Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat

Venice , Italy

Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat

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

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About this experience

Looking for a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the enchanting realms of Murano and Burano during your visit to Venice? Say goodbye to the commotion of public ferries, and instead, join our intimate group tour that unveils the charms of these Venetian Islands, from the comfort of your private round-trip transportation by water taxi.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll witness the mesmerizing tapestry of colorful houses and the time-honored traditions of lacemaking in Burano. Following this, your journey proceeds to picturesque Murano, where you'll admire the Venetian craft of glassblowing, meticulously passed down through generations.

Available options

Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat

What's included

Tour and Lacemaking Demonstration in Burano

English-Speaking Expert Guide

Some free time to Explore in Burano

Maximum group size of 22

Round-Trip Transportation from Venice by Private Boat

Tour and Glassblowing Demonstration in Murano

Detailed itinerary

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.

Stop 2

Enjoy a Glass-Blowing Workshop
In times of yore, the glassblowers of Murano Island held an exclusive mastery over mirror creation in all of Europe. Their expertise was so 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.

Stop 3

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.

Stop 4

Travel Back to the Main Island (45 min)
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 not included

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

323 reviews

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245

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Tripadvisor 4.5

111 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

• Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.

• 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.

• 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.

• We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the summer months.

• TTG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events.

• TTG runs tours rain or shine and no refunds will be issued due to inclement weather. In extreme weather conditions (i.e., flooding, hail storms, lightning storms, etc.) some areas may close down for safety purposes.

• We will do everything within our power to ensure timings and itineraries are respected, however, due to issues beyond our control, timings and sites are subject to last minute changes on rare occasions.

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