Exploring the enchanting islands surrounding Venice is a must-do on any visit to the Floating City. We can embark on a half-day boat tour that takes us to the vibrant, colorful fishing village of Burano, the renowned glass-blowing capital of Murano, and the serene island of Torcello with its captivating Byzantine mosaics. With a knowledgeable guide and a relaxing aperitif onboard, this small group tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of these stunning Venetian islands. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details.
Key Points

- A half-day boat tour in Venice that visits the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello, with a glass-blowing demonstration and opportunities to interact with local artisans.
- The tour is 100% recommended, with a maximum of 8 travelers in a small group, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Knowledgeable guides provide historical insights and opportunities to uncover hidden gems in the Venetian lagoon.
- Highlights include seeing the brightly colored houses of Burano, witnessing skilled glass-blowing in Murano, and exploring the 11th-century Byzantine mosaics in Torcello.
- The tour includes an aperitif aboard the boat during sunset views and a visit to a serene monastery for spiritual insights into the lagoon’s past.
Tour Overview and Details
The half-day boat tour in Venice offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic waterways and neighboring islands. Priced from $149.70 per person, this 100% recommended tour takes you on a small-group adventure with a maximum of 8 travelers.
You’ll visit the enchanting islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello, and even witness a glass-blowing demonstration. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide historical insights and facilitate personal interactions with local artisans.
With confirmation upon booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, securing your spot is easy. Don’t miss this memorable highlight of your Venice trip.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Venice
Meeting and Pickup Information

To start your tour, we’ll meet at Fondamenta Case Nuove, 2751, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
From there, we’ll embark on our boat and explore the enchanting Venetian islands. At the end of the tour, we’ll return to the same meeting point.
Please note that there’s a €5 access fee for certain travelers staying outside Venice on specific dates.
Be sure to check the details on the website before booking. Our small group size and personalized experience make this tour a must-do activity during your visit to Venice.
Included Experiences and Highlights

While aboard our boat, we’ll be offered an aperitif to enjoy as we take in the stunning sunset views.
We’ll visit the picturesque islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello, where we’ll witness captivating glass-blowing demonstrations and meet local artisans.
Our knowledgeable guides will provide historical insights, allowing us to dive deeper into the rich cultural heritage of these unique destinations.
The small group setting ensures a personalized experience, fostering opportunities for meaningful interactions.
This tour offers a chance to uncover hidden gems and immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of the Venetian lagoon.
Burano: The Colorful Fishing Village

As we depart from the previous locations, our next stop on the tour is the vibrant fishing village of Burano.
Known for its brightly colored houses, lace-making tradition, and peaceful atmosphere, Burano is a highlight of the tour.
Here’s what to expect:
-
Stroll through the charming canals and admire the rainbow-hued buildings that line the waterways.
-
Visit a local lace-making workshop and witness the intricate handiwork of skilled artisans.
-
Enjoy a traditional Burano meal at one of the quaint restaurants along the canals.
This quaint island offers a delightful contrast to the bustle of Venice.
Murano: The Glass-Blowing Capital

After departing Burano, we eagerly anticipate our visit to Murano, the renowned glass-blowing capital of the Venetian Lagoon. We’ll witness skilled artisans create intricate glassworks, a centuries-old tradition. The island’s glass factories offer unparalleled access and demonstrations.
| Murano Highlights | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass-Blowing Demos | Chandelier Showrooms | Bead-Making Exhibits | Artistic Sculptures | Collectible Figurines |
Immersing ourselves in Murano’s vibrant culture and craft will be the perfect complement to our Venetian adventure. We can’t wait to see the molten glass transformed into stunning masterpieces before our eyes.
Torcello: The Oldest Settlement

Next, we glide across the tranquil waters to Torcello, the oldest settlement in the Venetian Lagoon. Founded in the 5th century, Torcello boasts a rich history and stunning cathedral.
Here are 3 highlights of our visit:
-
We marvel at the 11th-century Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, depicting the Last Judgment.
-
We explore the medieval Throne of Attila, named after the infamous Hun leader, and learn about the island’s early settlers.
-
We wander the serene Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), marveling at the island’s peaceful ambiance away from the crowds.
Monastery Visit: Spiritual Insights

From Torcello, we continue our journey to a serene monastery, where we gain spiritual insights into the Venetian lagoon’s storied past. After a brief boat ride, we disembark and are welcomed by the tranquil atmosphere of the monastery grounds. Our knowledgeable guide provides a fascinating overview of the site’s history and significance.
| Monastery Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Established | 5th Century | – |
| Architecture | Byzantine | – |
| Notable Features | Ornate Mosaics | Ancient Manuscripts |
This peaceful respite offers a chance to reflect on the rich cultural and religious heritage that has shaped the Venetian islands over the centuries. We leave the monastery feeling inspired and eager to uncover more of the lagoon’s secrets.
Traveler Reviews and Recommendations

With the spiritual insights gained from our visit to the serene monastery, let’s now explore the traveler reviews and recommendations for this captivating half-day boat tour.
We’re delighted to see that this experience has earned a stellar 5.0 overall rating based on 15 reviews.
Travelers have highlighted several standout aspects:
- Informative and engaging guides who provide historical context and unique access.
- Beautiful scenery and well-timed visits to avoid crowds, creating a personalized experience.
- The tour as a memorable highlight, complementing the enchanting city of Venice.
Considering the overwhelmingly positive feedback, this tour seems an excellent choice to immerse ourselves in the enchanting Venetian islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour details don’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, as it’s a small group experience, we’d recommend checking with the tour operator to ensure the tour is suitable for any children in your group.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
While the tour provides an aperitif, we’re unsure if we can bring our own food and drinks onboard. It’s best to check with the tour operator to confirm their policy on outside items prior to the tour.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Equipment?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the boat tour takes place outdoors. We don’t need to bring any special equipment, but sunscreen, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes are good ideas to ensure we have an enjoyable experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
We couldn’t find any information about discounts for seniors or students on this tour. However, you may want to check the tour provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any available discounts.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary or Duration?
While the tour itinerary and duration are generally fixed, we recommend reaching out to the tour provider to discuss any customization options that may be available. They’ll be happy to accommodate your preferences if possible.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the enchanting beauty of Venice’s islands on this half-day boat tour. Witness the art of glass-blowing in Murano, explore the vibrant streets of Burano, and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics in Torcello. With knowledgeable guides and a relaxing aperitif, this small group tour offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of these captivating islands.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Venice
- Portogruaro: Eastern Veneto through the Senses Tasting
- Wine Tasting with Local Food Board Pairing in Venice
- Grappa Tasting in Venice City Center
- Private 2 hrs Grand Canal, Hidden Gems Walk and food tasting
- Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
- Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner
More Tours in Venice
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Venice: Boat tour and visit to Murano Glass and Burano Lace
- Il meglio di Venezia in un tour dei punti più e meno noti
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
