Escape the tourist crowds and take a step back in time with a boat tour of Murano and Burano. This half-day journey lets you explore two of Venice’s most iconic islands, known for their rich history and world-famous craftsmanship. Discover the ancient arts of glassblowing and lacemaking, both passed down through generations. This boat tour Murano Burano experience will give you a unique insight into the authentic Venice that most visitors miss.
Your adventure begins at a central meeting point in Venice, where you’ll board a comfortable boat and set sail for the enchanting island of Murano. As you cruise through Venice’s waterways, your expert English-speaking guide will share fascinating stories about the sights along the way. In no time, you’ll arrive at Murano, known worldwide for its extraordinary glass artistry.
Murano’s glassblowers were once the only people in Europe who knew how to make mirrors. Their craft was so valuable that they were forbidden from leaving Venice under threat of execution. Today, the laws have changed, but the craftsmanship remains the same. You’ll witness this incredible skill firsthand as the boat tour Murano Burano takes you to a glassblower’s workshop. Here, you’ll see a master glassblower at work, demonstrating the time-honored techniques used to create beautiful glass pieces. It’s a rare opportunity to glimpse a craft that has shaped Venice’s history for centuries.
After your visit to Murano, hop back on the boat for the next leg of your journey: the colorful island of Burano. As you approach, you’ll immediately notice the island’s vibrant houses, painted in bright shades that reflect Burano’s unique charm. According to local legend, fishermen began this tradition of painting their homes in bold colors so they could spot them from afar while out at sea.
However, Burano is not just famous for its colors. The island is also renowned for its centuries-old lacemaking tradition. During your boat tour Murano Burano, your guide will lead you through the charming streets of Burano to a lace workshop, where local women still practice this intricate craft by hand, just as their mothers and grandmothers did before them. Despite the rise of sewing machines, these artisans continue to preserve the traditional methods of lacemaking, making it a truly rare and special art form.
As you explore the lace workshop, you’ll hear stories about how even Michelangelo admired Burano’s lace, purchasing an altarpiece for Milan’s Duomo during his visit. Take your time to admire the delicate lace pieces on display, each one a testament to the island’s enduring artistic legacy.
This boat tour Murano Burano offers an authentic glimpse into Venice’s history and culture, far from the crowded tourist areas. You’ll not only enjoy the beauty of the islands, but also experience the living traditions that make them unique. Whether you’re intrigued by glass art, colorful landscapes, or intricate lacework, this tour promises an unforgettable Venetian experience.
The tour includes:
- Glassmaking demonstration at a factory in Murano
- Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano
- Discount at the glassblowing and lace-making shop where the demonstrations are given (10%+ depending on the item)
- Round-trip transportation by private boat
- Small groups of 20 people or fewer
- Expert, English speaking guide
Duration
Up to 5 hours
Meeting point
At the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on a horse in Riva degli Schiavoni (San Zaccaria vaporetto stop), in front of the lagoon.