Venice Islands: Private Murano, Burano & Torcello Boat Tour

Summary

Venetian lagoon islands by private boat with glass art and village strolls

You’ll cross Venice’s lagoon by private motorboat with a local guide, visiting Murano’s legendary glassmakers, tasting Burano’s famous biscuits among colorful houses, and standing in Torcello’s ancient basilica while hearing island stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding away from the main canals of Venice before I realized how different the lagoon feels outside the city. The water was quieter, almost flat, and our guide Marco—he grew up on Murano—pointed out how the light changes over the islands. First stop: Murano. I’d seen glass before but never like this. The furnace heat hit me as soon as we stepped inside the workshop. There was this sharp mineral smell in the air, and watching the glass master shape a vase with just a few tools and his breath—honestly, it felt like magic. Marco laughed when I tried to say “grazie” with a mouthful of local pastry (I still don’t know what it was called).

Burano came next, all those wild colors stacked along narrow canals. It looked almost too bright to be real—like someone had turned up the saturation just for us. We wandered past women selling lace from their doorways (one of them winked at me when I tried to guess her age), and Marco bought us bussolà biscuits from a bakery that smelled like butter and lemon peel. I kept one in my pocket for later but ended up eating it before we left—couldn’t help it. The fishermen were mending nets on the docks, calling out to each other in dialect that sounded nothing like Italian from my phrasebook.

Torcello was last, quieter than I expected. The basilica stood there almost empty except for two old men arguing softly near the entrance about something I couldn’t catch. Inside, there’s this seventh-century mosaic that just sort of glows in the half-light—it’s hard to explain why it gets under your skin but it does. On the way back across the lagoon, Marco told stories about his grandmother rowing out here as a girl. The sun was already low behind Venice by then; everything felt softer somehow. I keep thinking about that silence on Torcello—even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands

• Travel to Murano island
• Visit glass factory and watch glass blowing
• Explore Murano historical area
• Visit Duomo di Murano basilica
• Travel to Burano island
• Discover colorful village and local biscuits
• Travel to Torcello island
• Visit first Basilica of Venice

Top questions

How long does this private boat tour of Murano, Burano & Torcello take?

The tour usually lasts around half a day depending on stops and pace with your guide.

Is hotel pickup included for this Venice islands tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you’re staying in Venice proper.

Can we visit a glass factory on Murano during this tour?

Yes, there is an option to visit a traditional Murano glass factory or stroll through town.

Are food or drinks provided on this tour?

No formal meals are included but you can try local biscuits or snacks during stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour involves some walking; moderate fitness is recommended and infants must sit on laps.

Will our group have a private guide throughout?

Yes, your group will have a dedicated local guide for the entire excursion.

What are some highlights of Burano on this day trip?

You’ll see colorful fisherman houses, taste bussolà biscuits, and watch lace making.

Do we need to pay any extra fees to visit Venice islands?

If you’re staying outside Venice and visiting for the day on certain dates, a €5 access fee may apply.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Venice itself (not mainland), all transport by private Venetian motorboat between Murano, Burano & Torcello islands, plus guiding throughout by a local expert who knows these places inside out—you can choose to visit a glass factory or explore at your own pace before returning by boat in the afternoon.