Venice: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Murano Burano Tour

Summary

Venice mosaics, palace secrets and island color on two easy days

You’ll step into Venice’s golden basilica without waiting in line, explore secret corners of Doge’s Palace with stories from your guide, watch real Murano glassblowers up close, and wander Burano’s painted streets at your own pace. Two days split between city grandeur and island calm—ending with a VR glimpse into Venice’s past that’ll stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

You walk right into St. Mark’s Square and it hits you—those pigeons really do strut like they own the place. Our guide, Giulia, waved us over with a grin and started pointing out odd details on the basilica’s facade (I’d never noticed the horses before). Inside, it was quieter than I expected—just this golden glow everywhere, tiny mosaics catching bits of light. I remember the faint smell of incense and hearing a kid whisper “wow” in Italian. We skipped the line at Doge’s Palace (felt a bit smug about that) and wandered through echoing halls where Giulia told us stories about secret councils and prisoners crossing the Bridge of Sighs. I tried to imagine what those footsteps sounded like centuries ago—probably less shuffling sneakers.

The next day was all water taxis and wind in your hair—Murano first. The glassblowing demo was hotter than I thought (literally), with the furnace roaring while a guy shaped molten glass like it was nothing. He winked at us when someone asked if he ever burned himself (“sometimes!”). Walking around Murano felt slower, quieter than Venice itself. Then Burano—honestly, those houses are even brighter in person. Our guide explained how each family picks their own color so fishermen can spot home from far away; I still think about that blue house with laundry flapping outside. Lunch was just simple seafood by the canal—nothing fancy but tasted perfect after all that walking.

Oh, almost forgot—the VR thing in the History Gallery surprised me. You put on these goggles and suddenly you’re watching Piazza San Marco change through centuries; weirdly moving to see it as a wooden bridge or fortress instead of postcard-perfect marble. Not what I expected but kind of cool? Anyway, both days felt packed but not rushed—I liked having time to just stand around or chat with locals (one old man in Burano tried to teach me a word in Venetian dialect; no idea if I got it right).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace

• Admire St. Mark's Square
• Visit Doge's Palace
• Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Day 2 — Murano and Burano Islands

• Travel to Murano island
• Watch glassblowing demonstration
• Travel to Burano island
• Walk tour of colorful Burano

Top questions

Is this tour split over two days?

Yes, starting from November, St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace are visited on day one; Murano & Burano islands on day two.

Does this include skip-the-line entry for St. Mark's Basilica?

Yes, skip-the-line entry tickets for both St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace are included.

Is there a live glassblowing demonstration on Murano?

Yes, you’ll watch a live glassblowing demo at a Murano factory as part of the tour.

Are transfers between Venice and the islands included?

Yes, roundtrip semi-private water taxi transfers to Murano & Burano are included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide.

Is lunch included on Burano or Murano?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to eat where you choose during the island visits.

Do I need to bring ID for this tour?

A valid ID is required for security checks at St. Mark's Basilica entrance.

Are bags allowed inside Doge’s Palace?

No large bags or backpacks are allowed inside Doge’s Palace; free deposit is available onsite.

What’s included

Your two-day experience includes skip-the-line tickets for both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace (with access to the Bridge of Sighs and prisons), guided tours throughout, entry to Correr Museum plus Archaeological Museum and Marciana Library, audio receivers for groups over 10 people, roundtrip semi-private water taxi transfers to Murano and Burano islands with walking tours on each island, a live glassblowing demonstration in Murano—and even a unique VR history gallery experience showing Venice through different eras before you head back into today’s crowds.