Exploring the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello is a must-do experience for any visitor to Venice. This guided tour offers a captivating half-day cruise through the picturesque Venetian Lagoon, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship that make these islands truly remarkable. From witnessing the art of glass-blowing in Murano to marveling at the vibrant, lace-adorned homes of Burano, the tour promises a delightful immersion into the sights, sounds, and traditions that have defined these unique Venetian locales for centuries. As the journey continues, the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello awaits, inviting travelers to uncover the enduring legacy…
Good To Know

• The tour includes a half-day cruise through the Venetian Lagoon, visiting the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
• Highlights of the tour include a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, exploring the colorful houses and lace-making in Burano, and visiting Torcello’s historic cathedral.
• The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the unique island communities and their traditions, with opportunities for culture and scenic experiences.
• The tour has an average rating of 3.5/5 from 75 reviews, with mixed feedback on the time allocation at each island and the professionalism of the guides.
• The tour is stroller friendly, with an access fee of €5 that may apply on specific dates.
Overview of the Tour
Overview of the Tour
This half-day cruise provides travelers with a convenient way to explore the enchanting islands of the Venetian Lagoon, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and unique craftsmanship of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
With an average rating of 3.5/5 from 75 reviews, the tour is a popular alternative to navigating Venice’s public transport.
Highlights include witnessing a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, admiring the colorful fishing village of Burano known for its lace, and visiting Torcello’s historic settlement featuring its impressive cathedral.
The cruise duration includes travel time between the islands, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants.
Whether you’re seeking a culture or simply a scenic day trip, this tour offers a compelling way to discover the wonders of the Venetian Lagoon.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into the renowned glass-blowing artistry of Murano, where visitors can witness skilled artisans in action during a live demonstration.
From there, the journey continues to the charming fishing village of Burano, famous for its intricate lace-making traditions. Travelers can stroll through the vibrant, colorful streets, admiring the handcrafted lace and vibrant hues of the quaint houses.
The final stop is the historic settlement of Torcello, where the tour group will explore the cathedral and learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage.
With a well-curated itinerary, this excursion provides a well-rounded introduction to the Venetian Lagoon’s unique island communities.
Meeting Point and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Shore Excursion tour desk located at Riva degli Schiavoni, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy, and depart promptly at 11:00 AM. It is recommended that they arrive 20 minutes early.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point, with the entire activity lasting several hours to accommodate the travel time between the islands.
The group size is capped at 150 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it is stroller friendly.
Guests should also be aware that a €5 access fee may apply on certain dates for visitors outside of Venice.
Additional Tour Details
Multilingual guides are available to provide local and professional expertise throughout the tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller friendly. Guests should be aware that a €5 access fee may apply on certain dates for visitors outside of Venice.
The tour offers several highlights for visitors:
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Witness a captivating glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, where the island’s renowned artistry is on full display.
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Explore the colorful fishing village of Burano, famous for its intricate lace-making workshops.
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Visit the historic settlement of Torcello, featuring the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Traveler Feedback on the Tour

While reviews of the tour have been mixed, many travelers commented on the time allocation at each island, often feeling it was insufficient to fully explore the sites.
Many praised the glass-blowing demonstration in Murano and the colorful beauty of Burano, but some found Torcello less interesting and suggested omitting it from the tour.
Feedback on the professionalism of the guides was also varied, with some travelers finding them unhelpful or unclear.
The tour provides a good value for a brief overview of the islands, but travelers are advised to manage their expectations regarding the time spent at each destination.
With careful planning, this tour can offer a satisfying introduction to the Venetian Lagoon’s highlights.
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- 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
Glass-blowing Demonstration in Murano

One of the highlights of the tour is the captivating glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, where visitors can witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glass artisanry.
The skilled artisans showcase their remarkable dexterity as they transform molten glass into intricate, breathtaking creations before your eyes. You’ll be mesmerized as they:
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Gather the glowing glass from the furnace using long metal rods.
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Skillfully shape and manipulate the pliable material with expert precision.
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Produce stunning final pieces that exemplify the island’s rich glassmaking heritage.
This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the time-honored traditions and exceptional craftsmanship that have made Murano renowned for its exceptional glass art.
Exploring the Colorful Burano

The vibrant, vividly painted homes of Burano are a feast for the eyes, beckoning visitors to stroll through the charming fishing village and explore its renowned lace-making heritage.
Known for its intricate handmade lace, Burano is a true delight for those interested in traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can witness skilled artisans at work in local lace workshops, learning about the painstaking process behind this centuries-old art form.
Beyond the lace, Burano’s colorful canal-side houses and quaint streets offer ample photographic opportunities. Whether browsing the local shops or simply taking in the atmosphere, travelers are sure to be captivated by the island’s unique character and picturesque charm.
Visiting Historic Torcello

Torcello, Venice’s oldest settled island, beckons visitors with its centuries-old cathedral and serene ambiance, providing a tranquil respite from the bustle of the main city.
Though often overlooked, Torcello offers a glimpse into Venice’s rich history. Highlights include:
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The impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 7th century and featuring intricate Byzantine mosaics.
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The Throne of Attila, a symbolic stone chair believed to have been the seat of Attila the Hun.
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The peaceful Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), a picturesque stone bridge spanning a small canal.
Despite its smaller size compared to Murano and Burano, Torcello’s historic significance and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to any Venetian island tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Price of the Tour?
The price of the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it notes that a €5 access fee may apply on certain dates for visitors outside of Venice, suggesting the tour itself has an additional cost.
Are Meals or Refreshments Included?
No, meals or refreshments are not included in the tour price. Travelers are responsible for their own food and beverages during the excursion. The tour focuses on visiting the islands and experiencing local attractions like glass-blowing and lace workshops.
Can We Extend Our Stay on the Islands?
According to the details provided, travelers cannot extend their stay on the islands during this half-day cruise tour. The tour’s itinerary and schedule are fixed, and the cruise duration includes the travel time between the islands.
Is There an Option to Visit the Islands Individually?
Yes, travelers can visit the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello individually. This allows more flexibility to spend time exploring each island at their own pace rather than being limited by the tour’s schedule.
How Do We Get Back to the Meeting Point After the Tour?
The tour includes return transportation to the meeting point at the end of the excursion. Travelers simply need to follow the guide back to the original departure location after visiting the islands.
Sum Up
The Tour of Venice’s Islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Travelers will experience the time-honored art of glass-blowing, the vibrant colors of Burano, and the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello.
It’s an excellent introduction to the picturesque Venetian Lagoon and a must-do for anyone visiting Venice.
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- A Luxury Gondola Tour in Venice: Onboard Aperitif and Serenade
- Doges Palace Venice Audio Tour Experience
- The Best of Venice Walking Tour
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