4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano with local real guide

Badge of Excellence

Venice, Italy

4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

Bottled water

Water included as a courtesy. All drinks on the islands are at the expense of the guests
Alcoholic Beverages

Glass of Prosecco at the Furnace as a Welcome (VM18)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Algiubagio Restaurant
Fondamente Nove, 5039, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

End point

Fondamente Nove, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Itinerary

Venice (Pass By)

Murano

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Isola di Sant'Erasmo (Pass By)

Venissa

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

San Francesco del Deserto (Pass By)

Torcello (Pass By)

Venice (Pass By)

Isola di Burano - World Heritage Site

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Most travelers can participate
for reduced mobility, sticks, prostheses or other reserves the right to cancel if not able to get on board.
not recommended for travelers who cannot climb stairs
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Rachel_B

This private boat tour was amazing. It was a great way for us to see and explore other parts of Venice. David was an amazing and super friendly guide. He made sure our experience was worth it. He brought us to local shops that gave us a lot of history as well. He easily added a stop at a winery that we were interested in at the last minute. I highly recommend this experience while visiting Venice.

Reviews

4.5

based on 203 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Davide was extremely...

Kent_W, Feb 2025

Davide was extremely helpful getting us connected with him and had a great itinerary for Burano. Lunch and the shopping were varied and well chosen.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you!!! My focus is this… ciaooooo

Beautiful Venice Islands that are a must see

Phillip_W, Oct 2024

A beautiful day to spend on Murano and Burano with many picturesque photo ops pointed out by our guide. We had hotel pick up which was nice although about 20 min late cutting into our tour time. Although the tour had hotel pick up it was silent on drop off and unfortunately the drop off was about a 40 minute walk which we did not appreciate. The wording in the tour needs to be updated to reflect this.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Mamma mia..... The taxi arrive 7 min late, due the high tide, we need to reduce the speed in the small chanel! THE drop off is a fixed point, NOT SILENT, if u are not able to read what u booking or walking in Venice, better u go in the resort of Hawaii with a Golf car that carry u from toilette to Restaurant!! Venice has a 2500 years history, u talking about only the photo! Mamma mia....

Excellent tour!

Stephen_Y, Oct 2024

Davide was a great guide and very accommodating. His knowledge of Venice (native city) was excellent and the tour felt more 'local' that 'tourist'. Overall a great experience.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Grazie!!!

Venezia - Best day on the canals!

SANDRA_K, Sep 2024

Davide was an amazing guide! We saw the local side of Venezia and Murano and Burano. A very nice boat and plenty of time in each place to enjoy the local scenery and food. A must do!!

Beautiful Day in Murano & Burano

Ashley_L, Jul 2024

Davide was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about Murano and Burano. Enjoyed the boat ride over. Only issue was that upon visiting the dress shop, glass factory, lace and mask stores, I felt somewhat compelled to buy something. Items were quite expensive (except for the soap and mask store). Otherwise it was fabulous!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Dear Ashley Pick up and drop off upgrade for free in ca di dio hotel! amazing photo only for u and your daughter Boat only for u (u booked shared) Welcome with wine in glass factory.. All item is made in Venice, it’s art and local production!! Thank’s for booking and see Venice with my eyes😘

Highly recommend

Wendy_K, Jun 2024

Wow this was an amazing tour from start to finish. Davide was friendly, kind and entertaining. He is a local who is very knowledgeable about the history of Venice. A great experience all round

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Wendy was an incredible tour with u!!! grazieeeeee

Incredible Tour

Kevin_f, May 2024

This isn't your typical Tour, in the good way. Davide is a real local, almost everyone know him and this is what makes this Tour so special. You come to different producer and they tell you all the information. You never feel like it is a shopping Tour, even though , yes we bought a lot . But this is cause the people was so enthusiastic about there tradition... We can't even describe it. My wife and me just said, this was an amazing Tour at the end of the day. WOW!!!!!

Murano

Steve_S, May 2024

David was awesome! We enjoyed the glass blowing, shopping and the sights. Dsvid provided insights on the very best shops too. A day to remember!

Great Experience!

Joseph_B, Apr 2024

The best way to do Murano and Burano. Avoid the crowds and enjoy what each island has to offer. Stop searching and book this trip.

David’s tour, not the best

Eileen_N, Feb 2024

So we went on David’s tour and we saw beautiful islands in Venice. He was a bit cocky and not trustworthy. He promised to have some items sent back to the US for us and said “don’t worry”. Definitely WORRY!! He took our items, promised to ship them to us, charged us a ridiculous amount to send them. WE NEVER RECEIVED THE ITEMS!!! When we contacted him about not receiving them and at least getting our money back from the items bing insured, he ghosted us!!! Totally unprofessional and not trustworthy

Awesome

Vince_S, Oct 2023

Davide was amazing. He was committed to sharing what he considered an authentic experience of the local history and artisans that comprise true Venetian culture. He was by turns irascible and charming but always highly knowledgeable and entertaining. I loved this tour.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Grazieeeeee Vince!!! Amazing your talking about me 😉

Best experience in Venice

JeanetteCooper_H, Oct 2023

Davide is an exceptional guide. He knows all the locals and they know him. We were treated like family everywhere we went and cherished all the small unique stories about the authentic products and art works. This is exactly why we book a tour with an authentic local, the personal stories behind what we are seeing and experiencing. We saw the Murano glass factory, the lovely colorful houses in Burano, and met many artisans there. Lace makers, glass blowers, bakers, balsamic vinegar producers, and a final stop at the Venissa winery. At each place, we got to feel a little more included into the beautiful culture of these places and the vibrant people. Davide was easy to communicate with before and during the tour. He gave excellent instructions on the meeting location and made sure to tailor the trip to our group and our desires. He has loads of information on the history and keeps you away from the inauthentic "made elsewhere" products. He was hands down my favorite Italian tour guide and made us laugh a lot. After the tour he suggested a restaurant, Algiubagio, to us and even went inside to make sure we got exceptional service and it was also outstanding. Book with Davide and you will have a wonderful day.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Ciaoooo, was amazing morning!! Grazie 1000 because guests like u understand how I love , how the local people loves VENICE, my city❤️!! Was a Pleasure!!

Great time

Enrique_r, Oct 2023

David was great! His insight of the local area gave us a great historical perspective of the area. His boat was in great shape and very safe.

Fun island trip

Laura_B, Oct 2023

Our group of six recommend this tour with David. He does a great job of communicating with you, and responds to questions. He engages with everyone while on the tour. He is very knowledgeable about the islands you visit and the history around them. We visited a glass factory on Murano. On Burano, we enjoyed a drink and some very delicious food. Then we were taken to a few very unique stores with the opportunity to purchase items if we wished. We went on a rainy day and he has a covered boat. You will enjoy this tour and David works very hard to make it fun. Note: You must be able to get in and out of a boat easily meaning you have no problem stepping down into the boat and up onto a dock. Enjoy!!!

Awesome inside tour of Venice

Kathryn_S, Oct 2023

Davide was an excellent captain and tour guide! If you want to see the best of Murano and Burano, Davide is the guide for you! He was pleasant and knowledgeable and took us to see the inside of Venice! It was fun and interesting and a great way to see the best of the Venetian islands!

Strolling with a local

Maribel_A, Oct 2023

My sister, niece and I had a great time with Davide, it was like taking a boat ride with a friend. He knows everyone and took us to some great locations and the shopping was great as well. Would highly recommend this tour.

Great tour

James_B, Oct 2023

Morano watching them make the glass. David was very informative and interesting he took us to a mask and lace store and they showed us how they made it. Then we found out about balsamic vinegar and it was delicious. My husband and daughter and myself enjoyed it all, Thanks to David

Great trip!

Brendon_C, Oct 2023

Great trip, we really enjoyed it! Would recommend it. Nice to see some areas that aren’t so crowded and busy.

Great wat to see the islands and Venice from the water

vernon_v, Oct 2023

It was great to be in such a small group with someone who grew up in Venice touring us. The boat ride itself was fun but the tour of Burano was great with time to look in shops. The wine taste at the winery was nice way to finish. The tour of the glass blowing on Murano felt pretty rushed and more about selling glass (although no pressure). We were being passed around and shuffled along thru that part. Overall it was fantastic!!

