Venice Islands Tours
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Venice is made up of over 100 small islands, but generally “the Venice islands” refers to the three most famous outlying islands in the Venetian lagoon: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano, just north of Venice proper, has been the center of Venice’s famous glass-making industry since 1291, and the island’s expert glassblowers still handcraft stunning pieces of Murano glass today. Farther north, Burano has quiet canals lined with brightly painted fishermen’s houses and is home to Venice’s traditional lace artisans. Its neighboring island of Torcello, first settled in 452, is believed to be the first populated island in the Venetian lagoon.
The Basics
The only way to visit Venice’s islands is by boat. By far the best option for avoiding the hassle and delays of the vaporettos (ferries) is booking a private motorboat tour. Tours enable you to make the most of your time on each island—visiting the glass factories on Murano, lace-making demonstrations on Burano, and the historic sights on Torcello—without having to navigate the complicated and crowded interisland public transportation system. Choose a half-day sightseeing tour if you are pressed for time, or a more leisurely full-day Venice cruise to explore the Grand Canal and lagoon islands at a more relaxed pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque glassblowing demonstrations on Murano and traditional lace-making on Burano.
- Murano glass and Burano lace are famous for their impeccable quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of glass or lace shops that advertise “bargain” prices, which often means low-quality goods imported from outside Italy.
- Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, so always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company to avoid unpleasant strong-arming tactics.
How to Get There
From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take vaporetto 4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch near the Doge’s Palace, to Murano. From there, local water buses or taxis run to Burano and Torcello.
When to Get There
The Venice islands are most crowded in summer. The crowds thin considerably from November through February, though chilly temperatures can mean a less pleasant boat trip across the lagoon.
Torcello in Literature
Over the decades, a number of famous artists, musicians, and Hollywood stars have spent time on the quiet island of Torcello. Ernest Hemingway, for one, wrote parts of “Across the River and into the Trees” during his stay on the island in 1948.
Address: Pellestrina, Veneto, Italy
57 Tours and Activities to Experience Venice Islands
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Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Visit Torcello, Murano, and Burano—three islands in the Venetian Lagoon—on this tour from Venice by motorboat. With a guide, watch glass being blown at a Murano glass factory, see historical cathedrals on Torcello, and admire exquisite handmade lace on Burano. This is a great way to see more than just the central sights of Venice and enjoy a cruise on the water. Select a departure time when booking.
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From
$24.58
From
$24.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Murano Glass Experience plus Visit to a Burano lace island
Venice is famous for its UNESCO-listed lagoon, but the city’s islands are also renowned for their handicrafts. This half-day cruise by private boat stops at Murano Island, to watch a thrilling glass-blowing demonstration, and Burano Island, to visit a lace-making factory.
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From
$27.04
From
$27.04

Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat
Sail across the Venetian Lagoon on this romantic, 2-hour sunset cruise. Get a new perspective on the towering cathedrals and historic palazzos that line the isles of Venice from aboard a traditional Venetian boat. Pop open a half bottle of Prosecco and soak up the glorious sights of St Mark’s Basin and Venice Lido bathed in the golden light of sunset. Tour numbers are limited to 11 people to ensure an intimate, personalized experience.
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From
$104.47
From
$104.47
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Venice Photography Walking Tour with Private Guide
Take an artistic approach to Venice with this private photography walking tour. Whether you’re a novice or expert photographer, you’ll find endless opportunities for the perfect shot as you explore Venice’s picturesque streets, squares and canals. A professional photographer guide will lead you on a 3-hour walking tour of magnificent landmarks and hidden backstreets, giving you tips on lighting and composition along the way. Bring your camera or smartphone and leave Venice with a collection of beautiful, print-worthy images to memorialize your holiday.
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From
$199.86
Price varies by group size
From
$199.86
Price varies by group size

Venice Islands Day Trip: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Venture outside the tourist areas of Venice and explore the islands of the Venetian Lagoon on a guided boat tour. With this tour, you’ll set out from a pier conveniently located near St. Mark’s square to visit the islands of Murano and Burano. You’ll tour a glass factory and watch a glass blowing artist in action in Murano, and enjoy free time strolling the colorful canals and browsing the artisan shops of Burano.
