Venice Islands Tour: Murano Glass & Burano Lace Demonstrations

Glassblowing, lacemaking, and the lagoon islands in one morning or afternoon

A guided boat tour of Venice's islands departing from San Marco, with live demonstrations of glassblowing in Murano and lacemaking in Burano, plus walking time in both villages. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours with a professional guide speaking English, Spanish, Italian or French, and includes boat transport, a radio receiver to hear the guide, and entry to the demonstration workshops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Murano and Burano islands

• Board boat at San Marco area
• Arrive at Murano island
• Watch glassblowing demonstration
• Explore Murano streets and shops
• Travel to Burano island
• See colorful houses and take photos
• Attend lace-making demonstration

The Experience

The boat leaves San Marco and carries you across the lagoon to Murano, where a master glassblower works at the furnace in front of you—shaping, spinning and transforming molten glass into a finished piece in minutes. You watch the whole process, then have time to walk Murano's narrow streets and browse the artisanal glass shops that line them. The glassblowing demonstration is the centerpiece, but the island itself is small enough to cover on foot without rushing.

From Murano, the boat heads to Burano, famous for two things: the brightly painted houses that line the canals and the tradition of lace-making that built the island's reputation centuries ago. Your guide shares the history as you walk, and you'll see a lace demonstration showing how the delicate work is done by hand. Like Murano, Burano rewards wandering—the colored facades are real, not a backdrop, and the narrow streets open onto small squares where locals still live and work.

You'll wear a radio receiver throughout so the guide's voice reaches you even in a crowd or across open water. The tour operates in multiple languages at different departure times—check which hour suits your language before booking. Public transport runs near the meeting point if you need to reach San Marco from elsewhere in Venice, and the pace suits all fitness levels since most of the day is either on the boat or on flat, walkable streets.

What’s included

• Comfortable boat transport from San Marco to Murano and Burano and back.
• live glassblowing demonstration at a Murano glass factory.
• guided walking tour of Murano island.
• guided walking tour of Burano island.
• lace-making demonstration in Burano (included in most options).
• radio receiver so you hear the guide throughout.
• professional tour guide in your chosen language.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see traditional Venetian crafts in action rather than in a museum or shop—the glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations are the core of the day, and the boat and walking time let you explore both islands without arranging separate transport or entry tickets yourself.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the glassblowing demonstration in Murano?

A professional glassblower works at the furnace in real time, shaping and finishing a piece of glass while you watch from a safe distance. The demonstration shows the full process from molten glass to a completed object, and you'll have time afterward to explore the island's shops and streets on your own.

Is the lace-making demonstration included in all tour options?

The lace demonstration in Burano is included if you select an option that covers the island—check your chosen package, as some focus on Murano and Burano while others add Torcello or food and wine experiences. The glassblowing demonstration in Murano is included in every option.

How much free time do I have to walk around Murano and Burano?

The tour is 4 to 5 hours total, with time built in at each island to explore on your own after the demonstrations. The exact breakdown depends on your departure time and group size, but both islands are small and walkable, so you'll see the main streets and shops without feeling rushed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, or French depending on the departure time you choose. Not all languages are available at every time slot—the booking page lists which languages run at 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, and 14:30, so pick the time that matches your language.

Do I need to arrange my own way to San Marco, or is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included, so you'll need to reach the San Marco meeting point on your own. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're staying elsewhere in Venice.

What's the difference between the standard tour and the Premium or Semi-private options?

The Premium option and Semi-private option offer smaller groups or additional amenities compared to the standard Murano & Burano Cruise. The Premium and Semi-private tours include the same demonstrations and island visits; the main difference is group size and experience level. Some options also add Torcello island or a food and wine component if you want to extend the day.