from

$34

Venice
A group of tourists sitting on a boat in Venice with their guide from The Tour Guy.

Murano and Burano Islands: Half Day Boat Tour with Glassblowing

Free CancellationPrivate Boat

Cruise in style to colorful Venetian islands and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking

Free CancellationPrivate Boat

4 h 30 min


Max 22 Guests

from$33.93

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This 4.5-hour tour takes you beyond the crowds of Venice to the colorful islands of Murano and Burano. Cruise across the lagoon in an elegant private boat, then watch a master glassblower shape molten glass and local women create lace by hand. You’ll also have time to stroll through Burano’s bright streets, take photos, and browse the shops before returning to Venice. It’s perfect for both first-time visitors and returning travelers who want to experience a different side of the city.

What's included

Included:

Escape to smaller islands via premium wooden boat

Included:

Expert English-speaking guide

Included:

Private boat transportation

Included:

Glassblowing demonstration in Murano

Included:

Lacemaking demonstration in Burano

Included:

Free time to explore both islands

Not included:

Guide tips

Itinerary

Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square

Your tour begins between the iconic columns of San Marco and San Teodoro in St. Mark’s Square. Here, you'll meet your guide and get a brief introduction to the excursion ahead.

Take a Private Boat to Murano island

Board a sleek boat bound for Murano Island. As you cross the Venetian Lagoon, you’ll pass clusters of small islands and enjoy the calm waters that feel worlds away from Venice’s often crowded canals.

Watch a glass blowing demonstration

On Murano, visit a glassblower’s studio and see centuries of skill in action. Feel the heat as molten glass transforms into a shining piece of art while your guide explains the craft that made this island famous around the world.

Cruise over to Burano island

A short boat ride takes you to Burano, a vibrant fisherman's island known for its colorful houses. Your guide will explain the tradition behind the bright facades—painted so fishermen could find their homes through the dense lagoon fog.

Witness a delicate lacemaking demonstration

Then step inside a small workshop to watch artisans practice the intricate art of lacemaking. Discover why Burano's delicate lace was once treasured by European royalty and see firsthand the incredible patience and skill this craft demands.

Enjoy free time in Burano

After the demonstration, you'll have free time to get lost in Burano’s enchanting, colorful streets. You can browse for authentic lace, snap photos of the picturesque canals, or taste the island's famous buttery cookies, bussolai, from a local bakery.

Board the boat to return to Venice

Relax and enjoy the views on the comfortable private boat ride back to Venice. You'll see the city's grand architecture emerge from the water, offering a final, stunning perspective from the lagoon and its lesser-known islands.

Your tour end near St. Mark's Square

Your tour ends right where it began, in St. Mark's Square, leaving you perfectly situated to continue your Venice exploration. Be sure to ask your guide where to grab a nearby spritz; this is an adventure worth celebrating!

For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change

Meeting and drop-off point

The meeting point is just a short walk from St. Mark's Square along the Grand Canal. You will receive exact instructions upon booking. You'll end your tour at a vaporetto near St. Mark's Square.

Important Details

Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.

Good to know:

  • Weather Advisory: High water may affect the boat tour; alternative arrangements will be made if necessary.

  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please note that all guests will need to cross four bridges with the guide from the meeting point to the dock to board the private boat.

  • Please note: As this tour includes a private boat ride, it is very important that the group stays on time. Please be very aware of the meeting points given by your guide after free time on each island. The boat will need to depart at the scheduled time. Ferry transportation is available for return to Venice from Murano and Burano if you decide you'd prefer to stay longer on the islands.

  • Guide: This tour does not include a walking tour of the islands. Instead, your guide will lead you to the glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations on each island, offer helpful insight toward your free time, and assist all guests while on the private boat transfer.

  • Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.

Your tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Private boat transportation

  • Glassblowing demonstration in Murano

  • Lacemaking demonstration in Burano

  • Free time to explore both islands

What to bring:

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Camera

  • Water

  • Sunscreen (in summer)

See what people are saying

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What reviewers sayPowered by Cicero AIBETA

Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging commentary, which enhanced the experience of visiting Murano and Burano. Many found the glass blowing and lace making demonstrations interesting, though some wished for more time to explore the islands, especially Burano, as the tour felt rushed at times.

Kalpana R.

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November 06, 2026

Wonderful tour

Steven B.

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November 05, 2026

Wonderful tour of the Murano glassworks and the lovely island of Burano, with the shops featuring hand-sewn needlepoints and delicious bakeries. The boat ride was very relaxing (it almost rocked me to sleep!) and our guide Serena was fantastic. Having been born and raised on Lido, she was able to give a unique perspective on island living.

