Murano and Burano Tour: Discover the 2 Islands in Half a Day
Dedicate a few hours of your stay in Venice to discovering the marvellous little islands of the lagoon: the glass-maker island of Murano, colourful Burano, Torcello and its glorious past! If you are traveling to Venice and you have very little time, but you would still like to take a trip to the most famous Venice islands, join this boat tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello!
WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?
- Get a flavour of the Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands!
- You can see the master blowers at work in a Murano glass factory!
- Visit the lace shops of Burano and take photos of colorful houses!
Price
Morning 2 islands tours
Departure Piazzale Roma/train station
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- Full price: 30 €
- Children between 4-10 years: 15 €
- Free up to 3 years
Departure St Marsk Square/ Cornoldi
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- Full price: 25 €
- Children between 4-10 years: 15 €
- Free up to 3 years
Afternoon 2 islands tour
Departure only from St Marsk Square/ Cornoldi
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- Full price: 25 €
- Children between 4-10 years: 15 €
- Free up to 3 years
Availability
Look at the updated calendar
Duration
from 4.5 to 5 hours
Features
- Pet Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Accessible with public transport
These half-day trips offer the opportunity to visit both Murano and Burano in just five hours. It’s perfect for those with limited time!
However, based on our experience, visiting two islands in half a day can be quite challenging. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider our Torcello Murano Burano Islands Tour: Full-day Venice Lagoon.
This full-day excursion includes a stop in Torcello to explore the ancient roots of Venice and visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. You can also opt for a package that includes lunch. Click on the image for more information.
These half-day trips offer the possibility to visit Murano, Burano in an half day (5 hours) during the morning or the afternoon. It is perfect if you do not have so many time at your disposal!
Murano and Burano: practical informations of the tour
Departure Options:
- Near Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia Railway Station: Convenient for those staying in Mestre/mainland, arriving by train, or staying in the Cannaregio area.
- Next to St Mark’s Square (Cornoldi): Ideal for those staying near St Mark’s Square.
Availability:
- Tours are available in the morning or afternoon throughout the entire year.
Included:
- A multilingual guide providing explanations during the boat trip.
- Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on each island.
- In Murano, a visit to a glass factory with a free glass-blowing demonstration.
- In Burano, a visit to a renowned lace shop with a demonstration of Burano lace production.
- Free time to explore each island independently.
Half-day tour Burano and Murano: program
Please find below the itineraries for the two available tours, with some important details:
Kindly note that the provided itineraries and timetables are indicative and subject to potential changes for organizational purposes.
Starting April 1st, 2024, departures from both Piazzale Roma and San Marco will be shifted 15 minutes earlier. However, the duration of stops on the islands and return times to the departure points will remain unchanged. This adjustment aims to better manage high visitor volumes.
Murano Burano island morning tour
- 10.30 am – Departure Piazzale Roma – train station
- 11.00 am – Departure Cornoldi, San Marco
- Navigation to Murano. Free time in Murano (1 hour 15 min), including a glass blowing demonstration
- Navigation to Burano with free time to explore Burano (1 hour 15 min)
- 3.30 pm – Arrival in St. Mark’s Square and end of tour. The tour ends at San Marco.
- Between the return to San Marco and the departure for the return to Piazzale Roma/ S. Lucia there is approximately 2 hours of free time available
- 5.30 pm -Departure to Piazzale Roma / S. Lucia station
- 6.00 pm – arrival a Piazzale Roma – train station.
Murano Burano island afternoon tour (1pm -5.30pm) only from S. Marco
- 1 pm Departure Riva degli Schiavoni (near San Marco).
- 1.30 pm Arrival in Murano, visit to a famous glassworks for glass demonstration and free time (around 1 hour on the island).
- 3 pm Arrival in Burano famous for its lace and colorful houses – (around 1 hour 30 min on the island)
- 5.30 pm Arrival in San Marco/Cornoldi
Venetian Lagoon Day Tour: the highlights
Murano island
The story of Murano is all about glass. This small island near Venice has been famous for making glass for almost a thousand years. Back in the 8th century, Venice moved all the glassmakers to Murano to stop fires caused by their furnaces on the mainland. They also wanted to keep their glassmaking secrets safe. Since then, Murano has been the center of the glass industry. The glass masters there are known all over the world for their amazing skills. They’ve come up with new techniques and artistic styles that have made Murano famous in Europe and beyond.
Craftsmen use hollow rods to blow air into the hot, melted material, shaping it into different things like vases and fancy sculptures.
Besides blowing, Murano is famous for its molding methods. Glass experts use molds made of clay or metal to shape the melted glass into specific designs, making it possible to create lots of identical pieces or intricate patterns.
Over time, Murano has kept making beautiful glass pieces, like fancy chandeliers and delicate art objects. People from all over the world come to see and buy these amazing creations.
Today, Murano is still all about glass. You can watch glassblowing demos, check out glass museums, and even buy glass pieces from the masters themselves. It’s a place where the tradition of making incredible glass still lives on.
Burano island
Burano is a gem in the Venetian Lagoon, known for its colorful houses and its delicate lace.
This charming island has a long history that stretches back to ancient times. But it really made a name for itself during the Middle Ages as a bustling fishing village. Fishermen painted their houses in bright colors to stand out from the sea, a tradition that continues today and draws visitors from all over the globe.
But Burano isn’t just about its colorful facades. It’s also famous for its intricate lace-making, a tradition that started in the 16th century when fishermen’s wives began crafting lace to supplement their families’ incomes. Today, visitors can see this beautiful craft in action at workshops scattered throughout the island.
In essence, Burano’s fascinating history, lively colors, and artisanal flair make it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Venetian Lagoon.
Torcello island
Torcello has a storied past dating back to ancient times. Initially established as a prosperous Roman settlement in the Venetian Lagoon, its strategic location made it a vital trading post. However, with the onset of barbarian invasions, Torcello transitioned into a refuge for fleeing residents, becoming a bastion of safety amidst turbulent times.
The zenith of Torcello’s prominence arrived in the 9th century when it thrived as a bustling urban center. With a population exceeding 20,000 inhabitants, the island boasted an array of architectural marvels, including churches, palaces, and the establishment of a bishopric. This period marked Torcello as a hub of economic activity and religious influence in the region.
Despite its flourishing status, Torcello’s prosperity waned over the centuries due to various factors such as outbreaks of malaria, recurrent invasions, and shifts in maritime trade routes. The dwindling population gradually transformed the island into a tranquil retreat, far removed from its bustling past.
Today, Torcello stands as a testament to its rich history, with its serene ambiance punctuated by remnants of its glorious past. Among its most renowned attractions is the Santa Maria Assunta basilica, renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s illustrious heritage.
Transportation to the islands: is it better to go on a tour or to use your ACTV passes?
To join Murano from Venice or Burano, you have a few options to consider.
One way to get around is by using ACTV passes for public transportation in water bus. These passes let you travel to the islands as much as you want for 24, 48, 72 hours, or even longer. They’re handy if you like exploring on your own and want the freedom to check out museums and stuff at your own speed. Just keep in mind, during busy times like summer and weekends, the ACTV stops can get crowded, which means long lines and maybe delays getting on the boats.
Another choice is renting a private water taxi. You can plan your own route and schedule, enjoying a fancy ride across the Venetian Lagoon without dealing with the crowds and lines of public transit. But it’s gonna cost you more.
The highly recommended option might be going with a guided tour. You get flexibility with the schedule, competitive prices, and organized visits. These tours usually include easy transportation to the islands, guided tours of the main sights, and tips from local guides.
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