Murano & Burano Islands Fully Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
From $41.34
Price varies by group size
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 1 more
Explore our promoted experiences
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here
Overview
Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano with a small group of up to 20 people. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.
- Watch local craftsmen at work in a Murano glass workshop
- Browse an impressive collection of glass artwork
- See Burano lace being made by local islanders
- Visit the Burano Lace Museum independently
- Enjoy transportation by a private boat, exclusively for your tour group.
- Enjoy an intimate tour experience with a small group of 20 people or fewer
Saved to wishlist!
Situated just across the Venetian Lagoon from Venice, the lovely islands of Murano and Burano are world-renowned for their traditional artisan crafts. You’ll meet up with your guide in central Venice for the short boat ride to Murano, a picturesque grouping of islands that has been home to some of the world’s finest artisan glassblowers since the 13th century.
Visit the workshop of a local glassblower to watch delicate forms take shape from molten glass through a combination of rolling, shaping with iron tools and blowing through a long metal tube. Learn tricks of the trade, like how minerals are added to give the candy-colored vases and chandeliers of Murano their vibrant hue. Enjoy some free time on the island to explore other workshops and perhaps pick up a souvenir to take home.
Hop back on the boat for the scenic ride to Burano, where traditional lacemaking workshops are scattered among the island’s brightly colored homes. Learn about the history of Burano lace and how it was once sought after by monarchs across Europe for its exquisite quality. You’ll get a chance to watch local craftswomen creating lace through a series of finely detailed weaving and stitching, carrying on a tradition that has thrived here for centuries.
If you like, visit the Burano Lace Museum on your own to delve even deeper into the history of this elegant craft. Enjoy free time to explore the island and peruse local shops before the return boat trip to Venice.
Visit the workshop of a local glassblower to watch delicate forms take shape from molten glass through a combination of rolling, shaping with iron tools and blowing through a long metal tube. Learn tricks of the trade, like how minerals are added to give the candy-colored vases and chandeliers of Murano their vibrant hue. Enjoy some free time on the island to explore other workshops and perhaps pick up a souvenir to take home.
Hop back on the boat for the scenic ride to Burano, where traditional lacemaking workshops are scattered among the island’s brightly colored homes. Learn about the history of Burano lace and how it was once sought after by monarchs across Europe for its exquisite quality. You’ll get a chance to watch local craftswomen creating lace through a series of finely detailed weaving and stitching, carrying on a tradition that has thrived here for centuries.
If you like, visit the Burano Lace Museum on your own to delve even deeper into the history of this elegant craft. Enjoy free time to explore the island and peruse local shops before the return boat trip to Venice.
Itinerary
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.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Admission Ticket 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.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Traveler Tips
- "This half-day tour is very worthwhile, seeing the islands of Murano and Burano is a must during a visit to Venice!" See review
- "The trip to Burano and Murano is worthwhile for anyone spending more than a day or two in Venice." See review
- "Don't miss this, especially if you are lucky enough to have Serena as your guide." See review
Reviews
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Murano & Burano Islands Fully Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$41.34
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Private and LuxuryNature and Wildlife ToursWater ToursWalking ToursHistorical ToursArt ToursDay TripsHalf-day ToursWalking & Biking ToursCruises, Sailing & Water ToursCultural & Theme ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsLuxury & Special OccasionsOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingVenicePrivate and Luxury - VenetoNature and Wildlife Tours - VenetoWater Tours - VenetoWalking Tours - VenetoHistorical Tours - VenetoArt Tours - VenetoDay Trips - VenetoHalf-day Tours - VenetoPrivate and Luxury - TrevisoNature and Wildlife Tours - TrevisoWater Tours - TrevisoWalking Tours - TrevisoHistorical Tours - TrevisoArt Tours - TrevisoDay Trips - TrevisoHalf-day Tours - TrevisoPrivate and Luxury - PaduaNature and Wildlife Tours - PaduaWater Tours - PaduaWalking Tours - PaduaHistorical Tours - PaduaArt Tours - PaduaDay Trips - PaduaHalf-day Tours - PaduaCategory
Church of San Zaccaria (Chiesa di San Zaccaria) Tours & TicketsVenice Islands Tours & TicketsBasilica di Santa Maria della Salute Tours & TicketsAqualandia Tours & TicketsCorrer Museum (Museo Correr) Tours & TicketsChurch of Santa Maria Formosa (Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa) Tours & TicketsPiombi Tours & TicketsSan Polo Tours & TicketsSan Gallo Theater (Teatro San Gallo) Tours & TicketsMuseo del Vetro Tours & TicketsAccademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia) Tours & TicketsBurano Tours & TicketsVenice Santa Lucia Station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia) Tours & TicketsLa Fenice Opera House (Teatro La Fenice) Tours & TicketsCampo San Bartolomeo Tours & TicketsBrenta Riviera Tours & TicketsMazzorbo Tours & TicketsScuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista Tours & TicketsFrari Church (Basilica dei Frari) Tours & TicketsCannaregio Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations