Murano & Burano Islands Private Boat Tour with Glass Blowing

About this experience

Murano & Burano Islands Private Boat Tour with Glass Blowing This private boat tour takes you beyond Venice's crowds to explore two of the lagoon's most celebrated islands. You'll witness centuries-old crafts still practised today, from watching master glassblowers shape molten glass on Murano to seeing intricate lace-making on colourful Burano. The half-day trip combines cultural discovery with artisan workshops, offering exclusive access to working studios normally closed to regular visitors. Your private vessel provides comfortable transport across the Venetian lagoon, departing from the convenient St. Mark's Square. With departure times at 8:15am and 9:10am from June to September, the tour gives you intimate access to traditional workshops whilst allowing plenty of time to explore the charming streets and browse for authentic souvenirs. What is Included Round-trip boat transportation from St. Mark's Square Professional guide throughout the tour Access to live glassblowing demonstrations in working studios Entry to historic lace-making workshop on Burano Exclusive access to workshops not open to regular visitors Small group experience for personalised attention Good to Know The tour operates as a half-day experience with departures at 8:15am and 9:10am from June to September. Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square at least 15 minutes before departure time - simply show your booking confirmation. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll walk on cobblestone streets across both islands. Bring sunscreen and water during warmer months for comfort on the boat and whilst exploring. Large bags, suitcases and pets are not permitted on the vessel. This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to steps required for boat boarding and the uneven terrain on both islands. Children can join but require adult supervision, particularly in the glass workshops where furnaces operate at high temperatures. If you're planning more Venice explorations, consider combining this island tour with a traditional gondola ride through Venice's historic canals or explore the city's architectural wonders with a St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace guided tour.

Highlights

• Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon on a small-group guided speedboat tour with round-trip transfers and immersive artisan experiences
• Visit Murano’s working glass studio to witness master artisans shape molten glass into intricate forms using centuries-old techniques
• Stroll through Burano’s rainbow-colored streets and watch skilled craftswomen demonstrate traditional lacemaking passed down for generations
• Your expert guide shares stories, island history, and explains artisan techniques, making each stop more meaningful and engaging
• Fun fact: Murano’s glassblowers were once banned from leaving Venice—so valuable were their secrets that defection meant execution.

What is included

• Round-trip transportation by private boat taxi Visit to Murano and Burano Expert guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Chinese (as per option selected) Small group size of 22 guests or less Glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations

Before you go

Arrive at least 15 minutes early at St. Mark’s Square meeting point Bring sunscreen and water during summer months for comfort Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled and uneven streets Large bags, suitcases and pets are not permitted on the boat This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to steps and boarding requirements

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience. Within 24 hours of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.