Venice’s iconic Grand Canal and the renowned island of Murano are must-see destinations for any visitor. This shared boat tour, departing from the renowned San Marco Square, offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s stunning waterways and rich glass-making heritage. With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to learn about the city’s enchanting atmosphere. As you glide along the Grand Canal, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking architecture that lines the waterway, and the journey to Murano Island will unveil the secrets behind the region’s renowned glass-blowing artistry. But there’s more to uncover…
About Your Stay
- Departs from St. Mark’s Square with a maximum of 12 participants for a 1-hour boat tour along the Grand Canal and a guided tour at a Murano glass factory.
- Includes a shuttle boat transfer back to St. Mark’s Square and an English-speaking licensed guide providing historical insights.
- Tour not wheelchair accessible but stroller-friendly, and a €5 access fee may apply for travelers outside of Venice on certain dates.
- Overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews, with positive comments on the guide’s services and historical insights but criticism regarding the short duration of the Grand Canal boat tour.
- Well-organized excursion showcasing Venice’s waterways and glass-making heritage, but food and drinks are not included in the tour package.
Tour Overview
The Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour departs from St. Mark’s Square, offering a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
The 1-hour boat tour takes visitors along the iconic Grand Canal, showcasing the city’s stunning architecture and waterways. Guests will also enjoy a guided tour at a glass factory on Murano Island, providing an insider’s look at the renowned Venetian glassmaking tradition.
A free shuttle boat transfer is included back to the central St. Mark’s Square upon completion of the tour.
This comprehensive excursion allows travelers to enjoy Venice’s rich history and culture while exploring two of its most iconic attractions.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Venice
Departure and Meeting Point
Participants meet at Piazza San Marco, between the two big columns, to begin the Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour.
The meeting point is located at P.za San Marco, 3, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy. Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, as late arrivals won’t be accommodated.
The tour operator offers the option for direct meeting or pickup requests. It’s essential that participants follow the designated meeting instructions, as the tour departs promptly, and latecomers will be considered no-shows.
The tour ensures a smooth and punctual start to the Grand Canal and Murano exploration experience.
Inclusions
Although the Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour doesn’t include food or drinks, it offers a comprehensive package of services to enhance the experience.
The tour includes:
-
An English-speaking licensed guide to provide historical insights and commentary throughout the excursion.
-
A guided tour of a renowned glass factory on Murano Island, allowing visitors to witness the intricate art of Venetian glassmaking.
-
A shuttle boat transfer back to San Marco Square, ensuring a seamless return to the starting point.
-
Access to a small-group setting, with a maximum of 12 participants, fostering a more personalized and intimate experience.
Accessibility and Participation
Aside from the tour’s comprehensive inclusions, prospective participants should note its accessibility and participation requirements. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Most travelers can participate, as no serious medical conditions are required. However, a €5 access fee may apply for travelers outside of Venice on certain dates.
Accessibility | Yes | No |
---|---|---|
Wheelchair | ✓ | |
Stroller | ✓ |
Participation | Yes | No |
---|---|---|
Most Travelers | ✓ | |
Serious Medical Conditions | ✓ |
Feedback and Reviews
The tour’s reviews and feedback provide a mixed assessment, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars across 3 reviews.
While the guide’s services and historical insights received positive comments, there were some criticisms:
-
The duration of the boat tour along the Grand Canal was seen as too short by some travelers.
-
The marketing tactics and pressure at the glass factory on Murano Island were a point of contention.
-
Clarification was provided by the host regarding the tour’s structure compared to similar hotel offerings.
-
Some travelers noted an unexpected €5 access fee for those outside Venice on certain dates.
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Venice
- The Veneziani Musicians Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
What to Expect
Travelers on the Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour can expect a well-organized excursion providing a glimpse into Venice’s iconic waterways and renowned glass-making heritage.
The small-group tour includes a 1-hour boat ride along the Grand Canal, offering stunning views of the city’s famed architecture and landmarks.
At Murano Island, you will enjoy a guided tour of a renowned glass factory, witnessing the skilled artistry behind the creation of Venetian glass.
The tour provides convenient shuttle boat transfer back to St. Mark’s Square upon completion.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the experience offers an immersive, informative look at two of Venice’s top attractions.
Additional Information
Booking the Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour requires a few additional considerations.
For starters, travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure, as late arrivals will be considered no-shows.
Plus, while the tour is stroller-accessible, it isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
On top of that, a €5 access fee may apply for travelers outside of Venice on certain dates.
Lastly, while the tour includes an English-speaking guide and a shuttle boat transfer back to San Marco Square, food and drinks aren’t provided.
The key considerations are:
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure to avoid being considered a no-show.
- The tour is stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-friendly.
- A €5 access fee may apply for travelers outside of Venice on certain dates.
- Food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
Questions About Staying Here
Is Food or Drink Available During the Tour?
Food and drinks are not included in the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The tour focuses on the boat ride along the Grand Canal and the guided tour of the Murano glass factory.
Is Photography Allowed on the Boat Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the boat tour along the Grand Canal. However, it’s best to check with the tour guide on any specific restrictions or guidelines regarding photography to ensure an enjoyable and respectful experience for all.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children are welcome to participate in the tour. The tour is stroller-accessible, and there are no serious medical conditions required for most travelers to join. However, the tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. All participants pay the same standard rate, regardless of age or student status. Discounts may be available through separate promotions or through hotel packages.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Personal Preferences?
The tour can be customized to personal preferences, but the core experience is fixed. Travelers can request direct meeting or pickup options, but the duration, boat tour, and guided factory visit are predetermined components of the shared tour.
Worth The Stay
The Grand Canal and Murano Boat Tour offers an enchanting experience, showcasing Venice’s stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. With a guided visit to a renowned glass factory, guests can enjoy the city’s celebrated glass-making tradition. Convenient shuttle transfers and a limited group size of 12 participants ensure a personalized and enjoyable tour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this shared tour provides a delightful way to explore the iconic waterways and sights of Venice.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Venice
- Private Transfer: Venice or Airport VCE to Cruise Port of Ravenna
- 4-hour Private Cruise to Venice Lagoon Islands
- Venice: Private Boat Rental With Driver
- Venice: Explore Venice on Electric Boat
- Cruise Port Trieste or Ravenna From Venice-Mestre Area
- Private Bus From Venice Hotels+ Water Taxi to Trieste Cruise Port
More Tours in Venice
- Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
- 4-Hour Private Tour in the Northern Lagoon With Traditional Boat
- Venice Street Food and Sightseeing Small Group Tour With a Native Guide
- A Luxury Gondola Tour in Venice: Onboard Aperitif and Serenade
- Doges Palace Venice Audio Tour Experience
- The Best of Venice Walking Tour
More Tour Reviews in Venice
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Venice we have recnetly reviewed
- From Punta Sabbioni: Venice, Murano & Burano Guided Tour
- The Islands of Venice. Torcello Burano Murano
- Skip the Line: St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour
- Venice E-bike Rental
- Wine Tasting in Venice
- Venice: 1.5-Hour Wandering Around the City
- Venice: The Three Tenors Concert Ticket
- Venice : Discover Venice on Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour
- Murano: Glass Blowing Demonstration and Artistic Glass Gift
- Venice: Rialto Bridge & Offbeat Unusual Venice Walking Tour
- Venice: Morning Walking Tour
- Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip