homes through the dense lagoon fog. -
5
Witness a delicate lacemaking demonstration
Then step inside a small workshop to watch artisans practice the intricate art of lacemaking. Discover why Burano's delicate lace was once treasured by European royalty and see firsthand the incredible patience and skill this craft demands. -
6
Enjoy free time in Burano
After the demonstration, you'll have free time to get lost in Burano’s enchanting, colorful streets. You can browse for authentic lace, snap photos of the picturesque canals, or taste the island's famous buttery cookies, bussolai, from a local bakery. -
7
Board the boat to return to Venice
Relax and enjoy the views on the comfortable private boat ride back to Venice. You'll see the city's grand architecture emerge from the water, offering a final, stunning perspective from the lagoon and its lesser-known islands. -
8
Your tour end near St. Mark's Square
Your tour ends right where it began, in St. Mark's Square, leaving you perfectly situated to continue your Venice exploration. Be sure to ask your guide where to grab a nearby spritz; this is an adventure worth celebrating!
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Weather Advisory: High water may affect the boat tour; alternative arrangements will be made if necessary.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please note that all guests will need to cross four bridges with the guide from the meeting point to the dock to board the private boat.
Please note: As this tour includes a luxury private boat, it is very important that the group stays on time. Please be very aware of the meeting points given by your guide after free time on each island. The boat will need to depart at the scheduled time. Ferry transportation is available for return to Venice from Murano and Burano if you decide you'd prefer to stay longer on the islands.
Guide: This tour does not include a walking tour of the islands. Instead, your guide will lead you to the glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations on each island, offer helpful insight toward your free time, and assist all guests while on the private boat transfer.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 4.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Private boat transportation
Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
Free time to explore both islands
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Water
Sunscreen (in summer)
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Customer Reviews
We had a great time today with Felippo and Alice
Our guide Serena was so knowledgeable and welcoming. The glass making on Murano was so fun to watch. The island of Burano was charming and the lace making demonstration was educational. Being on the water and islands for an afternoon was so enjoyable.
The trip was wonderful, guides knowledgeable, and the glass display and exhibition very impressive. Great time, and those cookies to diedor. Recommend trip highly
A great experience. I enjoyed background and history information along with sites. I was worried that a half day wasn't enough but I feel I got a good summary. Definitely recommend
This was beautiful and the guide was funny and nice and helpful. Loved the whole tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear some comfortable shoes, and bring water and a camera. In the summer, we recommend sunscreen too.
What to bring?
Wear some comfortable shoes, and bring water and a camera. In the summer, we recommend sunscreen too.
What if I'm concerned about my mobility?
This small group tour does require some walking and you'll need to get on and off the boat too. If you have concerns about your mobility, take a look at our Murano and Burano Private Tour which can be more easily tailored to your needs.
Does this tour use public transportation?
We book a private water taxi to take just our group out to Murano and Burano. You won't be on the main water bus with large crowds.
Does this tour include free time?
Yes you will have free time to explore Murano and Burano before your return.
