The glass blowing demonstration was great, but we didn't see anything else on that island. The island with the old church and museum would have probably been nice if it weren't so cold outside. We were there in the off-season (october, early November), and the museum was closed. One of the churches was free to go into the other one had scaffolding and renovations and was charging for entry. Then the island that specialized in lace was great for photos, but was strictly a shopping experience.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Tour Leader
- Travel by shared motor boat between Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello
- Visit a glass-blowing factory at Murano
Excludes
- Entrance fees to Torcello Church
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED
- Pets are not allowed
- Restroom on board
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- The tour departs from Santa Lucia Railway Station 30 minutes before the departure in San Marco. Please exchange your voucher at the Railway Station inside the INFO POINT ticket office ( ALILAGUNA DESK) outside the station, at the corner of the Scalzi church 15 minutes before the departure
Return
- The tour departs from Santa Lucia Railway Station 30 minutes before the departure in San Marco. Please exchange your voucher at the Railway Station inside the INFO POINT ticket office ( ALILAGUNA DESK) outside the station, at the corner of the Scalzi church 15 minutes before the departure
Itinerary
Navigate through the Venetian Lagoon to reach the islands and enjoy the view!
The island of Murano is the first stop of this excursion: you will have a chance to enter a glass factory and see the masters working the glass as they have been doing for centuries and then visit the center of the island.
Second stop of this half day excursion is Burano, famous for the colorful fishermen's houses and for the traditional handmade laces.
Torcello is the third and last stop of this tour. The island is the first to be inhabited in the Venetian lagoon and still shows the traces of its origins.
The church of Santa Fosca stands in the main square of Torcello and is a fine example of venetian-byzantine style.
In the middle of Torcello stands the ancient Attila's throne.
Cross the Devil's Bridge which still preserves the shape of the ancient Venetian bridges
The boat leaves from St'Mark's Square, which you will have the chance to admire from a different perspective.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Good day out. Great way to see the main islands to the north. 50 mins is a little bit short but still worth it. The price is very reasonable.
An insightful way to see a couple more islands surrounding Venice. This is in fact a very chill way to take in Venice’s surroundings. It is a long trip so go prepared with snacks and perhaps take a jumper/ jacket with you as it can be a bit colder. The tour guide was very insightful and provided lots of knowledge and information about the islands. We thoroughly enjoyed this and thought it was well worth the money.
This tour was great! You got to see some of the small islands that are close to Venice. I really enjoyed how small the islands were so you can walk around and see the local shops.
Just buy the ferry ticket E25. The tour guide offered nothing. Plus when she did commentate the PA on the ferry was so bad it was just noise.
Pros: It was a beautiful day. Guide spoke 3 languages and provided basic info on visiting ports . Boat ride provided amazing views of the inner parts of Venice. All staff were pleasant. Cons: Very confusing direction to get to meeting point. Stay at ports were short. I would have loved to look and shop more at Murano & Burano. I could have easily skipped Torcello in order to stay longer at the other two.
Ticket information: Booking reference: 1410955377 Experience date: 10-25-2026 Start time: 10:30 Meeting point: Cannaregio, 54, 30120 Venezia VE, Italy Tour Operator: Bucintoro Viaggi +390415210632
The directions for they're meeting point was NOT use friendly. We missed our original tour and we were able to get another tour the same day. The tour guide was very loud and it was too loud to sit inside the boat. When asked to turn down the speaker, she did and it was much better. There information she provided was interesting. Murano was terrific and very worth it. Watching the glass blowing was so impressive. Burano was nice. Definitely worth it
Misleading as we were told it ended where we got picked up, yet it ended on the other side of the island and then we had to find our way back. We also couldn’t understand the guide at all which was disappointing. All in all, okay tour but kinda slow and drug out. The meeting spot was also horrible as you had to redeem your ticket on one side then run to the complete other end of the pier to board despite buying tickets online.
the islands were beautiful, but the 'tour' spent most of the time reviewing rules, and was in 4 different languages, given over a loudspeaker. Constant annoying noise. Instructions indicatrd that the tour guide would have a green umbrella. nope! i wish we had just visited the islands on the ferry, rather than take the 'tour', which provided almost no information of interest.
