Starts AtPalazzo Cornoldi, Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice
LanguagesEnglish
Venetian Lagoon Half-Day Cruise
Lagoon Cruise: Murano Glass and Burano's Colorful Charm
A scenic voyage across the lagoon to two of Venice's most storied islands
This Murano and Burano lagoon cruise offers a genuine introduction to the Venetian islands, combining centuries-old glassmaking tradition with the vivid, canal-side architecture that has made Burano one of the most photographed destinations in Italy. The half-day format is well-suited to travelers who want substance without the fatigue of a full-day excursion.
Departing from Palazzo Cornoldi along Riva degli Schiavoni, the boat traces the outer edges of Venice's historic basin before heading into the open lagoon. The crossing itself provides a perspective on the city that most visitors never encounter, revealing the relationship between Venice and its surrounding waters in a way that a land-based itinerary simply cannot.
On Murano, a visit to a working glass furnace brings visitors face to face with a craft that has been practiced on the island since the 13th century. The demonstration is conducted by active artisans using traditional techniques, offering context that goes well beyond what a museum display can provide. On Burano, free time allows for independent exploration of the island's narrow lanes, lace workshops, and canal-side cafes.
A mobile app is available throughout the tour to provide additional historical and cultural information for those who want to dig deeper into what they are seeing on both islands.
Tour Highlights
Scenic cruise across the Venetian Lagoon with open views of Venice's skyline and historic basin.
Live demonstration inside a working Murano glass furnace where master artisans shape molten glass by hand.
Free time on Burano to explore the island's rainbow-colored houses and tranquil canal reflections.
Opportunity to browse Murano's artisan boutiques and Burano's handmade lace workshops at your own pace.
Exceptional photography conditions on both islands, from glassblowing in action to Burano's canal-side facades.
Complementary mobile app with curated facts and points of interest to support independent exploration.
Accessible, easy-paced itinerary designed for a wide range of travelers including first-time visitors to Venice.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Palazzo Cornoldi
The tour begins at Palazzo Cornoldi on Riva degli Schiavoni, a 17th-century palace set along the lagoon-facing promenade. The meeting point offers clear views over St. Mark's Basin and is easily accessible from the heart of Venice.
2
Lagoon Crossing
The boat heads out across the Venetian Lagoon, providing panoramic views of Venice's historic skyline, waterfront palaces, and open water. This segment of the journey offers a different spatial understanding of the city and its island setting.
3
Murano — Glass Furnace Visit
On arrival at Murano, the group visits a working glass furnace to observe artisans demonstrating traditional Venetian glassblowing. The island's quiet canals, artisan shops, and the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato are all within walking distance for further exploration.
4
Burano — Free Exploration
The cruise continues to Burano, known for its vividly painted houses and longstanding lace-making tradition. Free time allows visitors to wander independently, visit local workshops, and take in the island's distinctive character at their own pace.
5
Return to Venice
The boat makes its way back across the lagoon to the departure point, completing the half-day circuit. Guests return to Riva degli Schiavoni with a direct connection to the rest of Venice's transport network.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
Scenic boat cruise across the Venetian Lagoon
Visit to a working Murano glass furnace with live demonstration
Free exploration time on Burano island
Access to mobile app with island guides and points of interest
Professional guidance and tour coordination
Not Included
Food and beverages
Personal purchases at artisan shops or boutiques
Gratuities for guides or crew
Travel insurance
Transport to and from the meeting point
Important Information
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Late arrivals may not be accommodated once the boat has departed.
Duration
Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes from departure to return.
Meeting Point
Palazzo Cornoldi, Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice. Look for the tour representative near the waterfront entrance.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for the boat crossing, and a fully charged mobile device if using the app.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are specified at the time of booking. Check your booking confirmation for the applicable policy.
Accessibility
The tour involves boarding a boat and walking on uneven cobblestone surfaces. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance to discuss suitability.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and the easy difficulty level makes this appropriate for families and older travelers alike.
Reserve Your Place on the Lagoon
Spaces on this cruise are limited to maintain a quality experience for every participant. Secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during Venice's busiest travel periods.
The tour departs from Palazzo Cornoldi on Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice. This historic waterfront promenade is well served by vaporetto stops and is a short walk from St. Mark's Square.
Is the glass furnace visit a private demonstration?▼
The visit takes place at a working furnace on Murano where artisans carry out their craft throughout the day. The demonstration is included as part of the tour stop and gives visitors a close look at traditional Venetian glassblowing in an authentic working environment.
How much free time is given on each island?▼
Free time is allocated on both Murano and Burano, though the exact duration depends on the day's schedule. Guests are advised to follow the timing communicated by the tour coordinator at the start of the excursion.
Is the mobile app required for the tour?▼
The mobile app is optional and offered as a supplementary resource for guests interested in additional historical and cultural context during their self-guided time on the islands. The tour can be enjoyed fully without it.
Is this tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?▼
Yes. The tour is rated easy in difficulty and is designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants. Families with children and older travelers regularly join this type of lagoon excursion without difficulty.
Can I purchase glassware or lace on the islands?▼
Personal shopping is not included in the tour price but is entirely possible during free time on both islands. Murano has numerous glassware boutiques and Burano offers handmade lace items in its artisan shops.
This tour operates entirely within the Venetian Lagoon, a UNESCO-listed body of water in northeastern Italy that contains more than 100 small islands. The departure point, Palazzo Cornoldi on Riva degli Schiavoni, sits at the edge of Venice's historic center in the Castello sestiere, directly facing the San Marco basin. Murano, located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of Venice, has been the center of Venetian glassmaking since 1291 when the Republic of Venice relocated its furnaces there for fire safety reasons. Burano, situated roughly 9 kilometers northeast of Venice, is administratively part of the municipality of Venice and is known internationally for its brightly painted fishermen's houses and its tradition of needle lace, known as punto in aria. Both islands are accessible exclusively by water and form a core part of the lagoon's cultural and artisanal heritage recognized by UNESCO.
