Murano, Burano & Torcello: Venetian Island Highlights

Venice , Italy

Murano, Burano & Torcello: Venetian Island Highlights

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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

Enjoy a wonderful excursion aboard an elegant boat, with a hostess providing insights throughout the journey, guiding you through the Venetian Lagoon and its most beautiful islands: Murano and Burano.

Leaving Piazza San Marco behind, you will head towards the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, reaching Murano, the first stop of the day. Famous since the 1200s for its sophisticated glassmaking, you will visit the town and watch a live glassblowing demonstration where master artisans shape vases, glasses, and other beautiful creations, reflecting Murano's rich tradition.

After Murano, we will make our way to Burano, renowned for its brightly colored fishermen's houses. According to legend, these houses were painted in vivid hues to be visible in the dense winter fog. Walking through the town, you'll see elderly women meticulously making lace by hand and have the chance to sample the local dessert.

Available options

Murano, Burano & Torcello: Venetian Island Highlights

What's included

Tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello

Free time to explore all the islands

Entrance to the glassworks

Visit to the lace shop

Boat transfer

Multilingual informative commentary on board the vessel

Detailed itinerary

Murano Island is celebrated for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Ferries bring numerous curious visitors to the Museo del Vetro, which showcases the history of glassmaking, and to shop for local handmade souvenirs. The Church of Santa Maria and San Donato, built in the Romanesque style, has a colorful mosaic floor and is reputed to hold the bones of a slain dragon.

Stop 2

Burano lies within the Venetian Lagoon, and like its southern neighbor Venice, seven kilometers away, it is a community of small islands interconnected by bridges. Situated near Torcello in the northern part of the lagoon, Burano is known for its exquisite glass and lacework.

Torcello, located in the Venetian Lagoon, is an island full of history and charm. Founded in the 5th century, it was one of the first settlements in the region and today offers an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. While exploring Torcello, you can visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, and the enigmatic Throne of Attila, surrounded by legends. The island also enchants with its untouched nature and tranquil canals, such as the charming Devil's Bridge. A stroll through Torcello is a journey into the past, in a picturesque setting that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Venice.

What's not included

Food and drink

Ticket for the visit to the Torcello Cathedral 5 EUR

Guide during the walking tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour has a guide only on the boat; the islands are seen on your own.

This tour is not private.

If the chosen time is not available, you will be transferred to another time on the same day. These changes do not depend on us. Therefore, when booking you are aware of this possible change, subsequent refund requests will not be accepted. Example: If you choose the 9:30 am time slot and the ticket office closes at that time, you will be transferred to the first available time slot, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 14pm or 14:30pm.

Important notice for last-minute reservations (same day or overnight): in case of lack of seats, the customer will be placed on the day following the reserved date.

Importantly, we ask you to arrive 20 minutes before the departure of the tour, because you have to show your voucher at the ticket office and receive the tickets, if you do not arrive on time or miss the meeting point, you will miss the tour. If you miss the tour, you will not receive a refund.

When you arrive at the meeting point, you must enter the Alilaguna ticket office, show the voucher, which we will send you via WhatsApp, and receive the tickets.

Meeting point

Alilaguna Ticket Office in San Marco (in front of the Royal Gardens).
The voucher you will receive by whatsapp must be converted into a regular ticket at the meeting point.

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