Full-day excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice Train Station

We visited Murano, Burano, and Torcello starting 500 meters from the station, and I must say that upon arriving at Piazza San Marco by boarding a larger boat to then go to the islands, everything was organized down to the smallest details; nothing to report, absolutely nothing negative. The guide, if I am not mistaken, Serena, was very attentive and professional, explaining many interesting things in various languages. I highly recommend it; excellent value for money.

It was a floating lounge with many, many chairs that plowed along through the Venice lagoon's waters, ourselves aboard with maybe a hundred other eager tourists. And there was a probably knowledgeable guy up there in front of a microphone, explaining continually about something or other—we assumed it pertained to the three islands we would be visiting. Thing is, the volume was cranked up far beyond the capability of those ceiling speakers to output individual (articulate) words. So what should have had us anticipating details of the sights to come, merely filled the air with baritone human noise. At our first stop, Murano, we were herded off the boat and into bleachers at one side of a hall boasting glass-blowing paraphernalia. Watched something or other being made with the skill of a craftsman accustomed to doing that show day after day, after which we exited through a sales area. Glass plates, bowls, drink-ware, pitchers of various persuasions. Beautiful but not stuff we meant to cart around for the day and all the days following. We passed on that, and went outside through a side door. Walked around, glanced at tourist booths along the way, left for Burano whose fabled lace we failed to espy. Lovely walk, though, along several wide sidewalks that lined picturesque canals. Colored houses were fun, stimulating, but without anybody leaning on us to buy their stuff. By the time we debarked on Torcello, we were simply tired. Walked awhile, did our best to find the boat again for the return trip. All in all, it was a "meh" kind of day—not terrible, but not remotely worth either the expense or our time.

Dreadful... I don't know what we expected, but a group of ~200 grownups (plus several hapless children) being hauled courtesy of a weary old water-bus with promoter's logo obligingly printed on the gunnels and across the ample stern, was hardly our hope. Yes, the narrator did speak using an onboard P.A. setup which in any case was so loud that every word (repeated in I think four languages, true) was distorted beyond comprehension. At Murano we were all herded into a bleachers-filled room to watch a glass blower—well—blow glass for a few minutes. Impressive results without much if any explanation. Show over... Continuing through the planned gauntlet which led into impressive showrooms of classy glass creations, eventually we emerged into sunlight—after asking saleslady where we might find the exit. Whew. Next our large bunch boarded a boat that might have been a large prop for the Barbie movie. Pink. After more gnarled syllables from our explainer, we alighted on Torcello. With no clue given about a return to Venice, neither time nor farewell. At some point we bought tickets on the regular-scheduled vaporetto, and returned more or less home... actual HOME (where we started) being a generous 40 minute walk from where we exited the water-bus. Summing up, this thing looked better on my tablet screen than its reality. I would like to do an actual tour of these places —but not with an outfit whose hands were sweaty from just turning the crank.

This day trip was good fun. The biggest benefit of this trip are the multiple pickup locations. We chose a pickup close to our hotel and were dropped back there after the trip. This trip allows enough time on each island to enjoy what there is. On the way back e had the most stunning sunset, which was very rewarding.

I have always been interested on glass blowing. It seems to be simple but the art takes a lifetime to learn, The beauty of the glass created from the simple of act of twirling and blowing is not to be taken astride. I had always loved Murano glass. Seeing it made in front of me makes a reality for me.

It was very nice The guide was very good explaining the sites. It was extremely hot but the islands were nice to visit

Almost perfect it took an extra half hour in Murano. Excellent organization, convenient departure from the train station. Very good and very kind driver. The time taken took everything. We left at 10.30am and arrived just before 5pm in St Mark's Square (we got off there to see the centre of Venice) and not at the train station.

Essentially just paying for the transport to these islands with some commentary during the travel periods. The man doing the commentary speaks 5 languages, which is impressive, but in reality everything he says is repeated in each language! After meeting the tour and boarding the ferry near the station, you go back to a more central area of Venice and have to switch ferry’s to a bigger one with a boat load of people, this wastes about 45minutes. The glass glowing demonstration at Murano is not great, everyone gets herded into a viewing section. There are much much better presentations on the island by other Murano stores which you can simply walk into (no charge)’ You only get at best about 40 minutes on Murano (after the presentation) which means there is no where near enough time to explore and find some truly masterful work. The tour takes you to a part of the island which is like the Kmart of Murano! Too much time on Torcello island where there is not much to do or see, so not sure why there is so much time allocated there? Buy a traghetto day pass and do these islands at your own pace, it is not hard, spend the extra money on lunch, or a great piece of Murano as a memory of your day.

Easy to find the meeting place. Value for money. Very friendly tour guide. Nice restaurant. Love Viator service👍👍👍

Absolutely to avoid! we showed up on time for the appointment. The boat was not there! so: either she never left or left early. Not a call to see if we were there and where we were. The number is not answered... I read (unfortunately too late!) that others have had the same experience. I asked for a refund of the 75€ paid in advance. Nothing to do! Lost money. I recommend other local agencies, cheaper and more serious.