Venice: Murano & Burano Boat Tour with Glass Demo & Winery

Summary

Murano glass art, Burano colors and St Erasmo wine by boat

You’ll board a private boat in Venice for a small-group day trip across the lagoon, watch live glassblowing in Murano, stroll through Burano’s rainbow streets, and sip local wine among vineyards on St. Erasmo—all guided by someone who knows these islands inside out. Expect laughter, real stories, and enough quiet moments to make you feel far from city crowds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to Murano, Burano, and St. Erasmo

• Meet guide and group in Venice
• Walk to private boat
• Boat ride to Murano Island
• Introduction to Murano island
• Watch glassmaking demonstration
• Free time to explore Murano
• Boat ride to Burano Island
• Guided tour of Burano canals and squares
• Free time to explore Burano
• Boat ride to St. Erasmo Island
• Walk through vineyard at St. Erasmo
• Wine tasting at historic winery
• Boat ride back to Venice's Piazza San Marco

Top questions

How long does the Murano & Burano boat tour take?

The tour lasts several hours including stops at Murano, Burano, and St. Erasmo before returning to central Venice.

Is there a live glassblowing demonstration in Murano?

Yes, you’ll see a private glassblowing demonstration inside a Murano factory with your group.

Are food or drinks included on this tour?

The tour includes one glass of wine at St. Erasmo winery but not lunch or snacks; you’ll have free time to buy food in Burano or Murano.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group is capped at 20 guests maximum for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in central Venice near Piazza San Marco.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, unfortunately it isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchairs due to walking and boat access requirements.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If weather conditions are unsafe, tours may be canceled at short notice for safety reasons without refund; itinerary may also be modified if needed.

Can I stay longer on St. Erasmo after the tour ends?

Yes—your guide will explain public transport options if you wish to remain on St. Erasmo after the group departs back to Venice.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your English-speaking local guide near Piazza San Marco before boarding a private boat across the Venetian Lagoon; entry to a working Murano glass factory with demonstration; guided walks plus free time on both Murano and Burano islands; vineyard visit and one glass of wine at St. Erasmo winery; all transfers between islands by private boat before returning together—or staying longer if you like—with advice from your guide.

What’s the experience like?

We met right in the middle of Venice—just steps from Piazza San Marco—and honestly, I was still blinking away sleep when our guide Chiara waved us over with this big grin. The lagoon looked kind of silvery that morning, almost flat except for the wake from passing vaporettos. Getting on the private boat felt like sneaking away from the crowds; you could hear the water slapping against the hull and everyone seemed to relax as soon as we pulled away. Chiara started telling stories about the islands—her accent was soft but she had this way of making you laugh without trying. I remember thinking: why don’t more people do a day trip like this out of busy Venice?

First stop was Murano. The glass factory smelled faintly smoky and warm—sort of like burnt sugar? We watched a master glassblower shape molten glass into something delicate in just minutes. It’s mesmerizing, honestly—I lost track of time until someone’s phone beeped. After that, we wandered around on our own for a bit. I tried to say “grazie” to one of the artisans and probably butchered it; he just smiled and shrugged. There’s something about seeing all those tiny shops lined up along the canal that makes you want to linger.

Burano was next, all wild colors—every house brighter than the last. Chiara explained how fishermen used to paint them so they could find their way home in fog (makes sense after seeing how thick it gets out there). We walked together through narrow lanes and then split up for free time. I bought some lace from an old woman who barely spoke English but insisted on showing me her needlework anyway. My hands smelled faintly like fried dough from a bakery nearby—I never did find out what they call those little pastries.

The last part surprised me most: St. Erasmo island is so quiet compared to everywhere else, just fields and vines stretching toward the water. The winery felt almost secretive—low stone walls, vines heavy with leaves even though it was early summer. We tasted their white wine right there in the vineyard while Chiara told us about Venetian nobility who used to drink it centuries ago. The breeze carried this earthy smell from the fields; I still think about that moment sometimes when I open a bottle at home.