Venice , Italy

Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

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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

Explore three famous islands in the Venice Lagoon--Murano, Torcello and Burano--on a half-day sightseeing excursion by motorboat. You'll stop at a blown glass factory on Murano, visit Venice's first cathedral on the peaceful island of Torcello, and taking lots of pictures of Burano's coloured houses. This morning or afternoon tour is an excellent introduction to the magical islands surrounding the city of Venice and its enclosed bay in the Adriatic Sea.

Deaprtures every day from San Marco Giardinetti or Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station (departure time in Santa Lucia Railway Station is set 30 minutes before the indicated departure time from San Marco Giardinetti).

Available options

11:30am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 11:30 from San Marco. Departure at 11:00 from railway station

9:00am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 9:00AM from San Marco. Departure at 8:30AM from railway station

12:00pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 12:00pm from San Marco. Departure at 11:30 from railway station

9:30am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 9:30 from San Marco. Departure at 9:00 from railway station

10:30am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 10:30 from San Marco. Departure at 10:00 from railway station

11:00am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 11:00 from San Marco. Departure at 10:30 from railway station

3:00pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 3:00PM from San Marco. Departure at 2:30PM from railway station

2:30pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 2:30PM from San Marco. Departure at 2:00PM from railway station

1:30pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 1:30pm from San Marco. Departure at 1:00pm from railway station

2:00pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: 1:30pm from railway station, 2:00pm from San Marco

12:30pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 12:30 from San Marco. Departure at 12:00 from railway station

10:00am Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 10:00 from San Marco. Departure at 09:30 from railway station

12:30pm Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION: Departure at 12:30 from San Marco. Departure at 12:00 from railway station

What's included

Tour Leader

Travel by shared motor boat between Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello

Visit a glass-blowing factory at Murano

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Navigate through the Venetian Lagoon to reach the islands and enjoy the view!

Stop 2

The island of Murano is the first stop of this excursion: you will have a chance to enter a glass factory and see the masters working the glass as they have been doing for centuries and then visit the center of the island.

Stop 3

Second stop of this half day excursion is Burano, famous for the colorful fishermen's houses and for the traditional handmade laces.

Stop 4

Torcello is the third and last stop of this tour. The island is the first to be inhabited in the Venetian lagoon and still shows the traces of its origins.

The church of Santa Fosca stands in the main square of Torcello and is a fine example of venetian-byzantine style.

In the middle of Torcello stands the ancient Attila's throne.

Cross the Devil's Bridge which still preserves the shape of the ancient Venetian bridges

Stop 8 Pass by

The boat leaves from St'Mark's Square, which you will have the chance to admire from a different perspective.

What's not included

Entrance fees to Torcello Church

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED

Pets are not allowed

Restroom on board

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.4

6,151 reviews

5★

1538

4★

1727

3★

1328

2★

841

1★

717

Tripadvisor 3.8

1,744 reviews

5★

612

4★

514

3★

339

2★

131

1★

148

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The time spent on each island is between 30 to 40 minutes

If you're planning a day trip to Venice and staying outside the city, please note that an access fee will be required on certain dates.

Meeting point

The tour departs from Santa Lucia Railway Station 30 minutes before the departure in San Marco. Please exchange your voucher at the Railway Station inside the INFO POINT ticket office ( ALILAGUNA DESK) outside the station, at the corner of the Scalzi church 15 minutes before the departure

Important notes

Please be aware of the dress regulations required to enter places of worship on this tour. Knees and shoulders must be covered - no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed

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