This was so much fun, but it needs to be longer. A half day is not long enough. We got just enough to want more. A little taste of Murano, Burano and Torcello. If you really want to explore, you won’t have enough time at any of the 3 island. They’re all so unique!
Me and my wife had a good time The guide was very friendly. We were talking with him for a while on the trip
They left me behind at the first island, Murano. They said to be back at the boat at 3:50. Fair. They wasted our time on the island (45 mins) with a mandatory glass blowing session (about 15 mins). And then escorted us to the viewing floor to buy souvenirs. Cheap, a bit tactless, but fair. I went to get a quick cicheto (a snack) at a nearby bar. The bar service is slow, but I hustle out at 3:40 and run to the boat. Thank god I make it there with a minute to spare: the boat is casting off at least 2 minutes early. No response on the phone. No one to call. They’ve marooned me on an island. Miserable experience. There is a reason this “tour” is so cheap. I paid more in boat tickets back than I did for the actual “tour.”
To begin with I was born in Venice and I wanted to take my friend with me to explore the three islands because we had limited time available, so this option was the most appropriate one! Since we were hopping on the boat in San Marco, there was one stop left to go to pick up people, then we were off to the islands. We liked to go to Murano and he enjoyed so much seeing how the glass was made and how easily it could break if it’s not cooled in the right way. There was enough time left to take a coffee and be in front of the boat some minutes prior to the disembarking. I was so excited to show him Torcello because it’s my favorite island of the three. It’s quiet and it has so much history within it that we asked the tour operator if we could stay there and catch the next one. Beware, this is not a service where headcounts are done, and the tour operator does say many times at what time the boat leaves, hence the minutes prior we headed to the boat in Murano. We visited the Byzantine church and the clock tower from which all the islands can be seen from the top. It was incredible, as a kid I didn’t even go there for that. I used to go there to eat and have good times with my parents because there is where one with a boat goes 🤗 I was so glad that Torcello made a good impression on my friend! Then we were off to Burano with its beautiful colored houses and its yellow biscuits. He loved it! We loved the tour, Elena’s way to explain each island was a nice way to get away from the crowds in Venice. I’m so grateful that I took this tour and I got to appreciate again my city 🦁♥️
Hard to hear the guide, especially in the back of the boat. We enjoyed the tour but it is essentially a boat that takes you to three places, drops you off, and picks you up to go to next place about 50 minutes later. Glass blowing demo was amazing. This was what I expected and wanted, but you are own your own most of the time.
We arrived at the meeting point on time, received a map showing how to reach the boat pickup location, and were told which boat to board. After that, however, there was no one to explain how the excursion would work or what we should expect. As the boat approached various ports, the only announcements were solely of the port names. When we reached the first stop, we watched passengers disembark while others boarded, and then the boat continued on its route. It was not until we reached the last pickup port that a young woman boarded and finally provided some information. We were relieved to receive guidance at last, but unfortunately that relief was short lived. On organized excursions, it is standard practice to clearly identify meeting locations and return times before allowing guests to explore on their own. When it was time to rejoin the group, however, the guide had changed their clothes and gave no indication of her new waiting spot. There was no sign, umbrella, paddle, flag, or any other identifying marker that would allow passengers to locate her easily. Instead, everyone was left to figure things out on their own. Some passengers waited at the original meeting point, while others joined the general boarding queue for the next boat. Not sure if everyone had boarded the same vessel, there appeared to be no system in place to ensure that all tour participants were present and accounted for before departure. At no point did we observe a proper headcount or any process to confirm that all members of the excursion had safely returned before the boat left. On one occasion, I witnessed several members of our group running toward the boat after the gangway had already been raised. The guide simply told them they were late and that the tour was on a schedule. The boat then departed. Looking back, that situation could easily have happened to me. I could have been standing exactly where I had been told to wait, only to discover that the boat was leaving without me. The only reason we boarded correctly was because my travel companion noticed a group gathering near a boat and went to investigate. Fortunately, that turned out to be the boat was going to the next island. The entire experience left us feeling anxious and uncertain. Rather than enjoying the excursion, we were constantly worried about missing a departure or being left behind on one of the islands. Overall, the guide gave the impression that she had little interest in leading the excursion or ensuring that participants understood the arrangements. More importantly, there seemed to be very little concern for whether everyone in the group was accounted for and able to continue safely with the tour. A guided excursion should provide clear communication, coordination, and peace of mind, not leave passengers wondering whether they might be stranded on an island. This experience also reinforced for us why many cruise passengers prefer booking excursions directly through the cruise line rather than through a third-party provider. When communication and coordination break down, the perceived savings may not be worth the added stress and uncertainty.
