Torcello is one of the oldest and most historically significant islands in the Venetian Lagoon, offering a serene escape from the bustling streets of Venice. Its history dates back to the 5th century when it became a refuge for people fleeing barbarian invasions on the mainland. By the 10th century, Torcello had grown into a thriving and wealthy trading centre with thousands of residents. However, as malaria spread and the lagoon’s waters became less navigable due to silting, the island’s population dwindled, and by the 12th century, it was largely abandoned. Much of its former grandeur was lost as materials were repurposed to build the growing city of Venice.
Today, Torcello is a quiet and mysterious island, where visitors can explore the remnants of its illustrious past. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to 639 AD, is the island’s most important landmark and one of the oldest churches in the Venetian Lagoon. It is renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, including a remarkable depiction of the Madonna and Child, as well as a dramatic Last Judgment scene. Next to the basilica stands the smaller Church of Santa Fosca, a simple yet beautiful example of Byzantine architecture that adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the island.
The Torcello Museum provides a deeper look into the island’s rich history, showcasing artefacts from Roman, Byzantine, and medieval periods. In the heart of the island, visitors can see Attila's Throne, a mysterious stone seat rumoured to belong to the infamous Hun leader, though it’s more likely a magistrate or bishop’s chair. The nearby Devil’s Bridge, one of the few remaining Venetian bridges without railings, is steeped in local legend and offers a touch of folklore to the island’s historic charm.
Exploring Torcello feels like stepping back in time. With its peaceful canals, open fields, and the few remaining buildings, it is a world away from the busy streets of Venice. A visit to Torcello is often combined with trips to the neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano, offering a quiet, contemplative contrast to the livelier atmosphere of the rest of the Venetian Lagoon.
A visit to Venice offers a captivating blend of stunning beauty, rich history, unique geographical features and vibrant cultural traditions. The city's picturesque canals, breathtaking palaces, and mosaic of magnificent islands dotted across its waters create a sense of awe and serenity that has enticed residents and travellers alike for centuries, earning Venice the title la Sirenissima. The city's relationship with the sea has shaped its entire identity. From the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal to the smaller, winding side canals, the essence of Venice lies in this seamless fusion of architecture and nature, where boats replace cars and bridges link neighbourhoods. The best way for visitors to truly get under the skin of Venice is by boat, accessing islands and landmarks you could not reach on foot. On our private full-day luxury boat experience, you can make the most of your time in the city of canals and uncover the treasures of the Venetian lagoon in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
On this private full-day luxury boat trip, you will:
Founded around the 5th century AD, Venice is renowned for its stunning canals, historic architecture, and romantic charm. Over time, the city grew into a powerful maritime republic, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its wealth and importance are still evident in many incredible buildings that have survived to this day. As such, wandering the streets of Venice can feel like stepping back in time, especially since cars are forbidden. Our luxurious private boat tour offers a perfect combination of Venice's iconic landmarks, artisanal traditions, and culinary delights, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
You will begin your Venetian adventure in the heart of the city with a hassle-free hotel pick-up and enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own dedicated captain and expert guide throughout the day. Once you hop on board your splendid Riva Aquariva boat, your guide will give you a thrilling introduction to the Floating City. You will soon start to cruise past Venice's most renowned landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica, as you take in breathtaking views of the historic San Marco area.
As you glide across the lagoon, you'll pass by the well-known islands of San Giorgio, Poveglia, and the impressive Venice Lido, each with its charm and story that will be adeptly explained by your guide. Meanwhile, you can indulge in traditional Venetian treats and Prosecco while on the boat, adding a touch of local flavour to your luxurious journey. You will have the chance to learn about the illustrious Venetian maritime history as you sail past the Venice Arsenale, a historic naval hub, and also enjoy the views of the beautiful islands of Vignole and Certosa.
Then it will be time to delve into the artistic heritage of Murano where you can disembark to get a closer look at its Venetian glass shops and galleries and enjoy an exclusive visit to one of the oldest glassblowing workshops, where you’ll see artisans crafting their world-famous pieces. Later, you will marvel at the vibrant colours of Burano, famous for its charming houses and intricate lace-making tradition dating back 5 centuries. After enjoying a demonstration of the lace-making process, you will have time to wander the lively streets and take plenty of photos. You will also pay a visit to the historic island of Torcello, where you can get an in-depth look at one of the lagoon’s earliest and most significant settlements before stopping for a traditional lunch (at your own expense). Your guide will show you the best places to eat on the island, including a renowned family-run restaurant showcasing the best of Venetian cuisine.
Last but certainly not least, your final stop of the day will be the tranquil island of Mazzorbo where you’ll not only learn all about its historic vineyards but also indulge in a wine tasting where you can savour a taste of its exquisite wine and discover rare and ancient grape native to the island that has been revived in recent years.
As your circumnavigation of Venice comes to a close, your captain will take you back to the city centre, where you have the choice of returning to your hotel to relax or to St. Mark’s Square to dive deeper into the magic and mysteries of the city. Your guide will ensure that you are well-prepared for the rest of your trip with plenty of insider tips, and your fond memories of your exhilarating expedition through the iconic waterways of Venice will last a lifetime.
Known as the Floating City, Venice was built upon a lagoon and is composed of over 100 islands, many of which are only accessible by boat. With settlements dating back to the 5th century, there is so much history and culture to be found in Venetian waters that it is well worth venturing out of the historic centre to immerse yourself in the artisanal, historic, and scenic treasures that await just beyond Venice’s canals. On our fascinating full-day tour by private water taxi, your passionate local guide will take you on a voyage of discovery to 4 of the most important islands in the lagoon - Murano, Burano, Torcello and Mazzorbo - where you will see, hear and taste essential elements of Venetian culture.
