Venice Grand Canal Private Tour: Murano & Burano by Boat

Summary

Drifting through Venice to Murano glass and Burano colors with a guide

You’ll float along Venice’s Grand Canal by private boat with a local guide, see Murano’s glass-blowers up close, ride a shuttle to Burano for its wild colors and handmade lace, and wander quiet canals most tourists miss — all with hotel or port pickup included. It’s one of those days you’ll remember for how it felt as much as what you saw.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the water slapped softly against the hull as we left our hotel dock — that sound, plus the faint smell of algae and old wood, sort of set the mood. Our guide, Marco, waved from the bow and grinned like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has). The Grand Canal looked wider from down low in the boat than it ever did from a bridge. We passed palazzos with peeling paint and laundry flapping out over tiny balconies. There was a moment near Rialto when a vaporetto honked at us and Marco just shrugged — “Venetian traffic jam,” he said.

I didn’t expect Murano to feel so lived-in. The glass factory was warm inside, almost humid, and you could smell something sharp — maybe burning sand? We watched this guy shape molten glass into a horse in about three minutes flat. He winked at me when I tried to guess what he was making (I got it wrong). Afterward, we took the shuttle boat over to Burano; it was shared with some other folks but honestly nobody minded. The houses there really are every color you can imagine — pinks that look fake, green like pistachio gelato. I tried to say “Burano” properly and Li (one of the lacemakers) laughed at my accent.

We wandered past women stitching lace in doorways, their hands moving so fast I couldn’t follow. There was this little bakery where we bought cookies shaped like S’s — they tasted like lemon and butter. The air felt different on Burano, lighter somehow, maybe because of all those bright walls reflecting sunlight back at you. On the way back toward St. Mark’s Square, Marco pointed out some quieter canals where locals still fish for crabs early in the morning. I kept thinking how easy it would be to get lost here on purpose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice and Lagoon Islands Tour

• Pass St. Mark's Square
• Pass Grand Canal
• Visit Murano
• Visit Burano

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Venice Grand Canal private tour?

Yes, hotel or cruise port pickup is included in your booking.

How long does the private boat tour from Venice to Murano & Burano last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours total.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is the boat ride from Murano to Burano private?

The shuttle boat from Murano to Burano may be shared with others.

Can travelers with wheelchairs join this Venice private tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible if requested upon reservation.

What should I wear for this day trip around Venice?

A smart casual dress code is recommended for comfort and style.

Do I need to pay any extra access fee for visiting Venice?

On certain dates, non-residents may need to pay a €5 access fee; check official sites for details.

What’s included

Your day includes private boat transport along the Grand Canal with a local guide, hotel or port pickup at your chosen location, entry to a Murano glass factory (with shuttle transfer onward to Burano), and return by private boat—so you just show up ready to explore.