Glass artisan crafting intricate piece in Murano, showcasing traditional glassblowing on Venice Islands guided cruise.
Vibrant colorful houses along Burano canal, highlighting picturesque scenery on Venice Islands guided cruise tour.
Skilled artisan creating lace on Torcello, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship on Venice Islands guided cruise.
Colorful houses and boats along the canal in Murano, a key stop on the Venice Islands Guided Cruise.
Traditional lace and textiles on display in Burano, showcasing the island's renowned craftsmanship.
Historic stone artifacts and ancient architecture in Torcello, part of the Venice Islands Guided Cruise.
Explore Torcello's ancient church architecture on a Venice Islands Guided Cruise to Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Discover exquisite Murano glass craftsmanship on a Venice Islands Cruise visiting Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Experience Burano's traditional lace-making artistry on a guided cruise to Venice Islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Tourists enjoy a glassmaking demonstration in a Murano workshop during a Venice Islands guided cruise.
Close-up of a vibrant glass-blowing process in Murano, showcasing traditional craftsmanship on a guided tour.
Scenic view of colorful buildings and boats along a canal in Murano, part of a Venice Islands guided cruise.
Colorful Murano glass vases displayed in a Venetian workshop during the Venice Islands Guided Cruise.
Vibrant Burano houses lining a canal with boats, part of the Venice Islands Guided Cruise experience.
Glassblowing in action at a Murano workshop, showcasing traditional craftsmanship on the Venice Islands tour.
Listing ID : 52579

Activity

Duration5 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtPalazzo Cornoldi, Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice
LanguagesEnglish
Venetian Lagoon Half-Day Cruise

Venice Islands Guided Cruise: Murano, Burano and Torcello

Three legendary islands, one unforgettable morning on the lagoon.


This Venice Islands Guided Cruise takes you across the shimmering Venetian Lagoon to discover the distinct character of Murano, Burano, and Torcello in a single half-day journey. Departing from the historic Riva degli Schiavoni, the tour balances guided discovery with free time to explore at your own pace. It is rated easy, making it a comfortable choice for a wide range of travelers.

Each island tells a different chapter of Venetian history. Murano carries a glassmaking tradition stretching back to 1291, when the Republic of Venice relocated its furnaces there to protect the city from fire. Burano grew into a lace-making center whose brightly painted homes became a practical guide for fishermen returning through lagoon fog. Torcello, oldest of the three, was a thriving settlement before Venice itself rose to prominence.

The cruise offers scenic views of Venice's waterfront palaces and working boat traffic as you travel between islands. A mobile companion app provides additional historical context and points of interest, supporting self-guided exploration during free time on each stop.

Tour Highlights

Watch master glassblowers at a working Murano furnace and see centuries-old craft techniques demonstrated live.

Photograph Burano's vividly painted canal-side houses, among the most recognizable streetscapes in Italy.

Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta on Torcello and study its rare, well-preserved Byzantine mosaics.

Climb Torcello's bell tower for sweeping panoramic views across the northern lagoon.

Browse artisan boutiques on Murano and Burano for handcrafted glass pieces and traditional lacework.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride with open lagoon views and sightlines to Venice's iconic waterfront skyline.

Access a mobile app packed with curated facts and hidden gems to deepen your experience on all three islands.

Itinerary

1
Departure — Palazzo Cornoldi, Riva degli Schiavoni

The cruise departs from the historic 17th-century Palazzo Cornoldi along Riva degli Schiavoni, offering immediate views across St. Mark's Basin. The boat travels north through the lagoon, passing Venetian palaces and open water before reaching the first island stop.

2
Murano — Glass Island

Step ashore on Murano and enter a working furnace where artisans demonstrate the full glassblowing process, from molten gather to finished form. After the demonstration, free time allows you to stroll Murano's canals, visit the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, and browse the island's many glass workshops.

3
Burano — Island of Color and Lace

The boat continues to Burano, whose compact streets are lined with houses painted in bold, contrasting colors — a tradition local families have maintained for generations. Free time here invites wandering through lace shops, pausing beside the canals, and sampling local pastries such as the island's traditional butter biscuit.

4
Torcello — Ancient Island

The final stop is Torcello, the oldest continuously inhabited island in the lagoon and the settlement from which Venice's early population spread. Highlights include the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta with its sixth-century Byzantine mosaics, the bell tower panorama, and the stone seat traditionally known as Attila's Throne.

5
Return to Venice

The cruise returns along the lagoon to the departure point at Riva degli Schiavoni, completing the half-day circuit. Total journey time from departure to return is approximately five and a half hours.

What Is Included

Included

  • Guided boat cruise across the Venetian Lagoon
  • Visit to a working Murano glass furnace with live demonstration
  • Guided stops on Murano, Burano, and Torcello
  • Access to mobile companion app with island content
  • Free time for self-guided exploration on each island

Not Included

  • Entry fees to museums and basilicas
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages
  • Personal purchases at shops and boutiques
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Important Information

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure. The tour operates on the open lagoon — weather-appropriate clothing is recommended regardless of season.
Duration
Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes from departure to return at Riva degli Schiavoni.
Meeting Point
Palazzo Cornoldi, Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice. Look for the ToursXplorer guide near the waterfront entrance.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket suitable for the water, sunscreen, and a charged mobile device to access the companion app.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking confirmation for full cancellation and refund terms applicable to your reservation date.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Some historic island streets have uneven cobblestones. Contact us in advance if you have specific mobility requirements.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and will find the glassblowing demonstration and colorful Burano streets particularly engaging.

Ready to Explore the Venetian Lagoon?

Secure your place on this half-day cruise and discover the islands that shaped the identity of Venice — one lagoon crossing at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Palazzo Cornoldi on Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice, a short walk from St. Mark's Square and well served by vaporetto lines. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Is the glassblowing demonstration included in the tour price?
Yes, the visit to a working Murano glass furnace and the live demonstration by master artisans are included in the tour. Any purchases made in the glass shop are at your own expense.
How much free time is available on each island?
Free time varies by island and is allocated after each guided segment. The mobile companion app helps you make the most of the time available with curated local recommendations.
Are entry fees to the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta on Torcello included?
Entry fees to basilicas and museums are not included in the tour price and are payable locally. Check current admission rates before visiting, as they may vary by season.
Is this tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, the tour is rated easy and welcomes all ages. The glassblowing demonstration on Murano and the colorful streets of Burano tend to be especially popular with younger visitors and families.
What happens if weather conditions affect the lagoon cruise?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but the Venetian Lagoon can be choppy in strong winds. In the event of cancellation due to adverse weather, please refer to your booking confirmation for the applicable rebooking or refund policy.
Venice Lagoon TourMurano GlassBurano IslandTorcelloVenetian IslandsBoat Cruise VeniceByzantine MosaicsGlass BlowingHalf Day Tour VeniceLace Making BuranoItaly Cultural TourVenice Day Trip
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: TX-VCE-MLB-001

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

6 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

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Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

End Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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