FriendInVenice Murano Burano Torcello Private Tour By Luxury Boat

Venice , Italy

FriendInVenice Murano Burano Torcello Private Tour By Luxury Boat

Active

(22 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

There are two ways to visit Venice: follow the flow of tourists who take a fixed route chosen by about 20 million people every year or leave the tourist trail behind. We pride ourselves on creating authentic travel experiences for curious visitors who yearn to go beyond the typical. Get away from the crowds and delve into the real Venice your way, your pace.Venice Murano Burano day trip is private offering the opportunity to experience the Venetian top islands at your own pace. The old history of Venice begun from its islands. Learn about the historical and social context of Murano and Burano. Discover the techniques on the ageless arts of glassblowing and lacemaking.

Our Murano Burano tour combines the natural beauty of the lagoon, traditional craftsmanship, and picturesque villages atmosphere. Hear from your expert local guide about the islands heritage and their secret stories. Step into authentic workshops of local artisans. Watch in awe as they create intricate handcrafted pieces

Available options

FriendInVenice Murano Burano Torcello Private Tour By Luxury Boat

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Back to Venice by private water taxi

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will then continue our visit to the old Murano city center (Campo San Stefano) with its characteristic clock tower and the Renaissance church of San Pietro Martire: a treasure chest of paintings by Veronese and Bellini. Crossing the bridge over Murano’s Grand Canal, we could then reach another jewel of the island: the Basilica of Santa Maria and Donato, famous for its splendid 11th Century floor mosaics. Animated by figures of animals, birds, mythological beasts and symbols whose meaning often remains unclear, these mosaics are just one of the many curiosities of the Basilica, considered the best example of Romanesque architecture in the Lagoon!

Stop 2

A miniature-sized Venice, much quieter popular, with tiny houses painted in bright colors and a dramatically leaning bell tower. A lively island prospering thanks to fishing and tourism, Burano still preserves its rhythms, traditions and (above all) its magical atmosphere, absolutely worth seeing!

Let us then venture along Burano’s tranquil streets and squares, surrounded by the colors of the fishermen’s houses (whose meaning we will discover little by little). Let us enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many local restaurant, possibly treating ourselves with off-the-menu delicacies fished that very morning! Alternatively, let us relax with a lovely coffee break accompanied by a delicious ice cream or (even better!) the typical biscuits of the island, the “bussolà” and the “esse”. With a little luck, we will be able to meet an old lady who, sitting in front of her house door, still weaves a typical lace… Yes, the famous Burano lace. It is said that this craft was born from the genius of Burano’s women, trying to increase the meager income of their families. While men were out fishing (or during unlucky hunting seasons), they would support the local economy with their needle-work. In 16th Century, thanks to the support of the Doge’s wife and queens, lace went from being a simple domestic activity to real Art, flourishing for decades until the end of the Serenissima, when it got to the brink of extinction. Burano lace was saved in extremis by salvaging the knowledge of the only lace-maker left on the island … how? Well, find out during this tour!

Stop 3

Torcello

The encounter with the one-time commercial capital of the Lagoon will surprise you. The rustic, at times almost desolated aspect of Torcello, makes it hard to believe that centuries ago this was a busy port city buzzing with thousands of inhabitants (of which nowadays only a handful remain)!

Isolated houses, bushes, a vegetable garden here and there … these are the only clues left of Torcello’s glorious past. This was probably one of the main islands where refugees from the mainland escaped the barbaric invasions, at the fall of the Roman Empire. Protected by the lagoon swamps, the exiles of Altino in particular found here a new haven. Starting as a poor community of fishermen, ferrymen and merchants, they slowly took advantage of the island’s strategic position (halfway between the Byzantine East and the ‘Roman-Barbarian West) to turn it into a flourishing commercial center … the most important of the ancient Lagoon actually!

Torcello will amaze us with its silence and surreal atmosphere. Walking through quiet streets still paved in bricks or gravel, we will discover the reasons why the island was gradually abandoned in favor of Venice, or the fate of its many churches, convents or buildings now replaced by the wilderness. We will meet the mysterious “Devil’s Bridge” and walk through the ruins of the city center, irresistibly attracted by the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the Lagoon! We will admire the splendid shapes of the nearby Santa Fosca church, of Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo dell’Archivio, perhaps also sitting on the famous “Attila’s throne”. Finally, we will discover why this small strip of land became the favorite refuge of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. An incredible experience, a journey between the past and the present that only the less touristic islands can offer!

What's not included

Price does not include lunch, entrance ticket to Santa Maria Assunta’s complex

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly