Murano Burano Boat Excursion from Venice
About this activity
Guide: English, French, Italian, Spanish
- Your booking is confirmed immediately
- This activity is available in your language
- This option includes FREE cancellation—book now, risk-free!
Experience Highlights
Set sail from the iconic St. Mark's Square and glide into the world's most famous lagoon on this boat tour to Murano and Burano. Cruise past golden reflections, bell towers rising from the water, and silent fishing boats while a multilingual guide shares fascinating stories about the islands' rich history.
Your first stop is Murano, birthplace of blown glass. Watch a live demonstration inside a centuries-old workshop, where master glassmakers turn fire and sand into exquisite works of art. Back on board, you'll head to Burano, famous for its vibrant houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition—a picture-perfect setting for fairytale photos.
- Book ahead to secure your spot on daily, limited-capacity departures
- Experience the art of glassblowing with an exclusive live demonstration included
- Explore Burano at your own pace: free time for photos, shopping, and tasting traditional bussolà cookies
What’s included
- Round-trip boat ride from St. Mark's Square
- Multilingual guide throughout the tour
- Live glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Free time in Murano (40 min) and Burano (1 hr 15 min)
Select date and time
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time to ensure everything runs smoothly
Step by Step
Your journey begins with the ultimate Venetian postcard: San Giorgio Maggiore on one side, the Doge's Palace on the other. As the boat glides through the St. Mark's Canal towards Murano, your onboard guide explains how the Most Serene Republic once ruled the Adriatic with its powerful fleet.
On Murano, a wrought-iron gate opens to the heat of the furnace. Watch in awe as the master glassblower expertly blows, spins, and pinches the glowing molten glass into a delicate Venetian goblet in just minutes. You'll hear the soft chime of the glass cooling and learn how to spot authentic, certified pieces.
After the demonstration, you'll have approximately 40 minutes to wander through artisan shops, visit the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato, or simply watch locals' gondolas bob gently at their private moorings.
Back aboard, the lagoon reveals its jade-green hues as you cruise toward Burano. As you approach, you'll spot houses in coral red, indigo blue, and canary yellow lined up like a rainbow reflected in the canals.
You'll have about 1 hour and 15 minutes on the island: sample the famous bussolà cookies at a family-run bakery, visit the Lace Museum, or climb the Tre Ponti bridge for unique panoramic views. At the scheduled time, the boat departs back to Venice, treating you to a breathtaking sunset over the lagoon—the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Reviews
- MM.To dive into live blown glass is a luxury. Beautiful Burano, my favourite thing? I missed a spot of shade in Burano, but I came back enthusiastic.
- PP.Quiet boarding from a clean dock. Good balance between free time and explanation. Five minutes left over in Murano, but fine.
- EE.Quick and efficient tour. The red and blue houses of Burano are amazing. Only the sun was strong, better to wear a hat.
- RR.Very strategic: Murano first and Burano later with decent light for photos. Would have been top if we knew how many were in the group.