A Murano and Burano tour takes you out of the crowds of St. Mark’s to the two most visited islands of the lagoon: Murano, where glass has been blown for centuries, and Burano, known for lace and brightly painted houses. On Viator, a guided tour by private boat is rated 4.7 across 9,389 reviews, from about $51, and a half-day tour is rated 4.8 across 1,471 reviews, from about $29.
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The verdict
The half-day tour is our pick for most travelers: it is rated higher, 4.8, costs about $22 less, and still includes the boat, a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, a lacemaking demonstration in Burano and free time on both islands.
The most reviewed tour runs about five hours by private boat for your group, with an expert local guide, and suits travelers who want more time and more commentary. It leaves from Riva degli Schiavoni, next to St. Mark’s.
Neither includes lunch, and neither is wheelchair accessible.
Several low reviews on both tours come down to food and timing: lunch is not included, and the islands have limited time for a sit-down meal. Eat before you leave or plan a quick bite in Burano. In rain, the boat trip still runs, and reviewers say good guides make it work.
Which one is for you?
Take the most reviewed tour if
- You want the tour with the most feedback: 4.7 from 9,389 travelers.
- You want about five hours on the water and the islands.
- You like more guiding and commentary.
- You want to leave from next to St. Mark’s.
Take the half-day tour if
- You want the higher rating, 4.8.
- You want the lower price, from about $29.
- Four and a half hours fits your day better.
- You like free time on each island.
What each price covers
The most reviewed tour, from about $51
Included: an expert local guide, a glassmaking demonstration in Murano, a lacemaking demonstration in Burano, and round-trip transport by private boat for your group.
Not included: hotel pickup and gratuities. Lunch is not included.
The half-day tour, from about $29
Included: an English-speaking guide, private boat transport from Venice, a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, a lacemaking demonstration in Burano, and free time on both islands.
Not included: food and drinks, and tips for the guide.
Where each one starts
- Most reviewed tour: Riva degli Schiavoni, on the waterfront next to St. Mark’s.
- Half-day tour: Piazza San Marco.
Side by side
| Most reviewed tour | Half-day tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 from 9,389 | 4.8 from 1,471 |
| Five-star reviews | 7,711 (82%) | 1,246 (85%) |
| Price | from about $51 | from about $29 |
| Length | 5 hours | 4 h 30 min |
| Boat | Private, for your group | Private boat from Venice |
| Glass and lace demos | Both | Both |
| Lunch | Not included | Not included |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the most reviewed tour
Absolutely a 10/10 experience!
Alison_F, September 2026, via Viator
On the half-day tour
We truly enjoyed this tour, especially our guide Flavia.
Bill_B, September 2026, via Viator
Well worth it half day boat trip.
Jenn_S, September 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 82% of the most reviewed tour ratings and 84% of the half-day tour ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 8% of the reviews on the first and about 5% on the second.
How the islands fit a stay in Venice
The islands take a morning or an afternoon. Add the city’s main sights on the St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace tour, and spend the evening on a cicchetti and wine walk.
For more ideas, see our best tours in Venice and the best day trips from Venice.
For a private boat and guide, or St Mark’s Basilica after hours, see our Venice private tour comparison.
Questions travelers ask
Which Murano and Burano tour should I book?
For most travelers, the half-day tour, rated 4.8 from 1,471 reviews on Viator, from about $29 (checked September 2026). For more time and guiding, the most reviewed tour, from about $51.
Do Murano and Burano tours include a glassblowing demonstration?
Yes. Both include a glassblowing demonstration in Murano and a lacemaking demonstration in Burano.
Is lunch included on Murano and Burano tours?
No. Neither tour includes lunch, so eat before or plan a quick bite on Burano.
How long does a Murano and Burano tour take?
About 4 hours 30 minutes for the half-day tour and about 5 hours for the most reviewed tour.
Can I cancel a Murano and Burano tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the half-day tour for the rating and the price; book the five-hour tour for more time and more guiding.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 3731MURANO and 24338P115), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.