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The 4 Best Full-Day Tours in Venice
Venice is a city that shines when you step outside the crowded streets and venture onto the water or into the surrounding islands. Its labyrinth of canals, historic villas, and colorful villages makes for memorable full-day adventures. Whether you’re drawn to exploring Venetian stately homes along the Brenta River or discovering the vibrant islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, Venice offers a variety of ways to see more than just the city’s famous streets. One of our favorite options includes the Full-Day Venice to Padua Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise, which combines scenic cruising with visits to stunning villas, offering a glimpse into Venetian aristocratic life. The experience of floating past historic landmarks while learning about the area’s history is hard to beat.
If island-hopping is more your style, the Full-day tour to Murano & Burano with Scenic Return Ride provides a mix of artisan glassmaking, colorful houses, and beautiful scenery—an ideal choice for those craving a mix of culture and picturesque landscapes. For travelers wanting to escape tourist crowds, the Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour offers a relaxed way to explore Venice’s outlying islands with plenty of time to wander on your own. Lastly, the Full-day Boat Tour of Venice Islands from St Mark’s Square allows you to visit all three major islands with round-trip transport and guided commentary, perfect for those on a tight schedule but eager to see the best of the lagoons.
Below, you’ll find all four tours broken down in detail, helping you choose the one that best fits your interests, budget, and travel style.
1. Full-Day Venice to Padua Burchiello Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise
Starting with a scenic river cruise from Venice to Padua, this tour is perfect for those who love a relaxing cruise combined with cultural visits. The boat ride takes you along the Brenta Riviera, a route lined with historic Venetian villas, each with its own story. The tour visits Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and Villa Foscari (“La Malcontenta”), giving you a window into the opulence of Venetian aristocrats. Guided tours at each villa are included, and you’ll learn about their architecture, history, and the elite who once called them home. The boat passes through locks and swing bridges, adding an element of fun to the trip.
One standout feature is the stop in Oriago, where you can explore independently or grab lunch—either way, you’ll get to soak in the local atmosphere. Reviewers praise the tour for its professional guide, with many highlighting the insight into Venetian history and the beautiful countryside scenery. A typical day lasts around 9.5 hours, making it a full but comfortable experience for history lovers and scenery admirers alike.
Bottom line: This tour offers a peaceful, in-depth look at Venetian villas from a unique perspective—by water. It’s best suited for those interested in architecture, history, and scenic cruising.
2. Full-day tour to Murano & Burano with Scenic Return Ride
At number 2, this full-day island-hopping tour offers a lively mix of art, color, and scenery. Starting at Campo S. Zaccaria, the tour includes a boat ride exploring Murano and Burano, two of Venice’s most famous islands. First, you’ll visit a glass factory in Murano, where a master glassblower demonstrates the craft that has defined the island for centuries. This is a highlight for many, especially when watching the intricate glassmaking process unfold.
Next, the tour moves to Burano, renowned for its brightly painted houses and lace-making tradition. The leisurely 2.25-hour stop allows plenty of time to explore independently, take photos, or pick up souvenirs. The boat then heads back past San Giorgio and St. Mark’s Basin, offering stunning views on the way to Venice. The comfortable GT boat ensures a smooth ride, and reviews note the informative guide and beautiful scenery.
Bottom line: This tour is great for those wanting a manageable day exploring two iconic islands with a scenic boat ride, ideal for art lovers and photographers alike.
3. Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour
For travelers seeking a quieter experience, this three-island tour lets you avoid the crowds and truly soak up local flavor. Headed to Murano, you’ll watch a glass-blowing demonstration that lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship. The visit to Burano offers a chance to stroll among its colorful houses and explore at your leisure for about 1.5 hours.
Lastly, the oldest settlement, Torcello, provides a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Venice’s early days. The entire trip lasts around 6 hours, making it a manageable yet enriching day. The reviews reflect the value of visiting the islands, with specific praise for the glass factory and local charm of Burano. This tour is perfect if you want to combine some guided activities with freedom to explore on your own.
Bottom line: If avoiding tourist traps and enjoying a more relaxed pace appeals to you, this island trio is a smart choice.
4. Full-day Boat Tour of Venice Islands from St Mark’s Square
Last but not least, this full-day boat tour offers the chance to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello with round-trip transportation departing from St Mark’s Square area. The tour includes a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, a walk through Burano’s colorful streets, and exploration of Torcello’s ancient sites, all with the flexibility of free time at each stop.
This tour is priced at just over $43 per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly options. The boat ride is approximately 7 hours, and commentary on board helps you learn about each island’s history and craft traditions. Many reviews mention the convenience of transportation and the chance to see all three islands in one day, although some noted the large group size can feel crowded.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want an economical, straightforward way to see Venice’s outlying islands without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Venice
When deciding which tour suits you, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love history and architecture and want a more in-depth experience, the Padua Villas cruise provides guided visits with a relaxing river journey. For art and photography fans, the Murano & Burano tour offers colorful streets and artisan demonstrations. If you prefer a more laid-back, less crowded day, the Torcello trip could be perfect.
Also, think about logistics: if you want a budget-friendly option with flexible timing, the Venice Islands boat tour from St. Mark’s Square is a solid choice. If you prefer a more comprehensive experience that combines guided visits and scenic cruising, the Padua Villas cruise will fit better.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure spots on these popular excursions. And remember, each tour offers its own unique way to experience the lagoon beyond the typical Venice visit.
Final Thoughts
Venice’s full-day tours open up a new way to see the city’s surroundings—whether cruising along historic villas, exploring colorful islands, or visiting tranquil ancient settlements. For those seeking a peaceful ride through the villas, the Padua Villas cruise stands out. If island charm is your priority, the Murano & Burano tour offers a lively, artistic escape. Budget travelers and those short on time will appreciate the Venice Islands boat tour from St. Mark’s Square for a quick yet comprehensive experience.
No matter your preference, these tours provide a richer perspective on the Venice lagoon and its storied islands. Be sure to compare what each offers and book early to make the most of your Venetian adventure.