Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Cruise the Venetian Lagoon by private water taxi and meet the artisans keeping Venice’s traditional crafts alive. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional glassblowing on the island of Murano, and traditional lacemaking on Burano. The tour includes discounts on souvenirs from both demonstration workshops. Both islands have plenty to see, and you’ll have ample time to explore.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that the order of island visits and demonstrations may vary due to local conditions and availability. Glassblowing and lace-making demonstrations are hosted by working artisans and may change without notice. The tour operates in all weather and involves moderate walking.
The Municipality of Venice has introduced an Access Fee that applies on specific dates. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking the official guidelines and completing the necessary registration through the provided link before your visit. (https://cda.ve.it/en/ Official Link for Registration)
Important: Total time per stop includes boat transfers between Venice and the islands, guided activities, and free time on each island.
Some sites visited lack shade and can be hot under direct sunlight. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water in warm weather.
What To Expect
Isola di Murano
The enchanting islands of Murano and Burano are a refreshing escape from Venice’s busy streets and canals. The easiest way to reach them is by private water taxi. Faster and sturdier than a gondola, and far less crowded than a waterbus, it’s a premium Venice experience included in your tour, along with your expert local guide sharing stories of Venice’s trading past along the way. Your first stop is a specially chosen glassblowing workshop on Murano. In the Middle Ages, Murano's artisans alone held this craft's secrets, and sharing them was punishable. This stop, including boat transfers, guided time, and island time, lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes. You’ll see modern glassblowers using these once secret techniques, shaping delicate and dazzling works of art from molten glass. Then admire the workshop’s finest work in its gallery and perhaps take home a piece of your own -with a tour discount. Or explore more of Murano, including its peaceful canals and stunning Byzantine church.
The locals of Burano continue the island’s centuries old lace making tradition, producing some of the finest handmade lace in the world. You’ll see artisans at work before visiting the lace museum or enjoying time to explore at your own pace. The island is famous for its brightly painted houses, originally designed so fishermen could spot home from the sea. Your experience here, including boat travel, guided time, and free time on the island, lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes. As you return across the lagoon to Venice, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship that shaped the city’s history.
Options
Group tour - Italian
Small Group Tour - English
English Tour: Guided tour with an expert English-speaking guide Small Group of: 22 people or fewer
Small Group Tour - French
French Tour: Guided tour with an expert French-speaking guide Small Group of: 20 people or fewer
Semi Private Tour - English
Semi Private Tour: Semi private tour of 8 people or fewer
Private Tour - English
English: Private tour experience exclusively for your small group.
Small Group Tour - Spanish
Spanish Tour: Guided tour with an expert Spanish-speaking guide Small Group of: 20 people or fewer
What‘s Included
Glassmaking demonstration in Murano
Round-trip transportation by private boat just for your group
Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
High-quality headset for clear audio and seamless commentary
Enjoy a personal experience with an expert local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8,606 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not worth it if you actually want to learn something
P3519KEandream,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The guide was knowledgeable on the history of the Venice. We enjoyed the glass blowing demonstration on the first stop. It lasted about 10 minutes and then we had free time to wander through the shop and walk around the town. I was mostly disappointed in the second part of the tour to the island of Burano to learn about the lace. It lasted all of 3 minutes and we didn’t learn very much. Then it was just free time on our own and other than tourist shops some bad food and service there wasn’t really much. Maybe the guide could have shown us around the island. We saw other guides taking visitors around and providing information.
The tour was brilliant...
Steve W,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was brilliant and absolutely worth the money, got to visit both islands. Our tour guide Serena was amazing, very knowledgeable and provided us with so much history of both islands as well as Venice itself, she also gave us recommendations on restaurants that did not disappoint, had one of the best seafood dishes in Burano because of her, thank you Serena!!
Murano - Burano
Steve M,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pleasant low key visit to the two islands. Time to eat, shop and stroll. Beautiful glass and lacework.
Murano/Burano Tour
Karen S,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great excursion! We had a wonderful day with our guide Serena! Beautiful boat rides to the islands, plenty of time to explore each island, and loved the lace and glass demonstration. Would highly recommend this tour!!!
Explore the historic islands of Murano and Burano
Cathy J,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Wanda, was amazing. She shared interesting facts about the islands and had a great sense of humor. The tour included both a demonstration of glass blowing at Murano and a demonstration of lace making at Burano. We also had time to explore on our own. When a storm came in at the end of the day, Wanda and our boat captain got us back safely. The trip was well worth doing and I would recommend to anyone interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of Venice and learning more about the outer islands.
Great day trip to Murano & Burano
QueenoftheNorth89,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The glassmaking and lacemaking demonstrations were interesting, and the boat trips were great, although it was very hot - bring a fan and some water! Our guide, Alice, was wonderful and very knowledgable, and gave information about the different islands as we traveled in the boat. She also gave recommendations on how to use our free time - the gelato and biscuits she suggested on Burano were excellent.
Great Glass Blowing Experience
jeffsF7231IY,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First I would like to commend Carrie or guide. She was very informative and insightful. Related to the tour I would have liked more time in Murano. The glass bowing and other shops would have been great to see there. Nicola and. The team at the Nrw Murano Glass factory were great. It was a real treat to see a piece of glassware actually blown in front of us live. On the other hand, Burano was not really that impressive for me. I don’t have an interest in Lace making. While the colorful buildings were nice. It would have been better to have 2-3 hours for a meal and to explore more of the shops. All in all it was money well spent and aver good value for Venice.
Perfect Venice Visit Tour
Alexis F,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was perfect! The islands were stunning, our tour guide was so knowledgeable and it was the perfect amount of time. We loved the demonstrations at both locations. We would recommend this to anyone!!
Great water tour of Murano and Burano
F6298MOcharliec,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful easy and informative trip to Murano and Burano. Our guide, Sylvia, was interesting and fun. Highly recommended!
Murano and burano tour
W6219VBkeithl,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Burano especially nice. Selena was an awesome guide.
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Operated by City Wonders Ltd