There was a guide on the trip but other than flirting with boat pilot I think she would have rather been any place else. She may have had good information to share on the journey but we could not understand anything due to a loud boat and poor PA system. When the tour was over, she was the first off the boat and we never saw her. The ride and time on the three islands was worth the price of the ticket. We would have enjoyed more time on each island so if we ever return we would just take the water is and not a tour.
Very little time in each place, rushed from one place to the next, tour operators were very gruff and insisted they would leave without us if we weren't timely.
Burano was beautiful! We wished we had more time there. Murano was interesting watching the glass blowing and the time spent at Torcello was too much as after seeing the major site attractions the rest of the small island was closed down for season
Great way to see the islands in half a day from Venice. They’re a must if you’re visiting for the first time
So much fun traveling to 3 islands, each unique & away from the usual museums and maddening crowds. Amazing price. Spacious, covered boat with availability to open windows. I enjoyed it more than the gondolas. Nice small group versus larger tours with other companies. I hiighly recommend this tour. Better, by far, than any ship excursion ever! Loved it!!
We enjoyed being able to see these places. You don’t get a lot of time at each stop. It is very rushed. Most of your time is spent on the boat.
This was a great way to see more islands. But know theres on really somewhere to eat on the last drop..
Our experience was a disaster and we did not get to take the tour. I checked days in advance to try to locate the voucher redemption point as well as the departure point and just got bad info, likely because of english speaking italians that didnt really comprehend my needed info. On day of, we were directed to a waiting queue with reassurances that we were in the right spot. Upon loading it was determined and finally understood that we were in a regular ferry line instead of the Viator excursion. We were then directed down the canal (at 10:10) to the furthest voucher/ticket redemption from departure (at Ftain station) which we could not find. At that point it was clear we could not get to departure point in time and gave up. It would be extremely helpful to provide Tour signage around the area to separate regular ferry travelers from foreigners who havent a clue where to go for the excursion. A thoroughly frustrating exoerience!
We weren't expecting an in depth guided tour just an easier way to visit Murano and Burano without using the public transport and that is exactly what we got. We had 90 minutes on each island which was enough time for us to see what we wanted and everything ran smoothly. Great way to see the islands without the stress!
Very quick overview of each island. But it was only 26$. Each island was different in its own way. Murano has become very commercialized. I loved when it had big fire circle and artists really showed off their trade. Now it’s just one very small glass blowing shop that one can see anywhere. Burano was beautiful with colored buildings. It was the only island that wasn’t trying to sell something.
You go to all the islands and are given plenty of time to wander, shop, snack, and see the sights at each. The price cannot be beaten. Absolutely worth your time to book this excursion
Woman translating several languages during boat ride to each island. One hour needed on Murano after glass blowing. Second island not needed. Burano one hour total time was enough. I would like to have had description of buildings on the islands.
Too much time on boat only to arrive at the island for a short time on Island since you had to be back quickly. The stop to see the glass blowing demistration was terrible. 100 plus people trying to get down a one way in and out hallway with many people trying to go to the one stall bathroom and the rest trying to get out the same way they came in. We didn't get to see it since we couldn't get to the front and is was getting dangerous in the hallway. Wouldn't do again.
Booking made by viator. £2 less than at the ticket office but this trip was so rushed and we didnt have time to enjoy the islands. My recommendation is do this with your own time and tickets rather than as a deal.
Very short time at each island. Don’t expect much info. Don’t expect much and you will be ok with this tour.
