Murano and Burano Islands: Half-Day Private Boat Tour Exploring Venetian Crafts and Traditions
4.4
57 Ratings
Venezia
Embark on a half-day private boat tour to Murano and Burano Islands, where you'll discover the rich crafts and traditions of Venice. Explore the colorful houses of Burano and witness the art of glassblowing in Murano.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Venice - Meet our Guide near the S. Zaccaria Vaporetto Stop

Embarking on your adventure, you meet your small group at the heart of Venice, and from there, you commence a brief and pleasant boat journey to Murano. En route, there are numerous captivating sights to behold, and your guide will regale you with tales of these sites as you sail past them. In due time, you shall reach the exquisite Murano, a renowned petite island acclaimed worldwide for its exceptional glass.

  • Murano - Enjoy a Glass-Blowing Workshop
    In times of yore, the glassblowers of Murano held an exclusive mastery over mirror creation in all of Europe. Their expertise was so highly esteemed that they were forbidden from departing from Venice, under the threat of execution. Although the artisans are now free to travel, their craft has persevered, and you will witness its essence first-hand at our initial destination—an authentic glassblower’s workshop.

Observe a true craftsman in action, engrossed in his daily affairs, while simultaneously listening to an English narration describing the intricate process. What imparts the glass with its vibrant hues? How does silica sand transform into the delicate artistry of glass? Which aspect of his occupation poses the greatest challenge? This is an actual working studio, ensuring an unparalleled and genuine experience. Subsequently, you have the opportunity to peruse an extensive collection of glass art and leisurely explore on your own for a while.

  • Burano - Witness Lace Making in Burano
    Onwards to the nearby island of Burano. Nestled closely together along meandering streets and canals, each house adorns itself in a distinct hue, with laundry gracefully draping in the narrow streets. Legend whispers that this tradition originated from the fishermen, who painted their dwellings in bright colors, enabling them to spot their homes from afar.

However, Burano’s most notable distinction lies in its ancient heritage of lacemaking. Accompanied by your guide, you wander the enchanting streets of Burano until you arrive at a modest edifice, where skilled women diligently stitch lace, upholding a tradition passed down through generations. This demonstration is exclusively reserved for guided tours, granting you a precious opportunity to witness their craft in motion.

Take a moment to observe their meticulous work and discover how these traditional techniques remain highly sought-after in an era dominated by sewing machines.

  • Venice - Travel Back to the Main Island
    After your visit to Murano and Burano conclude, hop on our private boat alongside your expert guide and enjoy the panoramic views on the way back to Venice’s main island.
What's Included
  • Expert Lacemaking Demonstration in Burano
  • Guidance by an English-Speaking Expert
  • Free Time to Discover Murano & Burano
  • Small Group Tour for Personalized Experience
  • Convenient Round-Trip Boat from Venice
  • Exclusive Glassblowing Demo in Murano
What's Not Included
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Searching for a comfortable and easy method to discover the captivating territories of Murano and Burano on your Venice trip? Bid farewell to the hassle of public ferries and instead, partake in our personalized group excursion that reveals the magic of these Venetian Islands, with the ease of your private return journey by water taxi.

Joined by an erudite local guide, you’ll experience the enthralling mosaic of vibrant houses and the age-old lacemaking customs of Burano. Subsequently, your expedition moves on to scenic Murano, where you’ll appreciate the Venetian art of glassblowing, diligently handed down over many generations.

  • Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone works as well.
  • 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
  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
  • This tour is not recommended for travellers prone to seasickness.
Location
P.za San Marco, 3
Piazza San Marco
Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(57 Ratings)
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Beth_r
Jun 7, 2024
Can’t miss tour of Murano and Burano - Our guide Alicia is so passionate about Venice and all of her treasures, that she really made Murano and Burano come alive for us. She told us the history of the islands and surrounding areas, and even shared recommendations for us on our free time. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience.
Review provided by Viator
Sightseer58584666986
Jun 5, 2024
Relaxing Tour - Easy tour to see the islands and enjoy with younger kids. Tour guides were very friendly. Glass blowing and lace making were interesting to see and there was free time to enjoy the islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_w
Jun 5, 2024
A great introduction to these islands - Our guide Dalia was a charming, informative host for our tour. The boat ride was fun and there was just about enough time on each island to get a taste of it and do a little sightseeing.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_k
Jun 2, 2024
Great your. Great Guide. Great value. - Great half day trip to cap off our holiday. Lots of beautiful scenery, cultural information and fabulous guide. Serinna was well informed , shared a lot, clear communicator and very personable. We’ve had at least 12 tour guides in our trip. She would rate among the best. Thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Marlon_e
May 31, 2024
Nice half day experience. Tip your guide. - Our tour started at 8:30am. We were able to have pastry and coffee for breakfast before taking the boat to Murano. We enjoyed the glass demonstration and also purchased a souvenir lace memento while in Burano. You have to manage your time wisely in Burano if you are sitting down for lunch otherwise choose some take away food to see more of Burano. The boat returned to San Marco as advertised. You still have the rest of the day to enjoy Venice.
Review provided by Viator
Dario_b
May 29, 2024
A wonderful tour with an even better tour guide :) - Cecilia was the loveliest tour guide! She was so incredible funny, friendly, and knowledgeable. The tour itself was also an adventure, going on a speed boat to both Murano and Burano was incredibly fun. I enjoyed seeing the Murano glass-blowing and the Burano lace-making. I also enjoyed being able to wander off from the group to explore by ourself. We chose the 4 hour trip because we were only in Venice for a long weekend and wanted to fit everything in - and it gave a nice overview of the islands. I’m sure there is more to explore, and I would certainly take this tour again.
Review provided by Viator
Elaine_m
May 29, 2024
Morano and Burano - It was a lovely trip and very informative. Islands were beautiful. Christina the tour guide was fabulous.
Review provided by Viator
Terry_w
May 28, 2024
Excellent trip with fab tour guide - What a lovely trip , made better by our host Claudia. Her knowledge was impeccable and made our trip all the more enjoyable. Excellent boat skills from Matteo . Murano factory hood but try and save time for a trip out to the smaller shops - well worth it. Burano is beautiful and lovely to wander round.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_s
May 28, 2024
Very enjoyable experience - Really enjoyed the tours. Both Suzanna and Claudia were very fun, informative and nice. I especially liked speaking with the ladies in Burano about the lace making. However there didn't seem to be enough free time for shopping.
Review provided by Viator
Bonnie_b
May 29, 2024
Murano/Burano tour - I thought the tour was fine- most of the 4 hour tour was the boat rides to and from the islands. We only had about 40-45 minutes in each location. The glass factory was interesting on Murano but we strictly went to the glass factory only. I think it would have been more fun to go on our own & use a guide book for information.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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