Venice Islands: Murano Glass, Burano Colors & Torcello Tour

Summary

Murano glassblowing, Burano colors and Torcello’s ancient calm in one half-day

You’ll float from Venice to Murano for live glassblowing, wander Burano’s bright canals with time for photos or lace shopping, then cross to peaceful Torcello with its ancient cathedral—all with a local guide and easy boat travel between islands. Expect laughter, color, maybe some surprises—and memories that linger longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of the water slapping against the side of our motorboat as we pulled away from San Marco. There was this salty breeze—almost sharp—and a group of older Venetians chatting nearby, their voices bouncing around. Our guide, Martina, pointed to the skyline and told us how the lagoon has its own moods. I tried to take a picture but mostly ended up with blurry blue water and my own thumb. So yeah, not my finest photography moment.

Murano was our first stop. The air inside the glass factory was warm and smelled faintly like burnt sand (if that makes sense). We watched a man shape molten glass into something delicate—he spun it so quickly I almost missed the moment it became a vase. Martina explained how these techniques go back centuries; she said her uncle once worked here, which made it feel less like a demonstration and more like someone’s family story. I wanted to ask more but got distracted by all the tiny colored animals in the shop window.

Burano hit me with color before I even stepped off the boat—yellow, pink, green houses stacked along narrow canals. There were two women arguing gently over lace patterns outside a shop; one waved at me when I tried to sneak a photo (I think she knew). The bakery smell drifted out somewhere—I never did find it but now I wish I’d looked harder. Walking those streets felt like wandering through someone’s childhood drawing.

Torcello was quieter than both—almost empty except for birds and this old couple sitting on Attila’s throne (Martina laughed and said it’s good luck). The cathedral felt cool inside, mosaics catching what little sunlight there was. It’s strange how close these islands are to Venice but how different they feel; you could almost forget there’s a city just across the water. On the way back, everyone went quiet for a bit—I guess we were all thinking about something else by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day tour of Venetian islands

• Depart from St. Mark's Square
• Navigate through Venetian Lagoon
• Visit Murano glass factory and island center
• Explore colorful houses in Burano
• Visit Torcello island and its cathedral
• See Attila's throne on Torcello
• Cross the Devil's Bridge

Top questions

How long is the Murano Burano Torcello tour?

The tour lasts about half a day, with 30–40 minutes spent on each island.

Where does the Venice islands tour depart from?

The boat departs daily from San Marco Giardinetti or Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station.

Is there a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano?

Yes, you’ll visit a Murano glass factory and see artisans at work during the tour.

Is this Venice lagoon tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on this Venice islands day trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap; prams or strollers are allowed.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; departures are from set meeting points in Venice.

What is included in the Murano Burano Torcello tour?

The tour includes motorboat transport between islands, a guide (tour leader), and entry to a Murano glass factory.

How much time do you get on each island?

You’ll spend about 30–40 minutes exploring each island: Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

What’s included

Your day includes shared motorboat travel between Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello; entry to a working glass-blowing factory on Murano; and guidance throughout from your local tour leader before returning by boat to your starting point in Venice.