Grand Canal Venice
Discover the highlights and heritage of the Venetian Lagoon on this excursion by private water taxi to the charming islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
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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Visit the must-see sites of Venice in a full-day private tour from St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, to the Rialto Bridge & the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco & Castello.
Cross the Venetian Lagoon in a private boat to Murano and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in the oldest workshop in Venice and an exclusive tour of its glass exhibits, usually closed to the public.
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Learn the traditional skills of navigating the iconic canals of Venice by gondola in this private 1.5 hr lesson, and become a gondolier in this fun, family-friendly experience.
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