Murano & Burano Islands Tour: Glassblowing Lacemaking Private Boat

Watch artisans shape molten glass and stitch centuries-old lace, then explore two islands on your own time.

A guided tour of Murano and Burano islands from Venice by private water taxi, with demonstrations of traditional glassblowing and lacemaking, an expert local guide, and about five hours total including boat travel and free time on each island. The private boat is faster and less crowded than public ferries, and you get workshop discounts on both islands. The order of stops may vary, and lacemaking demonstrations are not available on Mondays from November to March.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Murano and Burano islands

• Travel by private water taxi
• Watch glassblowing demonstration in Murano
• Explore Murano and visit gallery
• Travel to Burano island
• See lace making demonstration in Burano
• Visit lace museum or explore Burano
• Return to Venice by boat

The Experience

The private water taxi picks up your group and crosses the Venetian Lagoon to Murano, where you'll spend about two and a half hours. A glassblowing workshop demonstrates techniques that were once so closely guarded in the Middle Ages that sharing them carried a death sentence. You watch artisans heat and shape molten glass into delicate pieces, then browse the workshop gallery—and the tour discount applies if you want to buy. The rest of the time on Murano is yours to wander the canals, visit the Byzantine church, or simply sit by the water.

From Murano, the boat carries you to Burano, famous for its brightly painted houses and handmade lace. You'll see lacemakers at work before choosing to visit the lace museum or explore the island freely. This stop also runs about two and a half hours, including the boat ride and guided time. As you return to Venice across the lagoon, the guide shares stories of the city's trading history and the craftsmanship that built it.

The headset system lets you hear the guide clearly even in busy workshops and on the water. Weather doesn't stop the tour, though some island sites lack shade, so bring a hat and water on warm days. The boat transfers, guided commentary, and all demonstrations are included; the only things you arrange separately are hotel pickup and any tip for the guide.

What’s included

• Glassblowing demonstration at a working workshop on Murano.
• lacemaking demonstration with artisans on Burano.
• round-trip private boat transportation for your group only.
• expert local guide in your chosen language (English, Spanish, or French).
• high-quality headset for clear audio during demonstrations and boat travel.
• workshop discounts on both islands.
• free time to explore each island at your own pace.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Wonders Ltd

Is this one for you?Book the private or semi-private option if your group wants the boat and guide to yourselves; choose the small group tour if you're comfortable sharing the boat and prefer a lower price. Either way, you skip the crowded public ferries and see the demonstrations without arranging transport or timing yourself.

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Top questions

What exactly do I see at the glassblowing workshop on Murano?

Artisans at the workshop demonstrate traditional glassblowing techniques using methods developed in the Middle Ages, shaping molten glass into finished pieces. You watch the process in the workshop itself, then view completed works in the gallery, where the tour discount applies if you choose to purchase.

How much free time do I get to explore each island on my own?

Each island stop lasts about two and a half hours total, which includes boat transfers, the guided demonstration, and free time to walk around. On Murano you can visit the Byzantine church or the canals; on Burano you can explore the painted houses or visit the lace museum at your own pace.

Is the lacemaking demonstration guaranteed, or could it be replaced?

From November to March, the lacemaking demonstration may not be available on Mondays, and the operator will offer a comparable alternative experience instead. At other times of year, the demonstration is part of the standard tour, though working artisans may change their schedule without notice.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this tour. You'll make your own way to the departure point in Venice, where the private boat and guide will be waiting to begin the lagoon crossing.

What's the difference between the small group, semi-private, and private tour options?

The small group tour shares the boat with other travelers; the semi-private option is for a smaller party; the private tour is for your group alone. All three include the same demonstrations, guide, boat, and island time—the difference is who else is on the boat with you.

What should I bring, and what's the physical demand like?

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warm months when some island sites have no shade. The tour involves moderate walking and operates in all weather. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during boat travel.