On this private full-day boat tour, you will:
Ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with Venice’s culture and island heritage, this full-day tour is a harmonious blend of art, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re fascinated by glassmaking, charmed by Burano’s vibrant colours, or eager to taste Mazzorbo’s wines, this immersive experience brings Venice’s lagoon to life with every island stop.
Your island-hopping excursion will begin at your hotel in Central Venice. Your expert Venetian guide will pick you up and accompany you from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey through the lagoon. You will soon step aboard your vessel for the day, a private water taxi, soaking in the unforgettable views of Venice’s skyline from the water. From your privileged vantage point, you will glide past historic palaces, charming canals, and picturesque islands, each with its own story to tell.
The first stop on your grand tour of the islands will be Murano, famed worldwide for its glassblowing heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. You will explore the quaint streets dotted with beautiful glass creations and have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest glassblowing workshops, where a skilled artisan will demonstrate the captivating process behind each delicate piece. As you watch the glass come to life, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the intricate art of Murano glass. You will then proceed to sail to the picturesque island of Burano, known for its vibrant brightly coloured houses and strong lacemaking heritage. You can stroll along the island’s lively canals and admire the buildings painted in vivid colours as your guide explains the island’s rich history and pay a visit to a local artisan for a demonstration of Burano’s traditional lacemaking techniques, which have been passed down through generations.
Your journey will continue to Torcello, one of the lagoon’s earliest settlements, where you’ll step into a world of ancient history. Your guide will explain how the island was first occupied as far back as the 5th century and show you around the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its stunning 7th-century Byzantine mosaics. You can also take the time to enjoy the island’s tranquillity, offering a serene escape from Venice’s bustling streets. After a pause for a local lunch (not included), the final island on your itinerary will be marvellous Mazzorbo, known for its vineyards and longstanding winemaking tradition. You’ll tour a Venetian vineyard and learn about the unique characteristics of lagoon-grown grapes before enjoying a wine tasting where you will sample 4 local wines. Taking in the island’s scenic surroundings as you savour the distinct flavours of Mazzorbo’s wines makes for a perfect end to your day of discovery.
As your tour comes to an end, you will hop aboard the private water taxi once more to return to central Venice, enjoying gorgeous views of the city at dusk along the way. You can come ashore back at your hotel or opt to continue your evening at the iconic St. Mark’s Square, invigorated by your delectable day around the lagoon.
Venice has so much history within the canals of the city centre, but travellers wishing to immerse themselves in the true essence of the Floating City shouldn’t miss the chance to go deeper into the Venetian lagoon and explore the myriad of islands that have shaped Venice’s destiny. From the oldest known settlements to remarkable artisanal traditions, not to mention the stunning scenery, these islands have a lot to offer. With a local expert guide and private water taxi at your disposal, our tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello is a wonderful way to experience the most important islands at your own pace.
On this private full-day tour, you will:
• Spend 6 hours on the Venice lagoon exploring the most famous islands;
• Enjoy a smooth journey around the Venetian waterways in an emblematic private water taxi;
• Save time and energy with convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in central Venice;
• Dive deeper into the history of the islands with a knowledgeable Venetian guide;
• Admire incredible views of Venice from the water;
• Explore marvellous Murano and take a leisurely stroll along its scenic canals;
• See the world-famous Murano glassblowing tradition first-hand with a visit to one of the oldest workshops;
• Take in the colourful buildings of Burano and see a lacemaking demonstration from the local artisans;
• Step back in time to discover Torcello, one of the earliest inhabited islands where the story of Venice began;
• Visit the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and get a closer look at its Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 7th Century;
• Taste some traditional Venetian treats along the way.
Perfect for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to explore beyond Venice’s main island, this private boat tour offers a curated glimpse into the lagoon’s most enchanting islands. This itinerary is an ideal choice for a comprehensive island excursion, showcasing the charm and artistry that make Murano, Burano, and Torcello must-see stops in the Venetian lagoon.
Your tour will begin with a hassle-free pick-up from your hotel in central Venice, where your local guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of Venice’s lagoon. You can relax in the comfort of a private water taxi as you set out to explore. As you glide across the lagoon enjoying the breathtaking views of Venice from the water, your guide will share insights into the unique history and significance of each island, giving you an in-depth explanation of this enchanting corner of Italy.
Soon you will arrive in Murano, known worldwide for its long-established glassblowing tradition. You will disembark for a stroll along the scenic canals, then have the rare opportunity to step into one of Murano’s oldest glass workshops, where you’ll watch a skilled artisan create beautiful glassworks right before your eyes. Your route will continue to Burano, an island famous for its colourful houses and rich lacemaking heritage. You will go ashore for a leisurely walk along its charming streets, then visit a local atelier to see a lacemaking demonstration and learn about this treasured tradition. You will also taste a local favourite in the form of bussolai, traditional ring-shaped cookies that originated in Burano.
Your final stop will be Torcello, one of the lagoon’s oldest inhabited islands. Here, you’ll explore the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, with its stunning Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 7th century. Now almost deserted and dominated by a nature reserve, the peaceful atmosphere and ancient history make Torcello a memorable stop on your journey.
As your enchanting island voyage comes to an end, you will board the water taxi once more to return to the historic heart of Venice having enjoyed a unique, up-close experience of Venice’s most iconic islands. You can be dropped off back at your hotel or the monumental St. Mark’s Square and your guide can give you plenty of recommendations for how to spend the rest of your time in Venice.
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