Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

History

The Venetian Lagoon is dotted with islands, each with its own story, traditions, and charm. Murano has been famous since the Middle Ages as the home of master glassmakers, whose techniques were kept secret for centuries. Their intricate craftsmanship made Murano glass a symbol of luxury across Europe.

Torcello, once a thriving settlement older than Venice itself, preserves ancient basilicas and whispers of the lagoon’s earliest history. Burano, by contrast, is a lively fishing island, renowned for its brightly painted houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition. Together, these three islands showcase the artistry, heritage, and natural beauty of Venetian life beyond the canals of the city center.

Highlights

• Take a boat trip to Murano, Torcello, and Burano with free time on each island
• Watch master glass blowers at work in Murano’s historic glass factories
• Explore the ancient island of Torcello at your own pace
• Discover Burano’s lace-making traditions and its colorful “chocolate-box” houses

Full Description

Depart from near St. Mark’s Square or the Santa Lucia Train Station and set out across St. Mark’s Basin for a half-day adventure to the Venetian Lagoon’s most famous islands. During the ride, a multilingual guide will share stories about the lagoon’s history and the islands you are about to visit.

Your first stop is Murano, known worldwide as the “Island of Glass.” Visit one of its historic factories to see glass being blown and shaped by expert artisans. After the demonstration, enjoy a short amount of free time to explore Murano’s canals and shops.

Next, continue to Torcello, the oldest inhabited island in the lagoon. Once an important political and religious hub, today it offers a peaceful retreat with ancient churches and tranquil pathways.

Finally, visit Burano, beloved for its colorful fishermen’s houses and exquisite lace-making. Wander the vibrant streets, admire the charming canals, and perhaps sample some of Burano’s famous homemade cakes.

Please note that while the boat includes live commentary during the trip, time on the islands is unguided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What’s Included

• Round-trip boat transportation between Venice and the islands
• Visit to Murano, Torcello, and Burano
• Demonstration at a Murano glass factory
• Visit to a lace shop in Burano
• Multilingual live commentary onboard
• Free time to explore each island independently

Meeting Point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Options include:

• St. Mark’s Square Departure (Italian, French, German, Spanish, English)
• Railway Station Departure (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian)

Price

From $28 per person

Traveler Reviews

“Burano is so beautiful! I wish we had more time to spend there. The colorful houses are picture-perfect.”

“Great value for money. The boat was efficient and well-organized. It was sometimes hard to hear the guide over the engine noise, but overall a great experience.”

“Absolutely fantastic! You get around 50 minutes on each island to explore. The staff were excellent, speaking multiple languages, and the trip was smooth and enjoyable.”