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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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