Good tour with a local

Jacquelyn_A, Oct 2023

This was definitely an unique experience. Something to note, read ALL of his instructions to avoid being left or missing the meeting point- 2 passengers were left. He is very clear, but don’t assume that you putting your preferred meeting point that it is guaranteed. Pros - David is clearly passionate about his city and is known by everyone on the islands. He is genuine and so are the shops he takes you to. He is also on a schedule which guarantees you to see everything. Cons - This is more of a shopping tour than a typical site seeing tour or an “explore on your own”. If you’re looking for an in-depth history lesson, this is not it. While my husband didn’t feel pressured, I felt a tad pressure to buy from the shops we went to. We also didn’t have time to explore - I’m sure had we’d asked he would have allowed it, but we were also with another couple. All in all, it’s a good tour with a good guy just be advised about what it is.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Ciaoooo!! Thank’s for rewiew!! In Venice there is not enough time to visit all, I give also 45 minutes for free but next time take all day escursion!! Shop lace, cookie, or Lino that is a Venice story, is Venice story need time to know the story and past! Yes, strictly rule about pick up: on time like an airplane or other travel transportation 😅! If people arrive in late, without call or write about late, boat starts! Enjoy The story in Venice!! Ciaooo

Davide the scam artist

m_c, Oct 2023

total scam artist...he tried go directly and going over viator, then was threatening to me and my staff...this guy is bad news and should be working ever.

A fun day of shopping

Kaitlin_F, Oct 2023

Davide is a native Venetian, so he knows the best, most authentic shops to show you. At Murano, you see a short glass demonstration, then you can shop for souvenirs. In Burano, Davide will take you to a variety of shops where each person will explain a little about the product. You don't have to buy anything, but you do learn a lot about the authentic craftsmanship. We finished our tour with a glass of wine at a Venetian winery/restaurant. As a wine lover, I was very excited to try something so unique. Boat ride was exciting and enjoyable and Davide was flexible with the drop off location.

I was robbed

Kimberly_B, Oct 2023

-0 stars! I had to choose 1 so I can post this review. I received a message from the operator the night before that it was cancelled due to rain during our scheduled time & I was asked if I wanted to go the following day or receive a refund, we couldn’t change our plans the following day so I chose to receive the refund. Never got it & when I asked for it was told it did not cancel! I have emails proving otherwise. 3 weeks later, still no refund! $450!

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Refund is automatically by viator when I delete due the bad weather. Contact your credit card. Probably you wrong Boat Operator!

When in Venice

MrsMargaret_B, Sep 2023

Davide was a fabulous skipper. As the group is small he made the experience great, amusing and answering all our questions. This is also a retail therapy day supporting local craft skills which were explained and demonstrated.

Fun

Donna_G, Sep 2023

Enjoyed the tour. Loved the islands. Loved all of the masters work of glass blowing , painting and embroidery. Very special

An Egregious Fiasco: Beware!!

Lesley_F, Sep 2023

After my experience, I can confidently confirm the negative reviews regarding David and this tour - they are not only accurate, but very well-deserved. The entire experience was a disaster from the get-go. David, the so-called “captain”, is not only unprofessional, but worse, deceptive and cruel - a true bully. During my stay in Venice, I took numerous water taxis and a wonderful gondola ride to travel across the city. Each was secure and safe. When boarding David’s rickety, slippery, wobbly boat, with only his meager limp hand to grasp onto, I slipped and fell. Instead of asking if I was alright, he looked irritated and annoyed, rather than concerned; not even helping me up! Even worse was the boat ride to the first island. David drives carelessly and recklessly. All of the passengers were holding on for dear life as he raced through the lagoon, the water splashing and crashing into and out of this tiny, old, dingy boat. When we arrived at the first island, the dock was so far from the boat exit, that it left a huge gap over the lagoon, requiring passengers to stretch and leap, and, I presume, hope for the best. During this disembarkation, I slipped and fell once more. Again, instead of asking about my well being, David grabbed my arm in a huff, and said something to the effect of “you’re not going on this tour, I’m bringing you back”. Physically and verbally abusive. I was dumbfounded, but by that point, I couldn’t wait to be rid of this lunatic. However, I still had to ride back with him. He was so angry and nasty, I was fearful and concerned for my safety - as I now found myself alone with this idiot in a shabby boat in the middle of a foreign country’s lagoon. I think I would have been better off swimming! I couldn’t have gotten back to the pier fast enough! Now, David started ranting and raving about how I wouldn't be able to get off the boat if I kept falling and was unsteady and imbalanced. Again, I took many boat rides on my trip, and never had issue. He accused me of having mobility issues - I do not. Instead of disembarking at the original dock, he dropped me off at the water bus station, which was an even bigger climb and jump from the boat to the dock. I fell again on the slippery surface of this crappy boat. When I fell this time, David starts screaming at me, getting in my face aggressively and harassing me. This death trap of a boat is unsafe for tours and should not be in use. But worse, the person responsible, has no business being in the people business - is he even licensed and insured for public conveyance?!! While David is screaming at me, he holds his shoulder and now accuses me of breaking the bone. I apologized to him if I had bumped into him on my fall down, (obviously, accidentally). Throughout this mess, I fell three times, and David never once asked how I was doing. But now, he's wailing like a child over a possible shoulder bump - one that I didn’t even see occur! Eventually, a kind and friendly man who was waiting for the water bus helped me up and out, while David continued cursing and screaming at me. As if that weren't enough, David maintained his accusations and harassment, now digitally, through text messages sent to me on the Viator platform in the days that followed. He persisted in saying that I injured his shoulder, causing him to need immediate medical attention, and that I also broke his boat. Funny thing is, he continued offering tours throughout this time. If one’s shoulder is fractured or broken, they couldn't and shouldn’t operate a boat. And if a boat is damaged, and not in working condition, it shouldn’t be transporting tourists until fixed completely. This disgusting individual is an habitual liar and con artist. Please, for your own safety and enjoyment, do not book this tour or any other with this provider. He’s irresponsible, negligent, psychotic, dangerous, and mean.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

