Murano, Burano & Torcello: Small Group Guided Tour by Venetian Vintage Boat

Three islands by wooden boat

Most lagoon tours use standard motorboats. This one travels by traditional Venetian wooden boat, the kind that has navigated these waters for centuries. The small group format and guided visits to Murano, Burano, and Torcello make this a more personal and thorough exploration of the lagoon than standard itineraries offer.

Murano

On Murano, a private visit to a glass factory includes a live glassblowing demonstration. The small group means better views of the process and the chance to ask questions. Your guide explains the history of Murano glassmaking, from the 1291 decree that moved Venice's furnaces to the island through to the techniques still practised today.

Burano

Burano's painted houses create one of Italy's most photographed streetscapes. Your guide explains why the houses are coloured (fishermen identifying their homes through fog), points out the best viewpoints, and shares the island's lace-making heritage. The small group keeps the pace comfortable and the commentary audible.

Torcello

Torcello was settled before Venice itself and holds some of the oldest structures in the lagoon. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta contains Byzantine mosaics that predate those in St Mark's Basilica. With far fewer visitors than Murano or Burano, Torcello offers a glimpse of the lagoon before mass tourism arrived.

Book your lagoon tour tickets

See all three islands the authentic way. Book your vintage boat tour tickets today.