Exclusive Boat Tour Murano Burano torcello with Real Local Guide
Venice, Italy
Exclusive Boat Tour Murano Burano torcello with Real Local Guide
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Venice, Italy
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Get more out of your time in Venice than just gliding along the Grand Canal, and travel further afield with this exciting boat tour to see Murano, Burano, and Torcello. The group size is kept small to ensure a more intimate experience, and the local Venetian guide entertains you with stories along the way. You can also enjoy memorable island stops, including a Murano glass factory visit and a traditional mask workshop in Burano.
- Save time : Check off Murano and Burano on one trip
- Learn the secrets behind how glass objects are made
- Small-group experience makes it feel more personalized
- Hear fascinating stories from a guide who has grown up in Venice
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 176 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Davide was a fantastic local guide and skilled mariner. We did the upgraded tour and were very impressed with the glass factory, winery, lace makers. The lunch was delicious and we were on a beautiful patio.
Glass factory tour and showroom was terrific. Our guide David was very knowledgeable and practically knew every one we visited.
David was very personable, informative, and provided a superior personalized service. Highly recommend this for a first time to Murano and Burano.
The driver was rude unprofessional and made us feel unsafe to travel to Murano and Burono to visit the glass shop
Response from Host, Sep 2025
I'm really shocked, but you definitely didn't travel with my company!!!
This is a namesake of mine, with an old, slow, unsafe boat!
The boat operator was very aggressive and very, very rude in his communications to us day before the schedule trip. He asked if we would share the boat with others, how old I was, what was my date of birth, and then finally - - tried to get me to move my scheduled appointment from Wednesday to Thursday…. Since I was on two other via tours on Tuesday, 15 July, I had no Wi-Fi connection to receive any of his rude and forceful messages.
Finally, on the morning of the scheduled tour, the weather forecast was for thunder showers, wind gusts up to 19 miles an hour, and as the weather service quoted severe thunderstorms which we witnessed at 6:30 in the morning.
I sent the boat operator a text telling him it was unsafe for 68 year-old and 79 year-old people, who had limited experience in swimming and were fearful of the Thunder showers and lightning that was occurring in and around our hotel.
It was the worst experience I’ve ever had with a tour operator and would hope that via tour would intercede on my behalf and return my money.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Marano and Verano is not in the Venice lagoon! Probably u wrong operator!
In Venice we are very safety but on 15 July never rain and the water was calm and there is no wind!!!
I suggest, before leave the review like this, check the real esperience and what is the tour operator!
If the tour operator made a tour like me, the weather is ok! Mah
My travel guide David was excellent. He took us to the local shops and showed us the areas of the islands less traveled by tourists. Found us restaurants to eat in. Being born in Venezia he was very knowledgeable of the history.
We had a very nice afternoon on Davide’s stylish wooden boat. He took us to a very impressive Murano glass factory where we were treated to a demonstration of a couple of pieces being produced - we then went to the showroom where the quality and prices were both high :) he took us to a small agricultural island near Murano where there was the cutest pizza oven truck. Sitting in the shaded orchard eating our pizzas was a unique experience. We toured around the lagoon of some other islands, including Torcello, finally arriving in Burano where it was unfortunately too hot to truly enjoy, but it was extremely quaint and beautiful. Once there, Davide took us to sample some high quality made-in-Modena balsamic vinegars, delicious gelato, and a textiles shop that still produces lace in the traditional manner. After this we enjoyed the exhilarating boat ride back to Venice. Davide was friendly and charming and was clearly committed to showing us some unique experiences that we would have otherwise missed. In the summer, try to book this tour in the morning before it gets too hot! All in all, we had a great time spending the afternoon with Davide. He was even so kind as to share a few photos of our afternoon together after the tour. Highly recommended!
This tour was not what we expected as it primarily felt like a private taxi more than anything. David was incredibly kind and dropped us off at Murano and the glass factory was incredible. However, we did not get time to explore Murano outside of the glass factory. Another water taxi took us from Murano to Burano in which we had a couple hours to explore. We were limited in being able to explore Burano on our own until we had seen the lace factory which would only take place after the other party in our tour was done finishing their meal by which we only had 30 minutes. The lace factory was actually a lace shop we had walked past a couple times and could have explore that on our own time as there was no tour but a brief explanation of lace and we were given the rest of the time to shop the store. Would have enjoyed this tour if we had more time to explore the islands. We also only passed by Torcello and were not able to go on the island. I recommend getting a water taxi to go to both Murano and Burano on your own time/schedule rather than booking a tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Jessica , tour 30.5.25… 9.30 to 14.35 (plus extra pick up in zattere)
thank you very much for the review but what you write is absolutely untrue! I work with 96% of live in the Americans (Canada Brasil USA♥️) and they are always satisfied, I have fun with English and Australians. never a criticism about the time. In India, I have been, with you, and no one has given me anything and I have always respected the schedules!! if you choose a shared tour, and pay a little less than 200 euros for four hours, which then were 5, you have to adapt to the needs of others. the taxi from Venice to Burano, only once costs 180 euros, without a guide! the lace shop, does not enter without an appointment. if you want more time, you should have chosen the full day, because I have already given you an hour more I can't do! Torcello if there is no more time, it can't be done. I repeat you paid for 4 hours of boat you had 5! next time you get on a boat, don't put your feet on the cushions and if you have to eat on board, don't clean yourself like you did on the cushions because you don't have wipes!
We had a great tour with Claudia who was super knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend the day with. The glass factory was absolutely amazing, we could have sat there all day watching the master glassmaker and sipping Prosecco. We bought some wonderful pieces and the prices were fair. Burano was gorgeous and we sampled some excellent pastries and purchased some lovely pieces of lace. We then ended the tour with the most delicious lunch at Gatto Negro in Burano. A perfect day
Davide was really friendly and knowledgable. He showed us all the places we were hoping to see and was great with communication before the trip.
This was the very best way to see the islands of Murano and Burano! But even more than that, Davide wanted us to get an understanding of Venice and the artisans here. We saw how Venice looked like in the past before the city was built by going out into the lagoon to some of the very small islands there. Davide is the kind of person that knows everyone. He called ahead to the Murano glass and we found ourselves sitting in the workshop, drinking wine, and watching a teams of experts making glass pieces that would become a beautiful chandelier. It was like watching a ballet. Then we walked through room after room of amazing pieces of glass for us to purchase if we wanted. After that, we went to Burano and again met local artists who made balsamic vinegar and handmade lace. The entire experience was truly magical and I feel much more connected to Venice.
This was an excellent trip that blew my expectations out of the water! David was a great tour guide and truly gave us an inside look of Venetian life! Murano glass experience and burano tour were great- nice to get away from the crowded Venice traffic. Personalized tour with meeting local business owners and opportunity to purchase their products. If you want a memorable and personal experience- this is your choice
My wife and I had a wonderful morning with Davide and the others on our tour. Very personalized and Davide is a man of the people. Everyone we encountered knew and clearly loved him. Each shop spent time sharing their passions with us. We will never forget our time.
Learning about the art of lace making. Seeing masters of their craft in mask making and Venetian glass work.
Excellent tour with David, it was like touring the sites with a friend! He was very through in giving the history of the area and accompanied us through the glass factory tour and walking through Burano. The small group setting was an added bonus. Definitely recommend!
Davide picked us up on time at the designated spot in Venice. He was fantastic at communicating with us before the tour on all things Venice and the tour. His boat was perfect for our group and we took off for the Murano and the Mocenigo Glass Factory. It was the best tour and show room. Then we left for Burano and shopped at Eugenio (Mask shop), Dalla Lidia Merletti Arte, Burano Orchidea, and Artistico Bombon. A great tour with shopping and alot of history. I highly recommend.
Our tour guide and boat driver was David. He did an excellent job maneuvering around the annual non-powered boat “race”. We arrived at Murano island and were treated to an insider look at the craft behind Murano glass. After an opportunity to view chandeliers, statues, and other creative glassworks, we headed to Burano. We met with a mask-maker who still used paper mache to create their masks. And then we watched local craftswomen weave and stitch finely detailed lace. We learned a lot about the history and traditions of these other islands. Half-day trip ended with a lovely lunch on the Grand Canal, recommended by our tour guide.
DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR - guide does not show up then sends a text saying we were not at meeting point even though we were - guides friends work in restaurant where mth point is and told us he had not been there at all on day and even called his personal mobile for us - FRAUD as no refund given
Response from Host, Jul 2024
share boat start at 2 pm you arrive at 3.21 pm!!
Boat has a GPS on Board... Viator refuse your request because YOU Are a FRAUD!
We enjoyed the views from the boat. The small group was a great way to experience the islands. Michele, our driver and guide, provided interesting information about the islands and landmarks. One of the most enjoyable aspects was the ride through the canals surrounding Torcello. This was wonderful and definitely worth the money!
What a fun trip with Davide on his boat! My 14 year old daughter and I booked this trip to see Murano and Burano and we love being on smaller boats. This was perfect and so much fun! Davide is lively and colorful and will show you a more intimate side of these two historical islands. Watching the craftsmen create the handblown glass on Murano is remarkable and beautiful. Learning the history of these islands was equally as interesting and intriguing. My daughter and I especially loved learning about the handmade lace in Burano and how intricate and time consuming this art really is. We happened to catch a Regatta on our way back to Venice which was also very cool on its own. Overall we loved this part of our trip! Thank you Davide for making our day memorable and fun ❤️
Davide was great! Each island had a unique charm. We ended up getting a small item from Murano and Burano (glass ornament and lace handkerchief). Seeing Venice through the eyes of a Venitian and private boat tour was well worth it. Davide also ga e a great food suggestion for lunch.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Grazie Laura was a pleasure show u my city!!
enjoy the rest of holiday!!!!
From start to finish, this was an absolutely amazing experience.
Davide was punctual, attentive, friendly, and above all else, he was accessible. 3 generations of my family were on this adventure, ranging from a grandmother to a toddler, and Davide engaged with all of us as if we were old family friends.
We were picked up on time at the designated meeting spot, which was quite easy to locate. From there we departed in Davide's private boat, to the outer islands of the lagoon. Davide provided commentary about the scenery, answering our questions from a local's perspective.
Burano was our first stop, where we toured a lace shop & a mask shop; interacting with the proprietors. Our 6-year old daughter was treated like a little princess at both places, which anyone travelling with young children knows, the mood of a vacation is predicated upon the happiness of the child!! Since this was a private tour, we were given personalized access to the items being sold & the individuals who made the items. On the way back to the boat, we stopped for cookies, which definitely kept the 6-year old happy.
Our next stop was the small island of Mazzorbo, where Davide (using his local charm) set up an ad hoc wine tasting for my wife and I at Venissa. What an absolutely amazing & unexpected surprise. To learn the history of the Dorona di Venezia with Luka, an actual sommelier, was wonderful.
Our final stop of the day was the wonderful island of Murano, where Davide got us our own "private" tour of the glass making process. Again, we were given personalized access to one of the glass maker's gallery, where we had our own guide to answer all of our questions about the items being sold.
Davide returned us to the original meeting spot and assisted us with getting a table at the restaurant Algiubagio.
Overall, this was an absolutely amazing experience. To see the lagoon, alongside one of its native sons is a trip I highly recommend. Davide naturally exudes pride in his profession, his "home," and the Venetian people. At no point did we feel like tourists, which is worth the price of admission.
Ciao!!
Court Widmier
This was truly one of our highlights for Venice! Davide is a true local who was able to lift the veil and give us a glimpse into life behind the tourism. We had a wonderful time getting exclusive experiences with craftsman and shop makers, browsing the local shops and talking about the history of the islands. It was a fun day and Davide made it very relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re thinking about going out to Murano and Burano, don’t hesitate. Book this tour!
David, a native Venetian, made the trip special for us! My wife and I were the only ones on the tour. David picked us up from our hotel so we didn’t need to get a water taxi to the original meeting point. He communicated to us prior to the tour to answer any questions, provide instructions and our itinerary. He made us feel like family even before officially meeting him!
We spent our entire time on Murano and Burano. We didn’t make it to Torcello which was fine. Both islands were magical in different ways. The Murano glass making process was fascinating to watch. We loved touring their gallery and even purchased several artisan glass pieces.
David was very informative during the trip. We learned so much about the places we visited and saw on our boat trip.
Burano is absolutely beautiful! David knows many of the locals and artisans on the island. We purchased several of the products produced on the island - lace, linen clothing, cookie treats, etc. We enjoyed cocktails and sampled delicious gelato during our stay. Our only regret was that we couldn’t spend more time there and with David!
I won’t give all the details away - don’t hesitate to book! We booked a last minute and had an AMAZING time. Davide made sure we experienced all that the islands had to offer and then some. Definitely a bonus having a guide who grew up locally and knows everyone!
Really good experience. This is the trip you cannot forget. Highly recommended you to join. Daniel is a great guy to meet.
Very nice walk, David is very friendly, attentive, which makes the experience very fun. Recommend
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