if u dedicated the time that you need to write terrible reviews to washing and taking care of yourself and getting in shape (losing at least 50 kg) you would be miss world! instead you're a mass of rubbish who doesn't even know how to get on or off the boat! besides numerous taxis, you stayed for two days and even in the hotel you created a mess! the gondola with you sinks and find a person to help you! The glass on board is broken that you destroyed with your soft and nice body!! go back to Australia Go make a shower! Go use a parfum

An enjoyable atmosphere and trip

sam_f, Sep 2023

The captain/guide David was a pleasure he was very knowledgeable, he took us to some really nice places on the tour, would 100% recommend to others

Response from Host, Sep 2023

grazie!!!!!! was very nice afternoon with you and the other 2 couple!!!!

NOT A PRIVATE TOUR

Sara_C, Sep 2023

Where do I begin? When booking, we thought it would be nice to have a PRIVATE boat tour to the neighboring islands and decided to splurge a bit. At $415, having a boat and captain at our disposal seemed like a nice thing to do, but that's not at all how it turned out. We contacted the operator, David, to pick us up where we were staying on the Grand Canal. Before this, all our tours, taxis, everything had picked us up here. He made up an excuse that he couldn't pick us up here due to rules about who could access the Grand Canal at certain hours, so we'd have to walk about 20 mins to reach him instead. OK - this was fine, but Strike #1. Strike #2 was when we got there, he told us the boat tour was NOT Private as it indicated in the title of the tour. Only that it was a private boat, but that there would be 2 other couples, so 7 total people in his small boat. At $415, we were NOT expecting to be sharing the tour with anyone else, despite how lovely they may have seemed - nor were the other 2 couples who also paid over $400/couple and also thought the tour was PRIVATE. On quick research, other small group tours for the same islands were $40-50/couple, not the $415 we paid for a couple! Strike #2. So we get on our way, hoping for the best, b/c we would've forfeit our money altogether at this point. The other couples were also from the USA and we all got along well. We made it to the first island, Murano, where we watched a man create a glass structure. On the tour page, it said we'd be able to tour the city for 1 hour and walk around - we did none of that. We were given a little while to look around their extremely overpriced glass store, while David, the tour guide reminded us again and again that he didn't make a commission on anything that was purchased (this became a recurring theme). Strike #3. Strike #4 was shopping at David's pre-selected stores on Burano. He heartily and erroneously stated several times that he didn't make a commission on anything bought at the stores he took us too, but it was very clear that he did. Strike #5 in Torcello was at Venissa - a beautiful vineyard with a Michelin starred restaurant, the kind of place one really would want to stay and spend some time. We were given about 20 mins to drink a very quick glass of wine, that we had to purchase ourselves and told that if we wanted to stay for lunch, we'd have to pay another 120 Euro to be ferried back to Venice by the restaurant staff in their boat, b/c David had to leave. Strike #6 - prosecco and free water were in the tour description - neither happened. Strike #7 - when he dropped us back to Venice, he didn't even drop us off where he picked us up, in fact he dropped us further away from everything, by the hospital's emergency room entrance :) All in all, spending this hilarious trip with 2 other lovely couples was a nice day, but no thanks to David. David is a scam artist who shouldn't be allowed to advertise his tour the way he does on Viator. It is NOT PRIVATE and yet he charges 10x the price of any other small group tours.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

You get a private boat with max 8 pax on board!! It’s enough read the description and Viator give the possibility to chooise private boat or share boat! But if u don’t read… You pay 400 dollar for 4 hours boat plus 4 hours guide less viator commission and u think is only for 2? Very funny.. The shop is PRESELECTED to me, because in everyone there is one story about lace, Lino , coockie.. How can you see the last if I don't go inside the shop with a woman or persone that explain ? do I make last on boat my self?? very funny Madame You have 4 hours tour, if u want to stop on restaurant on the island, I can not wait u 2 more hours! You pay not me but the taxi to come back!! Water and wine is inside the boat, ask! If u don’t understand the art of Murano glass, it’s your problem! There are persone like u, that put the dirty fit to the pillows of the boat, leave plastic garbage on the island and try to scam me with bad rewiew to have money back! Also the 2 couple on board don’t like u and the old woman on board with us! Try to get the boat with 50 euro and you have 350/400 pax on the big boat! Please make a shower next time before stay in the middle of people and read all not only the title!

not worth the price- what you see is not what you get

Lina_L, Sep 2023

I've used Viator for a long time and all the tours i've taken are exactly as described, but not this one. I had high expectations on this tour and didn't mind paying a little extra for it, but my friends and i all agree that it was not what we expected. First, if you read the big bold letters on the name of this tour it says PRIVATE TOUR, so i thought it would be just the 3 of us, but it turned out there was another group of 5 people, so it was 8 instead of us 3. Luckly they were really nice people and we really enjoyed their company, but we had book a PRIVATE TOUR. Second, you don't really go to Murano. We only went to one place in Murano and it was to see a glass blower and then to a store for an hour. That's all we did in Murano, so i don't consider visiting Murano. Third, Burano was very nice, but we didn't spend enough time there since the guide only took us to specific stores. This felt more like a shopping tour. Last but certainly not least. We didn't visit Torcello at all because our guide decided that it was better to go to a winery instead. The winery was nice, but you had to pay 45 euros extra to get 2 wine tasting (which we didnt' pay). We were looking forward to see Torcello because we had seen the pictures and it looked like a colorful pretty little town, but we didn't get to see it because the guide felt it wasn't worth it since the church was closed, but we didn't care for the church as much as for the town itself. I don't recommend this tour at all. Its over priced for what you get. you are better off getting another tour that offer the same but for less.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Get a PRIVATE BOAT because my company is private! If you want an EXCLUSIVE boat just for you, just choose the option! THE COST IS HIGHER! Just read. Maybe grandmas you are capable... Murano is famous for glass! The whole island is dotted with shops selling glass objects. I'll take you to one of the three most famous VETRERIA (glass factory)! You have an exclusive guide who explains how from sand to glass!! what more do you want? Burano is famous for MERLETTO (LACE) so I enter IN the shop (entry only with reservation) and an exclusive WOMAN that explains how makes the lace! Burano is famous for wine (OMBRA) and Cicheto, masks, biscuits (which you eat for free) and linen! I'll take you and tell you the story of each of these things inside each shop/ostaria (local bar)/real auctony wine garden. You touch everything, otherwise it would be impossible to understand!! I offer you the possibility of also having a tasting with a sommelier, who also comes to the table for a glass of wine and explains to you, but if you don't understand anything about where we are and the local culture, you can very well stay in your hotel outside Venice to save money and return to your desolate country! Luckily there are many people who appreciate US TRUE VENETIANS AND HOW WE TELL OUR CITY IN 4 HOURS! hello and despite your sad life, thank you for visiting Venice! I forgot YOU DO NOT PLACE YOUR FEET ON THE CUSHIONS AND THE GARBAGE IS NOT THROWN ON THE GROUND OR HIDDEN IN MY BOAT!!

Best trip in Venice

Edward_F, Sep 2023

The whole trip was fun , captain was knowledgeable and has excellent boating skills . The tour he took us on was fun filled and enjoyable . We had a total of 6 people and he was able to field all our questions.