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From
$26.34
From
$26.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Private Tour: Venice Grand Canal Evening Boat Tour
Spend a delightful evening cruising along the canals of Venice on this private boat tour. Take in the architectural masterpieces that line the Grand Canal and smaller waterways from aboard a comfortable modern water taxi, venturing further than a traditional gondola would allow. Learn about the artistic and cultural history of Venice from your English-speaking guide as you soak in the sights on your choice of a 1-hour or 2-hour ride.
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From
$460.90
per group
From
$460.90
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour
Escape the crowds of tourists that congregate around Venice's most famous attractions by heading out onto the water to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Learn about Murano's glass-making heritage, stroll by the colorful houses of Burano, and soak up the scene on Torcello, the most ancient settlement on the Venetian Lagoon.
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From
$26.34
From
$26.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Withlocals Venice Away from the Crowds Safe & PRIVATE Tour with a Local Expert
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its crowds can be hard to avoid. With this tour, you’ll discover the quiet side of Venice as your guide leads you away from the throngs and along its hidden lanes through peaceful squares, secret courtyards, and tiny churches rich with artistic treasures. End your tour on sleepy San Giorgio island to enjoy its beautiful views.
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From
$46.70
Price varies by group size
From
$46.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Venice islands boat tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello
Enjoy another side of Venice with a guided motor-boat tour through the Venetian Lagoon, with stops at Murano, Torcello and Burano islands. Journey past a stunning 16th-century church, Lido beach resort, and Venice's stunning Public Gardens en route to Murano, known for its rich, centuries-old glassmaking history. Explore one of its factories, then set out for Burano, often regarded as one of the world's most colorful cities. Afterward, make a stop on Torcello, a peaceful, less-populated island where you'll find a series of exquisite Byzantine mosaics in a 7th-century cathedral.
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From
$26.34
From
$26.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano and Torcello
Discover three of the most beautiful islands in the Venetian Lagoon on a private, half-day tour aboard a typical Venetian motorboat. See where the world’s finest blown glass is made in Murano, visit the home of artisan lace makers and famous biscuits in Burano and set foot on Venice’s oldest settlements in serene Torcello. Enjoy a customizable itinerary and the personalized attention of a private boat captain.
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From
$135.20
From
$135.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands Public Cruise from Venice
Cruise around the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello on this daytime cruise. After leaving the city, you'll pass San Giorgio Maggiore on the way to Murano, an island known for its artisan glass. Visit one of the glass factories, then cruise onward to Burano where candy-colored fishermen houses and the famous Burano lace await. Your final visit is to the nearby island of Torcello, where you'll have free time to visit its striking cathedral.
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From
$26.34
From
$26.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas

Venice Islands Sunset Cruise with Prosecco
Enjoy magnificent views of the Venice islands on a 1.5-hour sunset cruise. Head out in the cool of the evening and float across St Mark’s Basin, past the island of Guidance in the Venetian Lagoon, and out toward the age-old island monasteries. Admire the tranquil waters as you glide along, and as the sun sits heavy on the horizon. After the ride, you will arrive in a restored Venetian palace to drink a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink sitting in their beautiful garden.
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From
$39.51
From
$39.51
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this classic walking tour combines the blockbuster sights of history-packed Venice with a relaxing gondola ride. Listen to legends and stories from the city’s Renaissance heyday as you travel down cobblestoned streets and over picturesque footbridges. Tours cover Saint Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Calle Varisco.
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From
$147.49
Price varies by group size
From
$147.49
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Murano and Burano VIP Venice Boat Tour
Spend a half-day exploring the beautiful islands of the Venetian lagoon on this small-group boat tour of Murano and Burano. Learn about Murano's history of glass blowing and Burano's traditional lace making. See the colorful houses of Burano and enjoy a complimentary coffee or cappuccino. Pick up and drop off from central Venice.
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From
$170.84
Price varies by group size
From
$170.84
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with commentary
Traverse the canals of Venice aboard a traditional gondola with your very own gondolier. Float along narrow waterways and hidden passages, admiring the beauty of one of Italy's most magical cities. Pass beneath centuries-old bridges and take in famous attractions such as St. Marks' Bell Tower and San Giorgio Island from the coziness of your flat-bottomed boat.
