Discover the beauty of Murano, Burano and Torcello through these captivating images.
Escape the bustling streets of Venice and embark on a colorful adventure to the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. These islands, nestled in the Venetian Lagoon, offer a delightful contrast to Venice's grandeur, with their vibrant houses, historic craft traditions, and tranquil atmosphere. Each island reveals a different side of Venetian heritage: Murano’s legendary glass furnaces, Burano’s rainbow-bright fishermen’s houses, and Torcello’s peaceful medieval roots. Together they create a perfect contrast to the city’s grandeur. A Murano, Burano and Torcello boat tour lets you discover artisan traditions, quiet canals, and stories that shaped the Republic — all in one unforgettable day on the water.
A scenic, no-fuss day trip covering Murano, Burano, and Torcello—three of Venice’s most iconic islands, each with its own charm and cultural highlights.
Getting started
Begin your journey from either St. Mark’s Square or the Venice Santa Lucia railway station. Show your voucher at the meeting point and hop on board—no need for printed tickets or prior planning. A host will guide you onto the panoramic boat.
What to expect
Murano
Famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition.
Visit a working glass factory and watch artisans craft delicate pieces in a live glassblowing demo.
Enjoy around 1 hour of free time to explore glass shops and pick up a souvenir.
Burano
Known for its lace-making heritage and colorful, photogenic homes.
Follow your guide to the town center, then enjoy 2 hours to explore on your own.
Grab a seafood lunch, sip a spritz, or relax with gelato along the canal.
Torcello
The oldest island in the lagoon and a peaceful contrast to the others.
Wrapping up
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Pets are welcome aboard, provided they are well-leashed. Please keep a muzzle on-hand.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Boats depart on time after each island stop. Listen carefully to onboard announcements and return promptly.
Photos are allowed during the glass-blowing demo, unless otherwise stated onsite.
Murano, Burano and Torcello tours bring together craftsmanship, color, and history in a way central Venice simply can’t. In Murano, master artisans continue centuries-old glassblowing traditions inside working furnaces and elegant showrooms. Burano charms with vividly painted homes, leaning bell towers, and fine lace heritage that once made the island famous across Europe. Torcello offers something entirely different: wide green spaces, ancient churches, and a sense of calm that feels worlds away from the crowds. Walking here means stepping into Venice’s earliest beginnings.
Visiting these islands provides an escape from the crowds of Venice, offering a more intimate and authentic experience of the region's culture. Exploring the islands' narrow streets, sampling local delicacies, and interacting with friendly residents creates lasting memories. Combined in one itinerary, the three islands create a varied, immersive experience across the lagoon.
Booking Murano Burano island tours from Venice online is the easiest way to secure your preferred experience in advance. Availability is limited in peak months, and the most popular departures often sell out days ahead.
On our platform, you can compare different ways to explore the lagoon: classic tours visiting Murano, Burano and Torcello, shorter routes focusing on the two most famous islands, or Murano-only trips with a glass factory visit. Prefer to explore independently? You can also choose transport passes that let you reach the islands on your own schedule.
Pre-booking allows you to review itineraries, durations, and inclusions, helping you select the option that best matches your travel style while benefiting from verified tickets and attractive online deals.
Murano's history is intertwined with the art of glassmaking, dating back to the 13th century when Venetian glassmakers were relocated to the island to reduce the risk of fires in Venice. Over time, Murano became a center of glass production, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative techniques.
Burano's history is linked to its fishing industry and lacemaking traditions. The island's colorful houses are said to have originated as a way for fishermen to easily identify their homes from the sea. Lacemaking became a prominent industry on Burano in the 16th century, with intricate designs adorning clothing and home décor.
Tour times for Murano Burano Island Tours from Venice vary. Tours typically depart Venice in the morning, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and return in the afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The specific departure and return times will depend on the tour operator and the duration of the tour. Check the tickets on this page with the tour operator for exact times.
The ideal time to visit Murano and Burano is during the spring or fall. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. Visiting during the weekdays can also help you avoid some of the crowds.
Before reserving your Murano Burano island tour from Venice, keep these practical points in mind:
Visiting the three islands in one journey lets you experience completely different sides of the Venetian Lagoon in a single day. You move from Murano’s centuries-old glassmaking traditions to Burano’s postcard-perfect rainbow houses, and finally to Torcello’s peaceful, almost rural atmosphere where Venice’s story began.
The contrast is what makes the trip special. After the intensity of Venice, the lagoon feels open, authentic, and unhurried. You’ll watch artisans at work, wander quiet canals, enjoy local cafés, and discover historic churches surrounded by nature. For many travelers, this becomes one of the most memorable days of their Italian itinerary — a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and fresh air beyond the city crowds.
Most Murano Burano Island tours from Venice include round-trip boat transport, a Murano glassblowing demonstration, and free time in Burano. Some itineraries also continue to Torcello for additional sightseeing.
You can reach Murano and Burano by public vaporetto, but many travelers prefer organized Murano Burano Island tours from Venice that bundle boat transfers, schedules, and local guidance. Some options include Torcello as well.
Sailing time from Venice to Murano is usually about 30–45 minutes. From Murano to Burano, expect roughly another 30 minutes. If Torcello is included, it’s a short additional hop.
Most Murano Burano Island tours from Venice last around 4–6 hours in total. Trips that also visit Torcello may run longer depending on the pace and stops.
The islands themselves have no entry fee. However, certain sites such as the Murano Glass Museum or Torcello’s cathedral complex require separate admission.
Murano is internationally known for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, with furnaces, workshops, and showrooms spread across the island.
Burano is loved for its rainbow-colored fishermen’s houses and its historic lace craftsmanship, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the lagoon.
Torcello is known for its peaceful rural atmosphere and its extraordinary early Christian heritage. Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its Byzantine mosaics, the Church of Santa Fosca, and sweeping lagoon views from the bell tower.
The most convenient way to visit Murano, Burano and Torcello is by joining a guided tour from Venice. These tours typically include round-trip transportation by boat.
Alternatively, you can take a public vaporetto (water bus) from Venice to Murano, then to Burano and/ or Torcello. Vaporetto lines 12 and 14 connect Venice to Murano and Burano.