1/2 day Murano Burano

Michelle G.

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November 04, 2026

We had a great time on the tour! Flavia had good information and even provided some bonus restaurant recommendations at the end! The glass was beautiful. And Burano was so quaint.

Dennis D.

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November 03, 2026

Great tour

Murano and Burano

Abby D.

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November 03, 2026

Chiara is a fun guide! The Murano glass is beautiful and works of art. Burano is a quinat island was many shops and colorful storefronts. A fun island excursion!

Give more time for browsing.

Lisa C.

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November 02, 2026

Wonderful

Emily S.

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November 02, 2026

We had a great time! Our tour guide, Flavia, was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Susan L.

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November 01, 2026

Murano and Burano Islands

Jeanne S.

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November 01, 2026

Tour was fabulous. Nicola was a great tour guide and was very well versed about the islands of Venice, history, etc. Boat was clean and comfortable and captain great. Would recommend this tour to others.

Flavia is the best!

Constance C.

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October 31, 2026

Flavia was the best guide ! 10 out 10 We enjoyed this tour so much!

Tour of Murano and Burano Islands

Margaret C.

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October 28, 2026

It was a wonderful tour! The tour person was well knowledgeable, and made the experience fun and educational! I would recommend this tour and The Tour Guy everytime!

Fun and Informative

Norma R.

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October 27, 2026

Our experience from start to finish was fun and the information that Flavia gave on Murano and Burano was very interesting and informative. It was fun going on the boat ride. Of course we needed more time to look around and shop 😆 but it was a very enjoyable tour. Thank you Flavia!

Glass Blowing and Lace Making

Bonnie V.

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October 26, 2026

This was a very nice trip to both Murano and Burano. I especially liked the glass blowing in Murano.

Excellent

Cecily W.

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October 26, 2026

Flavia was great! Super informative, on time and Great energy!

Half day tour to Murano and Burano

Susan M.

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October 24, 2026

Guide Cecilia was great. It was quite windy and so we got pretty wet on the boat ride as most of the plastic zippered window coverings in the boat were broken. The Burano portion was canceled due to wind conditions.

Charming tour of Murano & Burano

MICHELLE P.

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October 24, 2026

Enjoyed our little jaunt to the glass factory in Murano. Learned a lot about the family-run glass-making business! Burano was charming as well, but a bit more laid back. Our tour guide, Gaia, was a delight to be with! She’s knowledgeable about the area and warm and friendly!!

Dawn F.

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October 23, 2026

Tour and tour guide were great.

judy B.

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October 22, 2026

Great half day introduction to the islands

Andrea C.

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October 21, 2026

Flavia was the perfect guide: charming, knowledgeable, friendly. Packed in a lot of information about Venice and the islands, both history and how people live now. Very informative and well organized.

Great tour!

Norman S.

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October 19, 2026

Lot's of fun. 2 really cool Islands. Highly recommend!

Murano Burano

Ginger P.

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October 19, 2026

This was a great tour! Flavia was a fantastic tour guide!!! The best!!

Nice afternoon away from the crowds

Sean M.

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October 19, 2026

My wife and I loved the boat ride and the visit to Burano and Murano. Glass blowing and lace making demonstrations proved these are very talented people. Our guide Olympia was excellent. She spoke clear English and shared valuable information about Venice and the surrounding islands. Truly a wonderful tour and experience.

Good to get an introduction to the islands of Murano and Burano

Gisela L.

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October 18, 2026

Our guide Flavia was very good. She informed us as the tour went along. We would go back to Murano if we are ever back in Venice in the future to explore the shops on our own.

Terrific afternoon

Dorothy C.

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October 18, 2026

Fun,informative, lovely afternoon. Couldn't have asked for anything more.

What a beautiful day!

CELESTE F.

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October 16, 2026

Our guide Olympia was amazing! Her informative commentary and caring manner made the experience especially wonderful. Such a beautiful tour and Olympia's love of the area really made it extra-special



FAQs

Where to meet?

The meeting point is just a short walk from St. Mark's Square along the Grand Canal. You will receive exact instructions upon booking. You'll end your tour at a vaporetto near St. Mark's Square.

What to bring?

Wear some comfortable shoes, and bring water and a camera. In the summer, we recommend sunscreen too.

What if I'm concerned about my mobility?

This small group tour does require some walking and you'll need to get on and off the boat too. If you have concerns about your mobility, take a look at our Murano and Burano Private Tour which can be more easily tailored to your needs.

Does this tour use public transportation?

We book a private water taxi to take just our group out to Murano and Burano. You won't be on the main water bus with large crowds.

Does this tour include free time?

Yes you will have free time to explore Murano and Burano before your return.

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