It was great to see the three islands. It wasn't really a tour except in Murano to see the glass blowing. It was wonderful transportation to see the three islands. If there was a tour guide I have no idea who it was - but a lady did check our tickets e dry time we got on the boat. It was definitely a fantastic way to see three islands in a short amount of time
Overall it was definitely worth the trip. I had a little trouble understanding the guide at times but she was speaking three different languages which can’t be easy. The first island with the glass blowing demo was ok but it wasn’t about the island it was more about a business and selling glass. Not really sure what the second island was all about but just a small settlement I guess. I was nice to see. The last island was the gem. I was a could have spent most of the time there. I would love to spend a day at Burano.
I am extremely disappointed with today’s Murano, Burano and Torcello tour. We were instructed to arrive at 9:45 AM, but after rushing to get there without breakfast, we were told the tour would not depart until 11:00 AM, despite the Viator listing stating 10:30 AM. There was nowhere to sit or find shade, and we were left waiting in extreme heat. The staff were rude and indifferent, and we were again left waiting in the sun for approximately 30 minutes in Torcello. The three-island experience felt rushed and much shorter than expected. Other passengers also complained about the delays and poor organization.
This was a great experience. we had a great time and the tour was super fun and the people were very nice
It was a nice trip to the islands. We were both a little surprised by how little time was allowed on each island. We felt rushed on each island, and there were a number of things we had hoped to spend time seeing, but didn't have the time. Would I recommend this to a friend? I would tell them the brevity of time allowed on each island, and let them decide for themselves.
The tour to the 3 islands was okay. Good if you want to get there to see the views. Nothing really special about the tour except for that. It was difficult to understand the tour guide from the audio system.
We had a fantastic day with Allessia and Machi the boat captain touring Murano and Burano! Allessia was fantastic at explaining the history of Venice and all the Islands! She took time to answer all our questions and show us the beautiful views of the islands. We even had time to roam! Would definitely have her guide any tour we did! She’s wonderful.❤️🇮🇹🍷
Excellent way to visit the islands but very short visits. Too short. I would definitely extend the visits for Burano and Murano.
Be on time. They left a few people behind who were late. Each island offers a different experience. Torcello was quiet, lovely, and a relief from the hords in Murano and Burano.
This was fantastic value for money with boat, guide and all three islands for such a cheap price. Pity it was only 50 mins per island and the guide is only with you between islands.
Boat speaker system was terrible. Woman was very difficult to understand. Not much in Torcello. Admission was charged for entry into a church being reconstructed.
Grateful that I was able to switch days being that I was sick on the original date. Really enjoyed Burano. Would’ve liked more time there.
Very disappointing. In Murano, the glass-blowing demonstration was terrible -- a very disagreeable man kept pretending he was going to prod the narrator with molten hot glass, startled the audience by intentionally breaking a piece of glass he was working on. After these unpleasant antics, we were then directed into their showroom to buy overpriced souvenirs without any chance to see other places in Murano. We felt as if we were held captive. The guide on the boat was very hard to understand and hear. On Torcello, there was barely enough time to get to the famous cathedral with ancient, beautiful mosaics and return to the boat on time. After this disappointing experience, we went back to Murano the next day using the public vaporetto #7 and were able to see this lovely island at a relaxed pace, explore many more stores, enjoyed lunch and traveled back to Venice at the end of the day.
Murano and Burano were lovely, but we didn't have enough time in either of them. Torcello was a waste of time. The guide left a family of 3 behind here, when it was her fault that they missed the boat. She told us where the boat would be on our return to it, but it had moved it's mooring and wasn't easily visible. A crew member should have been stationed where they could direct passengers back on board. Not once did any of the crew check to see all passenger were on board.
Excellent tour and great driver. We needed more time at Burano. Fun places to visit. Need more time for tours
So worth it!! you were able to see alot and the shops& houses are so cute.Would have loved a bit more time on the islands and more guide on them but 100% worth it for me. Loved to see the man making the glass pieces and strolling in that store also.
We had a wonderful day on this tour. Each island we stopped at offered a unique experience from the glass making to the beautiful stores and stunning waterways. Excellent value for money and helpful tour guides. We highly recommend this tour.
Pick up tickets from the info point and be ready to go to the ferry. Ferry departs on time. No saved seats, free seating.
Horrible guide never showed up. The phone number to the guide was disconnected and Viator said they would submit a request for a refund and let me know about the decision.
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