Murano & Burano boat tour: Glassblowing and lacemaking

Watch artisans shape molten glass and hand-stitch lace on two lagoon islands

A half-day boat tour from Venice visits Murano and Burano by private boat with an expert English-speaking guide. You watch a glassblower demonstrate the craft in a working studio, then travel to Burano to see lacemakers at work before exploring the island's painted houses and shops. The private boat means no public ferry lines, and the guide explains the history as you travel between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Murano1h 15m
2. Burano1h 45m
3. St. Mark's Square45m

Explore Murano and Burano Islands

• Meet group and tour leader in Venice
• Board private Vaporetto to Murano
• Visit glassblower’s studio in Murano
• Travel by private boat to Burano
• Watch lacemaking artisans in Burano
• Enjoy free time in Burano
• Return by private boat to Venice

The experience

You meet your small group at a central Venice location and board a private boat reserved just for your tour. The boat takes you across the lagoon to Murano, the island that built its reputation on glassmaking over centuries. In a working studio, a master glassblower shapes molten glass while your guide walks you through the techniques and the history of how this craft became one of Venice's most famous exports. You watch the process unfold (the heat, the tools, the precision) without the crowds that gather at the larger demonstration factories.

From Murano, the private boat carries you to Burano on a short lagoon crossing. The ride itself is part of the tour: you get another stretch of water views before stepping onto an island known for its brightly painted fishermen's houses and its lacemaking tradition. You visit a small workshop where artisans practice traditional lacemaking by hand, a craft that has survived on Burano for generations. After the demonstration, you have free time to walk the narrow streets, photograph the colored facades, browse the shops, and move at your own pace.

The return journey to Venice's main island gives you one more chance to take in the lagoon from the water. The whole tour runs about four and a half hours from start to finish. You'll need to carry a copy of your passport identification page (a photo on your phone counts), and be aware that on certain dates, day visitors to Venice may owe a €5 access fee. Check the city's official site for which days apply and any exemptions. The tour is not recommended if you're prone to seasickness.

What’s included

• Private boat transportation from Venice to Murano and Burano and back.
• expert English-speaking guide for the full tour.
• glassblowing demonstration in a working Murano studio.
• lacemaking demonstration in a Burano workshop.
• free time to explore both islands on your own.

Days and timesDaily · 08:30, 08:45, 13:30 and 14:00

AgesAges 15+ · 6 to 14 years · Under 6 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, n…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by The Tour Guy

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided introduction to Murano's glassblowing and Burano's lacemaking in one afternoon, with a private boat and English-speaking guide included rather than navigating public ferries and island logistics yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

6 to 14 years; under 6, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly do you see at the glassblowing demonstration on Murano?

A master glassblower shapes molten glass in a working studio while your guide explains the techniques and the history of the craft. You watch the process (the heating, shaping, and finishing) as it happens, not a recorded video or a staged show.

How much free time do you get on Burano to explore on your own?

The itinerary includes free time on Burano after the lacemaking workshop, so you can walk the streets, take photos of the painted houses, shop, and eat at your own pace before the boat returns to Venice.

Do you have to take a public ferry to get to these islands, or is transport included?

Private boat transportation is included for the entire tour. Your group has a dedicated boat, so you skip the public ferry queues and the confusion of navigating the vaporetto system on your own.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

Food and beverages are not included. You have free time on Burano where you can buy lunch or a snack at local restaurants and cafés, but you'll need to budget for that separately.

What do you need to bring or know before booking?

You must carry a copy of your passport identification page (a photo saved on your phone works). The tour requires at least a moderate level of fitness for walking and boarding the boat. It is not recommended for travelers prone to seasickness, and the tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walking impairments that require special assistance.