Murano & Burano tour from Venice: Glassblowing demo included

Watch molten glass become art, then wander Burano's painted streets

A semi-private guided tour from Venice crosses the lagoon to Murano, where you watch master glassmakers shape molten glass during a live factory demonstration, then tour the island with a guide before heading to Burano for free time among its lace shops and fishermen's houses. The tour runs four and a half hours, includes round-trip boat transport and a professional English-speaking guide, and keeps the group to a maximum of ten travelers.

The experience

The tour meets near St. Mark's Square and boards a boat that carries you across the lagoon to Murano, leaving the crowded streets of Venice behind. Murano has built its reputation on glassmaking for centuries, and the first stop is a working glass factory where you watch artisans shape molten glass into finished pieces during a live demonstration. The kind of work that takes years to master and happens in front of you in minutes. After the factory, a guided walk takes you through Murano itself, covering the island's history and the everyday life that exists alongside the tourist trade.

From Murano, the boat carries you to Burano, the lagoon's other famous island, known for its brightly painted fishermen's houses and its tradition of lace-making. You have free time here to wander the narrow streets at your own pace, step into the lace shops that line the canals, and try bussolà cookies: the local sweet that appears in nearly every café. There is no schedule to follow. You explore what interests you and meet the group when it is time to return.

The boat ride back to Venice gives you time to sit with what you have seen. The whole experience runs four and a half hours from start to finish. The group stays small, no more than ten people, which means the boat does not feel crowded and the guide can actually hear questions. English-speaking guides lead the tour, and the boat transport is included in the price. The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides. If that happens, you can reschedule for another day or receive a refund.

What’s included

• Round-trip boat transport across the lagoon.
• a live glassblowing demonstration at a Murano factory.
• a guided tour of the glass factory showroom.
• a guided walk through Murano with commentary on the island's history.
• free time to explore Burano's streets and shops.
• a professional English-speaking guide throughout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour in English5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00English-language private tour of Murano and Burano

Semi-private tour in English09:00, 10:00 and 14:00Private boat, limited to 10 guests

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Is this one for you?Choose the semi-private option if you want a small group and lower cost. Pick the private tour if you prefer the guide and boat to yourselves alone. Both include the glassblowing demo and the same stops. The difference is who else is standing beside you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 6).

What exactly happens during the glassblowing demonstration?

At the glass factory in Murano, you watch master craftsmen work with molten glass, shaping it into finished pieces in real time. The demonstration is live, so you see the skill and speed required for work that takes years to learn.

How much time do I get to explore Burano on my own?

The tour includes free time in Burano after the guided walk in Murano, giving you the chance to browse lace shops, photograph the painted houses, and taste local cookies without a schedule pushing you along.

Does the tour include meals or snacks?

The tour does not include meals. You can buy food and drinks in Burano (bussolà cookies and coffee are easy to find), but you arrange and pay for those yourself.

What happens if there is a high tide during my tour date?

The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides, which occasionally occur in Venice. If that happens on your scheduled date, you can reschedule for another day or request a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I meet the guide in Venice?

You meet the guide near St. Mark's Square in Venice. Hotel pickup is not included, so you arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

How many people will be on the tour?

The group is capped at ten travelers, keeping it small enough that the boat does not feel crowded and the guide can engage with everyone.