Venice Murano & Burano: Private Boat Tour with Glass & Lace

Summary

Private boat from Venice to Murano’s glass and Burano’s lace

You’ll board a private boat from Venice with a local guide, watch master glassblowers shape molten art on Murano, see traditional lacemaking up close in Burano (with time to explore its wild colors), and return across the lagoon with new stories—and maybe a handmade souvenir or two.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect the water taxi to feel so different from the busy vaporettos—there was this quiet hum as we left Venice behind, just our small group and Silvia, our guide. She pointed out the old shipyards as we passed, her voice competing with the slap of water against the hull. The air smelled faintly briny, almost metallic. I kept craning my neck for a first glimpse of Murano, but mostly I was just trying not to drop my phone overboard. Silvia laughed when she caught me clutching it like a lifeline.

The glassblowing workshop on Murano was warmer than I thought it’d be—like stepping into someone’s kitchen in July. The master there barely looked up from his work but nodded at us before spinning molten glass on his pipe. It’s hypnotic, honestly; the way he coaxed shapes out of fire and breath. There was this moment where he made a tiny horse in maybe two minutes flat. Someone whispered “how?” and nobody answered because we were all kind of stunned. Afterward, we wandered through their gallery (the discount helped), but I mostly remember the weight of a little blue pendant in my hand—cool even after all that heat.

Burano hit me differently—the colors are almost too much at first, like someone turned up the saturation on real life. We watched an older woman stitching lace by hand in this sunlit room that smelled faintly of starch and old paper. She didn’t speak much English but grinned when I tried to say “grazie mille.” Silvia translated bits about her grandmother teaching her the patterns; there was something gentle about her hands moving so surely across the fabric. We had time to wander after that—I ended up with pistachio gelato dripping down my wrist, sitting on a canal bridge watching laundry flap between houses painted every shade you can think of.

The ride back across the lagoon felt quieter somehow—maybe everyone was tired or just letting it sink in. I still think about those bursts of color on Burano and that brief hush in the glass studio when fire met breath. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Venice to Murano and Burano, just go—it’s not what you expect, in the best way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Murano and Burano islands

• Travel by private water taxi
• Watch glassblowing demonstration in Murano
• Explore Murano workshop gallery
• Visit Murano canals and Byzantine church
• Observe lace making in Burano
• Visit Burano lace museum
• See colorful houses in Burano
• Return to Venice by water taxi

Top questions

How do you get from Venice to Murano and Burano?

This tour includes round-trip transportation by private boat directly from Venice to both islands.

Is there a glassblowing demonstration on Murano?

Yes, you’ll visit a working glassblowing studio on Murano for a live demonstration included in your tour.

Do you see lacemaking on Burano?

You’ll observe traditional lacemaking by local artisans in Burano as part of the experience.

How long do you spend on each island?

The tour allows ample time to explore both Murano and Burano at an easy pace.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included, but there is free time to eat or explore local cafes independently.

Are discounts available for souvenirs?

The tour includes discounts at both demonstration workshops if you’d like to purchase souvenirs.

What group size can I expect?

This is a small-group tour with up to 22 people plus your expert local guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at the designated departure point in Venice.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport for safety reasons.

What if lacemaking isn’t available?

If lacemaking isn’t available (such as Mondays), you’ll still enjoy guided exploration highlighting Burano’s culture and history.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation by private boat exclusively for your group between Venice, Murano, and Burano; live demonstrations of both traditional glassblowing in Murano and handmade lacemaking in Burano; personal guidance from an expert local throughout; plus special discounts if you decide to pick up any souvenirs during your visit before returning back across the lagoon together.