Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Overview

Available languages

English

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 on Mondays, the typical lacemaking demonstration in Burano may not always be available. In such event, the tour still offers a captivating exploration of the island that showcases its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. We appreciate your understanding

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)

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Groups of up to 22 people for a more personalized experience

Glassmaking demonstration in Murano

Round-trip transportation by private boat just for your group

Lacemaking demonstration in Burano

Expert local English speaking Guide

Discount at the glass gallery and lacemaking shop where the demonstrations are given

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

What To Expect

Isola di Murano

The enchanting islands of Murano and Burano are the perfect change of pace from Venice’s crowded streets and waterways. And the perfect way to reach them is by private water taxi. Faster and sturdier than a gondola, nimbler and less crowded than a waterbus, water taxis are the premier way to travel in Venice. Few visitors get to experience them, but yours is included, along with an expert local guide who’ll explain Venice’s history as a titan of trade along the way. Your first port of call is a specially chosen glassblowing workshop on Murano. In the Middle Ages, only Murano’s artisans possessed the secrets of this craft, and sharing them was punishable by execution. You’ll get to witness modern glassblowers wield those 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.

2 hours 30 minutes•Admission Included

The locals of nearby Burano still maintain the island’s tradition of handmade lace, some of the finest anywhere in the world. You’ll get to observe lace being hand-stitched the way it has been for generations. Then visit the lace museum to see the island’s greatest work, or simply enjoy the photo opportunity provided by the colorful houses, brightly painted so sailors could see home as they returned from the sea. When you cross the lagoon back to Venice, you’ll have a renewed appreciation of the crafts that put the city on the map so long ago.

2 hours 30 minutes•Admission Included

Options

Murano & Burano - Private

Murano & Burano- Italian Group

Murano & Burano- English Group

Reviews

4.63

6,554 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5195

750

326

114

169

Great way to see both...
Mona C,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great way to see both islands for the day. Elly provided our group with history in the way to our destinations and pointed out the best places to eat and shop. Boat ride was comfortable and smooth.
Great tour with fabulous guide
Zoe R,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Murano Burano trip. Alice our guide was fabulous and explained everything, was always to hand for any questions and knew a great deal of historical facts. We just wish we had had longer on both islands, before you go you don’t know how long you’ll need and for us it was too short. We loved it though.
Beautiful Murano And Burano Islands
Margaret S,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Beautiful experience. Our guide, Sylvia, was so knowledgeable about the history of Venice, Burano, Murano, and the other islands. Easy to find the meeting point. The only drawback was the heat. Mother natures fault, not the tour. Would have liked a little more free time on each island. The glass factory was fun and the pieces were extraordinary. Loved seeing and hearing about the lace making process in Burano. Would definitely recommend.
Best tour ever!
Lizelle W,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Incredible!! Best tour on our trip. The guide Alexandra was fabulous. She was very helpful and friendly. She had a huge amount of knowledge and gave us more than enough time to explore. She was able to answer all of our questions. So worth it!
Susanna Knows All!
Jonathan B,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a great time on this tour. Our guide Susanna, knew all there is to know about the history and ecology of these lovely places. She also had the inside scoop on recent big events in the area - this weekend being Jeff Bezos’ wedding. Susanna was fun and friendly. The islands were cute and interesting. The artisans are amazing.