Murano and Burano Islands Guided Tour by Private Boat - Venice (and vicinity)

Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano by private boat to see its world-famous blown glass. On the way, admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and entertaining commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them.

Once upon a time, the glassblowers here were the only people in Europe who knew how to create mirrors, and their skills were so valued that they were banned from leaving the city of Venice under threat of execution! Watch a craftsman in action as he goes about his daily business and browse the huge collection of glass artbefore strolling around the island. Afterward, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried.

Then back to the boat and off to our next stop, Burano, a tiny, picturesque island famous for its coloured houses and its centuries-old tradition of lacemaking. Huddled tightly together along streets and canals, each house is painted a different colour. Legend has it that fishermen started this trend, painting their houses in bright shades so that they could distinguish them from a distance.

We wander through the streets to a small building where women sit working feverishly, stitching lacelike their mothers and grandmothers before them. Stay and watch their painstaking work, listen to a full commentary on what, in the age of sewing machines, has become a dying art, and then take the time to examine the beautiful lace samples on display.

Included

• Round-trip transportation by Private Boat

• Local guide

• Glassmaking demonstration at a Murano factory, with commentary in English

• Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano, with commentary in English

Discount at the glass-blowing and lace-making venues (10% or more, depending on the item)

• High-quality headset for clear audio and seamless commentary

Important information

Please note that on Mondays, the typical lacemaking demonstration in Burano may not always be available. In this case, the tour is still a fascinating exploration of the island's unique charm and rich cultural heritage.

On certain dates, most travellers staying outside Venice who wish to visit for the day must pay a €5 access fee directly to the Municipality of Venice. For further details (including exceptions) and to find out on which days this fee applies and how to register or make payment, please visit: https://cda.ve.it/en/. The fee is not required if you are only visiting the islands of Murano, Torcello and Burano.