Private Murano, Burano & Torcello tour from Venice with guide

Three islands, one guide, four hours of Venetian history and color

A private guided tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello islands departing from Venice, led by a local guide in your choice of language. You visit Burano for its brightly painted houses and traditional lace workshops, Murano for its centuries-old glass furnaces and arched bridges, and Torcello for the ruins and churches where the Venetian republic began. The tour runs four hours and includes the guide only. A €5 Venice access fee applies on certain dates for day visitors from outside the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands

• Travel from Venice to Murano
• Explore Murano's glassmaking history
• Travel to Burano island
• See brightly colored houses in Burano
• Visit traditional lacework shops
• Travel to Torcello island
• Discover origins of Venice in Torcello
• Enjoy local food and drinks
• Return to Venice

The experience

The boat leaves from Venice and takes you first to Burano, an island of narrow canals lined with houses painted in bold reds, yellows and blues. The lacework here is not a museum piece: locals still make it by hand in small workshops, and the guide will show you where. If you came to Venice to photograph something other than the Rialto Bridge, Burano is why: the colors are real, the light changes all morning, and the island fills with tour groups by noon, so timing matters.

Murano comes next. In 1291, the Venetian Republic moved all glass production here to keep the furnaces away from the wooden city center. A decision that made Murano famous and kept Venice from burning down. Seven islets connected by arched bridges, Murano still runs on glassmaking. You will walk past working furnaces and see how the craft works, not as a performance but as the island's actual economy. The guide takes you to places locals use, not the tourist corridor, and explains why a city that once ruled the Mediterranean built its wealth on sand and fire.

Torcello is the oldest of the three and the quietest. More than 1,500 years ago, this was where Venice began: before the lagoon islands were fortified, before the republic became a power. The cathedral still stands, and so do the mosaics. The island has no crowds and almost no shops, which is precisely why the guide brings you here. You will see what the other two islands grew from, and you will understand why Venetians chose to build on water in the first place.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of five languages.
• access to all three islands and their neighborhoods.
• visits to local popular gathering places where residents spend time, not just tourist stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you are staying in Venice without a car or prefer not to navigate the vaporetto system alone. The guide handles the route, the timing and the boat transfers between islands, so you spend the four hours seeing what matters instead of figuring out which dock to use next.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this tour private, or will I be with other travelers?

This is a private tour, so it is just you and your group with the guide. Private transportation is available as an add-on option at checkout if you need it.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay extra for?

The guide is included. Food, drinks and the train ticket to reach the departure point are not included, so plan to bring money for lunch and refreshments. On certain dates, visitors from outside Venice pay a €5 city access fee. Check the operator's website to see if it applies to your travel dates.

How long does the tour take, and when does it start?

The tour runs four hours from the time you depart Venice. The operator will confirm your exact departure time when you book.

Do I need to be in good physical condition for this tour?

The tour involves walking and moving between boats and across islands. It is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers.