Things to do in
Venetian Lagoon

Venetian Lagoon: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass

Venice: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass

With this transportation pass, bypass the ticket lines and ride on Venice's public transport services. Climb aboard the public ship, known as the vaporetto, and explore the city by waterway. The ticket is valid for nearby areas and for buses in Mestre and Marghera. Begin traveling around Venice with your pass by first pausing at a vaporetto stop. Once you've acquired your ticket, head out with one of the unique water buses to your destinations. Cruise around the city and take in the sights for an hour or up to a full week, depending on your ticket. Make the most out of your ticket by journeying to area destinations, including Venice's surrounding islands. Experience the magic of Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello Island with the handy ticket that has you covered at every step of the way. Zip over to Mestre and Marghera with a bus.

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Explore the canals of Venice aboard a gondola. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as your gondolier takes you down narrow ways and along the Grand Canal. Learn about the city's palaces, churches, and attractions. Hear about local stories and the history of the gondola and gondoliers. During your journey, admire the Mozart’s House and pass by the magnificent La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal. Continue to the most important canal in Venice, the Grand Canal. Make your way towards the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and some of the stunning Venetian palaces that run alongside the canal, like Ca' Dolfin, Ca' Loredan, Grimani Palace, and many others. You will also see Punta de la Dogana and Saint Mark’s Basin before making your way back to Campo San Moisè.  Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Discover some of the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this full-day boat tour. Travel with your guide through Venice Lagoon on a panoramic vessel and enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Start your day of adventure by boarding a comfortable panoramic boat as you set off from St. Mark's. Learn about the islands from your host along the way. Take in the sights of this ancient city for around 30 minutes until you reach your first destination, Murano. Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration with a glass master accompanied by a historical explanation of the craft. Stop by the souvenir store at the glass factory and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your purchases. Your scheduled time in Murano also includes free time to explore on your own. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colorful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island. Travel to your final stop, Torcello. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the island and visit historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. Finish your adventure with a 1-hour trip back to Venice taking in the breathtaking ambiance of the Venetian lagoon.

Venice: Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

Venice: Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

Discover the most charming and famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this half-day excursion. Marvel at the beautiful surroundings of Venice and learn more about Venetian life and traditions. Start your journey in a comfortable panoramic boat leaving from the St. Mark's area and reach the island of Murano in around 30 minutes. You will be welcomed to a glass factory to see a glass-blowing demonstration made by a glass master. You can purchase some craft souvenir items in the shop with an exclusive 10% discount. Head next to Burano Island. Immerse yourself in its quaint and colorful houses for just over an hour. On Burano, admire the fishermen's houses painted in bright colors to find their way home when returning from the sea. The island is also known internationally for its rare artisan lace. Close the mooring dock in the island center, observe the lace makers and enjoy your time relaxing or buying the typical biscuits made on the island: i bussolai. Board newly to go back to Venice and enjoy the quiet nature of the Venetian lagoon

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Spend some time on the most famous Venetian islands, known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, craft traditions, and unique history. See a glass factory in Murano, visit a lace shop in Burano, and enjoy free time in Torcello. Depart from near Saint Mark’s Square or Santa Lucia Train Station, and take an enjoyable trip across Saint Mark’s Basin. On the boat, a live guide will illustrate the history of the lagoon and the three islands you will visit.  Your first stop will be the island of Murano, sometimes referred to as the “Island of the Glass.” Spend 30 minutes visiting one of its famous glass factories and see the glass being manufactured and blown.  Enjoy about 15 minutes of free time on Murano before heading to Torcello, the most ancient of the inhabited islands. Continue to Burano, admiring the natural environment and the minor islands spread all around you. Enjoy some free time in Burano, a typical fishing island with colorful contrasts and chocolate-box-painted houses. Look out, too, for much evidence of its renowned lace-making and embroidery industry, and try some of Burano’s notable homemade cakes. Please note that once on the ground, this is not a guided tour. The guide will escort you to the glass factory in Murano and the lace shop in Burano. Afterward, you will have time to explore each island on your own.

Venice: Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes

Venice: Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes

Embrace the timeless tradition of traveling by water, just as Venetians have done for centuries. Bid farewell to traffic jams and embrace the mesmerizing vistas of the Venetian Lagoon as you make your way from Marco Polo Airport to Venice's vibrant core. To begin your journey, exchange your voucher at the activity provider's travel office to receive your ticket. The meeting point indicated is the closest office to the pier. Before boarding the boat, make sure to validate the ticket using the stamping machines or request assistance from a crew member. Explore the city at your own pace. After discovering the allure of Venice's landmarks, relax knowing you have up to 30 days to activate your return ticket. Soak up the charm of Murano and Lido, experience Venice's beautiful center, and visit the bustling cruise terminal with ease. Depending on the option selected, your ticket is valid for the below lines. All head in the direction of or departing from Marco Polo Airport and stop by some of Venice's main attractions: Blue line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Museum - Murano Colonna - Fondamente Nove - Hospital - Basins - Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta - Arsenale - San Zaccaria Jolanda - Piazza San Marco Giardinetti - Zattere - Giudecca Hotel Hilton Molino Stucky Orange line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Colonna - Madonna dell'Orto - Guglie (Railway) - San Stae - Rialto - Sant'Angelo - Ca' Rezzonico - Santa Maria del Giglio - Piazza San Marco Giardinetti Red line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Museum - Certosa - Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta - Arsenale - San Zaccaria Jolanda - Piazza San Marco

Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Glass Factory Tour

Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Glass Factory Tour

Sail across the emerald waters of the Venice lagoon on this full day trip to the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello. Choose from an option with a shuttle transfer from S. Lucia Train Station to the departure point in San Marco or pick a tour option that meets in San Marco.  Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi in the morning and glide through the Lagoon of Venice. Admire views from the boat's panoramic terrace and listen to commentary from your guide.  Upon arrival at your first stop, Murano, find out why the island is renowned for its glassworks with a visit to a local glass factory. Watch a skilled artisan during a glass processing demonstration. Afterward, have approximately an hour on the island for shopping in one of the many glass shops. Next, head for Burano, which is known for its lacework and brightly colored houses. Follow your guide to the heart of the town and have 2 hours of free time to purchase a nice lunch, typical Venetian aperitifs, or get an ice cream at one of the many cafes.  Venture from Burano to Torcello, the first center of civilization in the estuary. Spend an hour of free time where you can go to see the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Return to San Marco in the early evening. 

From Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat

From Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat

Escape the crowds of central Venice and catch a glimpse of what life in the city used to be like, as an island of artisans famous for their traditional craft skills, passed down from generation to generation. Your guide will keep you entertained on the short boat ride to the small island of Murano, famous for its glass making traditions. Find out the facinating story of Murano glassblowers and how their skills were so valued they were banned from leaving Venice on the threat of execution. Watch a craftsman in action and listen to a description of the process in English. Learn how silica sand becomes glass, and how the glass is given color. Afterwards, there will be time to browse the huge collection of glass art, and wander the island on your own. Cruise to the tiny island of Burano to see the brightly-painted houses huddled tightly together along streets and canals. Uncover Burano’s centuries-old lacemaking tradition as you visit a building where women still partake in this tradition of stitching lace. Your guide will explain the process of this dying art. Then, you can follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and pick out your own keepsake. Or, wander the winding streets, sampling delicious cookies at local bakeries. Unlike other tours, this excursion intentionally omits Torcello to provide you with more time on Murano and Burano, and with less time on the boat or trekking inland.

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels at the starting point of your tour.

Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

Relax on a boat with large windows and open spaces, for your hop-on hop-off tours of Venice. Take the tour all in one go to get a good first overview of Venice, or stop off on the way where and for how long it suits you best. Explore Venice and Murano and Burano by a comfy boat. Get on and off at St. Mark and Murano and learn fascinating stories using your audioguide. You will have the opportunity to see a demonstration at a glasswork factory. Get on at your preferred stop and enjoy panoramic views from the wide windows on the covered boat or from the open space. Kids 0-5 and pets travel for free. Family deals available. Boat tour stops: LINE A: Santa Lucia Railway station (in front of KFC restaurant) - Tronchetto (in front of the Flixbus Stop) - San Marco (in front of Royal Gardens) - Murano (in front of ELLEGI MURANO GLASS) - Zattere (Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo) - Tronchetto - Santa Lucia Railway Station LINE B: Punta Sabbioni (desk located between Pier 4 and 5) - Murano (in front of ELLEGI MURANO GLASS) - Torcello - Burano (Fondamenta del Pizzo) - Punta Sabbioni

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What people are saying about Venetian Lagoon

Overall rating

4.2
(25,400 reviews)

Our guide Frankie was the sweetest, most knowledgeable lady. I’ve met so far on my trip. She was like a knowledge and cyclopedia, was incredibly interactive with a team, and very kind. I would go on more guided tour with Frankie any day!!

I thought Antonella was a very nice and informative guide, really enjoyed the glassblowing demonstration and nice opportunities to wander around on your own as well

Paola was the most kind and informativ person, simply the perfect guide, the tour was all and more that I could wish for, Grazie mille

Elly was so good and explained the tour politely and well experienced. I would give Elly 5 stars

More time in Burano, not enough time to shop and eat