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From
$40.56
From
$40.56
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Full-Day Lagoon Tour Murano Burano and Torcello
Meet your tour guide in the public square of Venice to begin your 6-hour tour in the Venetian Islands. Visit the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by boat. Your local guide will accompany you through the best and most-characteristic places of the Venetian Lagoon. Watch master glassblowers at work at a glass factory in Murano. Learn the history of the oldest inhabited island of Venice. See lace shops in Burano and photograph the most colorful island of Venice. Get explanations about the history and culture of Venice and its islands along the way.
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From
$30.73
From
$30.73
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Enchanting Venice - Private Gondola Experience
For centuries, Venice has been synonymous with its most iconic mode of transport, the water gondola. On this private, luxury-minded tour, you’ll cruise the city’s fabled lagoons in your own specialty boat, partaking in a time-honored tradition. Soak up the elegant atmosphere and discover Venice’s picturesque waterfront—including crumbling palaces and stone bridges—from new perspectives, unseen by pedestrians.
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From
$172.07
per group
From
$172.07
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Private Excursion by Motorboat to the Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
Let a private guide lead you to three islands in the Venetian Lagoon famed for their traditional arts and crafts. A motorboat zips you away from your departure point to see the glassblowing of Murano, lace and biscuits of Burano, and cathedrals of Torcello. This 4-hour excursion departs in the morning with your group of up to 10 passengers.
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From
$614.53
Price varies by group size
From
$614.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Grand Canal by Gondola and Secret Venice Tour
Already ticked off the main sights? Then get ready to explore Venice’s insider-only locations during this off-the-beaten-track guided walking tour, which also includes a thirty-minute gondola ride. Listen to exclusive commentary on unique locations, like the world-renowned Teatro La Fenice and the Scala del Bovolo, as you discover hidden shops and little-known canals.
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From
$65.14
From
$65.14
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour
Take a private tour of the Venetian Lagoon and visit the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Tour a glassblower’s workshop in Murano, and discover the traditional art of lacemaking in Burano. See medieval churches while learning about the ancient history of Torcello, Venice’s earliest settlement and a tranquil escape from the typical tourist path. Enjoy the dedicated attention of your private guide on this 4-hour tour.
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From
$1,000.81
per group
From
$1,000.81
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Small Group Venice Grand Canal Panoramic Tour
It is a truth universally acknowledged that visiting Venice and not taking a boat ride down the Grand Canal is a travelling sin. Experience the Floating City in all of its glory on a 1-hour motorboat tour in a group limited to 12. Ideal for first-time visitors, you’ll pass beautiful palazzo and sail beneath famous bridges such as the Accademia Bridge and the Rialto Bridge.
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From
$36.87
From
$36.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Private Cruise: The Islands of Venice
Escape the hustle and bustle of Venice for half a day on a private, guided tour of the Venetian Lagoon’s three most famous and picturesque islands. See where the world’s finest artisan glass is made on Murano, admire the colorful fishermen’s homes and traditional lacemaking workshops on Burano and visit the 5th-century remains of Venice’s oldest settlement on serene Torcello. Cruise across the lagoon in a private motorboat and enjoy the personalized attention of a local guide for a carefree day on the water.
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From
$527.27
per group
From
$527.27
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas

Venice Islands audioguide: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Visit Murano, Burano and Torcello at your own pace! An enchanting experience that will take you to the heart of the Venetian lagoon. More than 30 attractions described on our App to make you discover the culture and history of the most spectacular islands of Venice! You can do it whenever you want, during the day or in the night!
The audio guide will escort you during the whole itinerary so that you won’t have to worry about getting lost!
The app, which you can download on your phone or any other device, has a map that guides you through the whole city. You can decide the pace of your visit as you listen to the recorded automatic audio-narration on the city’s panoramic attractions. On your device, under the picture of the attraction, you can read the transcription of the description.
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From
$6.15
From
$6.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Hop on Hop off Venice: Islands, Canal Grande and walking tours!
Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Venice's most popular islands: Torcello, Burano, and Murano. With a 24- or 48-hour boat ticket included on the public vaporetto, transportation between the islands will be a breeze and you can hop on and hop off whenever you like. Download the app to your phone and move at you own pace, listening to the commentary as you go. Highlights include the Gran Canal, St. Mark's and Rialto areas, the Jewish Ghetto, and others.
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From
$45.48
From
$45.48
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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