Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano
Hop around the Venetian islands to discover glassblowing, colorful houses, and a serene lagoon
Want to escape the crowds and discover Venice’s diverse and enigmatic islands? This small group tour makes it easy, with an expert local guide to help you navigate the waterways and explore three gems of the Venetian Lagoon. Stroll through cobbled streets and colored houses in Burano, witness glassmaking mastery in Murano, and take in the rich history and peaceful nature of Mazzorbo. If you’re looking to see a different side of Venice, then this is the perfect trip for you!
- Meet your guide in Campo dei Gesuiti
- Mazzorbo
- Burano
- Technicolor homes
- Water bus
- Murano Island
- Your tour will end in Murano Island
This tour operates from April through November, and begins in Campo dei Gesuiti in the Cannaregio district of central Venice. Along with your small group, you’ll hop on the local water bus and take the boat ride to the peaceful island of Mazzorbo, which is home to just a few hundred people.
Next, you’ll head to the incredibly photogenic Burano, an island famed for its authentic feel and brightly colored houses lining narrow streets and canals. They also have some of the best cookies in Venice! Finally, you’ll visit Murano where you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see the island’s famous glassmakers working their trade.
Venice Island Hopping Tour Description
Your 5-hour guided tour includes:
Round-trip transportation by local water bus (tickets not included)
Mazzorbo Island with nature, ancient churches, and vineyards
Burano Island with colored houses, artisan shops, and leaning tower
Murano Island with glassmaking workshops and historic buildings
Engaging English-speaking guide
Maximum group size of 10
Water bus tickets must be purchased locally so please bring some cash.
Meet in the Cannaregio District
Your local guide will be waiting to meet you at a convenient location in Cannaregio. Along with your small group, take a short stroll to the water bus port while hearing about the highlights you’ll visit today and some of Venice’s rich history. Soon enough, you’ll be cruising along the Venetian Lagoon admiring the views!
Mazzorbo
Home to less than 300 people and one of the most serene islands in the lagoon, your first stop of the day is beautiful Mazzorbo. Your guide will help you explore the island’s lush gardens and peaceful streets, along with the walled Venissa vineyard and one of Venice’s oldest churches: Santa Caterina.
Burano
Connected to Mazzorbo by a long wooden bridge, Burano is an idyllic little island that seems from a different time. Colored houses line narrow streets, and washing lines hang between the houses. Burano’s major claim to fame is its centuries-old tradition of lacemaking, and you’ll get to see the artisans in action as you stroll through the charming streets.
It’s not only lace though—Burano produces famous cookies and delicious seafood. Plus you'll see their very own leaning tower!
Murano
You’ll hop back onto the water bus for the cruise to Murano. In years past, Murano glassmakers were the only people in Europe who could create a mirror, and their expertise meant they were banned from leaving the city of Venice under threat of execution! Stroll down the pretty Rio dei Vetrai lined with artisan glass workshops, visit the oldest glass factory in the world, and stop by at Murano’s two beautiful churches: San Pietro and San Donato.
The Best Souvenirs in Venice!
Before your guide escorts you back to central Venice, you’ll have time to visit some of the many artisan shops dotted around Murano and Burano. You won’t find many cheap fridge magnets here, just handcrafted wares from some of the most skilled craftspeople in the city. It’s the perfect chance to pick up a truly unique gift for your loved ones back home—or maybe just for yourself!
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear some comfortable shoes, and bring water, a camera, and some money for the boat and any souvenirs. In the summer, we recommend sunscreen too.
What to bring?
Wear some comfortable shoes, and bring water, a camera, and some money for the boat and any souvenirs. In the summer, we recommend sunscreen too.
Are water bus tickets included?
No. Water bus tickets must be purchased locally so please bring some cash. These tickets are not expensive and your guide will be there to ensure you get the correct ones for your journey.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
Is this tour available all year?
No, this tour is offered seasonally from April to November on certain days of the week.
Is the boat ride rocky?
The Venice canals are gentle and the boat is large enough that there is minimal rocking on the journey to the other islands. There are a few seats and standing areas on the outer edges of the boat, which is nice for catching a breeze.