No trip to Venice is complete without a trip to the islands of Murano and Burano, with their famous glass and lace-producing factories. One of the best ways to experience these two islands is on a guided tour. In this article, I’ll cover the best Murano and Burano tours to take this year and why.
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Should You Take a Tour of Murano and Burano?
Short answer: yes!
The best tours of Murano and Burano focus on the trades that have flourished on the islands for centuries. In 1291, all glass production was moved from the main islands to Murano to prevent fires and ensure the glass-making skills remained a secret known only to the Venetians. Today, you can watch Murano glassblowers using the exact same techniques that they having been using for centuries for the world-famous venetian glass.
Burano is almost like a toy model village, its tiny houses painted bright colors. Fishermen mainly inhabit the island, but lace production has been centered here since the 15th century. Today, almost every store on the island sells lace, and the ladies who produce it are still often seen practicing their art on the street.
You can, of course, visit both of these islands on your own. It will be enjoyable, you will learn a little, buy some pleasant souvenirs, and be on your merry way. But the best tours offer experiences you would only be able to do with the help of an expert guide. You can learn the history in the book, but a licensed expert guide can elevate any visit to help you get under the skin of the trades, traditions, and legends of these areas.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our free Guide to Venice!
What Are The Most Popular Murano and Burano Tours To Take
With a guided tour, you’ll have all the logistics taken care of for you. No waiting in line to buy tickets, no searching for a glass factory or lacemaker shop that’s open to the public. All of that will be taken care of for you, so you can just enjoy taking in the views, soaking in the history, and learning about the fascinating trades that have been practiced on the islands for centuries.
- Murano and Burano in a Half-Day Boat Tour
- Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
- Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour
- Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano
1. Murano and Burano in a Half-Day Boat Tour (4 Hours)
Getting to Murano and Burano from Venice can be a little chaotic if you’re using public ferries and water taxis, so this small group tour simplifies things! Jump aboard your private speedboat before cruising to Murano and Burano. You’ll witness the centuries-old glass-making traditions on the island of Murano before heading to the colorful Burano. There, you’ll see a centuries-old lacemaking demonstration unavailable to the public.
This is a perfect tour to learn about the incredible crafts practiced on these islands for centuries and enjoy experiences you would be unable to witness if you were to visit alone.
Highlights:
- Round-trip transportation from Venice by private boat
- Tour and glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Tour and lacemaking demonstration in Burano
- Free time to explore in Murano and Burano
- Friendly, English-speaking guide
- Maximum group size of 25
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our free Guide to Venice
2. Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
If your Time is limited in Venice and you want to pack in as much as possible, then this tour is a great option. We have packed in as much of the good stuff as possible. Your expert guide will breeze past the lines at St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace for a full guided tour before jumping in a private water taxi to see glassblowing in Murano and the Instagram haven of colorful Burano.
There’s even a must-do gondola ride to ensure you get the whole Venice experience.
This is the perfect tour if you are spending a couple of days in the city. You’ll tick off all the major sites in one day, allowing you to enjoy the city at your leisure for the rest of your stay.
Highlights:
- Skip-the-line guided tour of St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
- 30-minute gondola ride
- Free time for lunch
- Round-trip transportation to Murano/Burano
- Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
- Free time to explore both islands
- Maximum group size of 20
- A fun, local guide
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Looking for more Venice tours? Check out the Top Venice Tours
3. Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour ( 4 Hours)
Be whisked away to the islands of Murano and Burano on this private tour. Perfect for a family or group of friends who want that VIP experience.
The islands are inhabited by amazing Italian craftspeople who produce the famous Venetian-colored glass and intricate lace, the perfect place to experience the artisan culture of the city. Enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in Murano and see artisanal lace-making in Burano, with plenty of time to explore the many other charms of the islands with your private guide before returning to the city.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the shops and pick up some beautiful souvenirs before returning to Venice on your private boat and being transported in luxury—a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best Murano and Burano tours available.
Highlights:
- Round-trip transportation from Venice by private boat
- Private tour and glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Private tour and lace-making demonstration in Burano
- Free time to explore in Murano and Burano
- Engaging, English-speaking private guide
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Ready to book? Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Venice
4. Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano
Stroll through cobbled streets and the colored houses in Burano. Witness glassmaking mastery in Murano and take in the rich history and peaceful nature of Mazzorbo. If you want to see a different side of Venice, this is the perfect trip for you!
As well as the glass-blowing production of Murano and the beautiful lace-making in Burano, this tour also visits the vineyards of Mazzorbo. Less known than Murano and Burano, the island of Mazzorbo is home to just 300 people. You’ll get the chance to explore the walled Venissa vineyards and one of Venice’s oldest churches, Santa Caterina.
Wine, glass, and lace are the perfect trinity of souvenirs. It is an undeniably great way to explore three unique islands and their storied trades. With a group size maxed out at just eight people, this is a truly intimate experience that should be on any travel itinerary of Venice.
Highlights:
- Round-trip transportation by local water bus
- Mazzorbo Island with nature, ancient churches, and vineyards
- Burano Island with colored houses, artisan shops, and its leaning tower
- Murano Island with glassmaking workshops and historic buildings
- Engaging English-speaking guide
- Maximum group size of 8
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Not ready to book a tour? Check out the Top Things to Do in Venice
Where To Stay in Venice
Despite the size of this little island, there are endless hotel options to choose from. We’ve picked the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in, whether you prefer Italian luxury, quiet serenity, or both!
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