Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi
Description
Discover the authentic soul of the Venetian Lagoon on a private luxury boat experience, far from the crowds and typical tourist routes. Murano is world-famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visit one of the island’s most authentic furnaces, where master artisans transform molten glass into extraordinary works of art using ancient techniques passed down through generations. Burano enchants visitors with its brightly painted fishermen’s houses, peaceful canals, fishing traditions, and delicate handmade lace, creating one of the most picturesque atmospheres in the Venetian Lagoon. Torcello – Where Venice Began Peaceful and timeless, Torcello is often considered the Mother of Venice. Once one of the most prosperous centers in the lagoon, today it offers a rare glimpse into the ancient origins of Venetian civilization, surrounded by silence, nature, and history. The Venetian Lagoon is not just something to see — it is something to feel.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will then continue our visit to the old Murano city center (Campo San Stefano) with its characteristic clock tower and the Renaissance church of San Pietro Martire: a treasure chest of paintings by Veronese and Bellini. Crossing the bridge over Murano’s Grand Canal, we could then reach another jewel of the island: the Basilica of Santa Maria and Donato, famous for its splendid 11th Century floor mosaics. Animated by figures of animals, birds, mythological beasts and symbols whose meaning often remains unclear, these mosaics are just one of the many curiosities of the Basilica, considered the best example of Romanesque architecture in the Lagoon!
A miniature-sized Venice, much quieter popular, with tiny houses painted in bright colors and a dramatically leaning bell tower. A lively island prospering thanks to fishing and tourism, Burano still preserves its rhythms, traditions and (above all) its magical atmosphere, absolutely worth seeing! Let us then venture along Burano’s tranquil streets and squares, surrounded by the colors of the fishermen’s houses (whose meaning we will discover little by little). Let us enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many local restaurant, possibly treating ourselves with off-the-menu delicacies fished that very morning! Alternatively, let us relax with a lovely coffee break accompanied by a delicious ice cream or (even better!) the typical biscuits of the island, the “bussolà” and the “esse”. With a little luck, we will be able to meet an old lady who, sitting in front of her house door, still weaves a typical lace… Yes, the famous Burano lace. It is said that this craft was born from the genius of Burano’s women, trying to increase the meager income of their families. While men were out fishing (or during unlucky hunting seasons), they would support the local economy with their needle-work. In 16th Century, thanks to the support of the Doge’s wife and queens, lace went from being a simple domestic activity to real Art, flourishing for decades until the end of the Serenissima, when it got to the brink of extinction. Burano lace was saved in extremis by salvaging the knowledge of the only lace-maker left on the island … how? Well, find out during this tour!
Torcello The encounter with the one-time commercial capital of the Lagoon will surprise you. The rustic, at times almost desolated aspect of Torcello, makes it hard to believe that centuries ago this was a busy port city buzzing with thousands of inhabitants (of which nowadays only a handful remain)! Isolated houses, bushes, a vegetable garden here and there … these are the only clues left of Torcello’s glorious past. This was probably one of the main islands where refugees from the mainland escaped the barbaric invasions, at the fall of the Roman Empire. Protected by the lagoon swamps, the exiles of Altino in particular found here a new haven. Starting as a poor community of fishermen, ferrymen and merchants, they slowly took advantage of the island’s strategic position (halfway between the Byzantine East and the ‘Roman-Barbarian West) to turn it into a flourishing commercial center … the most important of the ancient Lagoon actually! Torcello will amaze us with its silence and surreal atmosphere. Walking through quiet streets still paved in bricks or gravel, we will discover the reasons why the island was gradually abandoned in favor of Venice, or the fate of its many churches, convents or buildings now replaced by the wilderness. We will meet the mysterious “Devil’s Bridge” and walk through the ruins of the city center, irresistibly attracted by the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the Lagoon! We will admire the splendid shapes of the nearby Santa Fosca church, of Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo dell’Archivio, perhaps also sitting on the famous “Attila’s throne”. Finally, we will discover why this small strip of land became the favorite refuge of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. An incredible experience, a journey between the past and the present that only the less touristic islands can offer!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel/Seaport/Airport/Train Station or Other according to your needs
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(28)
Nadia provided a wonderful experience for us! It was our friend’s birthday, and she went above and beyond to make some special arrangements. We learned so much, saw much more than we expected and really appreciated “getting off the beaten path.” Nadia is a fantastic guide and we would highly recommend this tour with her!
Dear Kimberly, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m truly happy to hear that you had such a special experience, and it was a real pleasure to be part of your friend’s birthday celebration. Moments like these are always meaningful to me, and I’m glad I could help make the day a little more memorable with some special touches. It means a lot that you enjoyed discovering Murano, Burano, and Torcello beyond the usual paths and that you were able to see and learn more than expected. Sharing the quieter, more authentic side of the lagoon is always my greatest joy. I especially enjoyed sharing these islands with you and celebrating such a happy occasion together. Experiences like this remind me how fortunate I am to meet wonderful people from all over the world and to rediscover the beauty of the lagoon through their eyes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy of meeting you and for sharing this experience with me. I would be delighted to welcome you back to Venice for more unique and unforgettable experiences. Regards, Nadia @friendinvenice
This was a fabulous day ! The glass factory tour and showroom were beautiful! We could have stayed watching the whole day. The water taxi used was so fun and very high end boat. We had a delicious lunch and watched how they make lace on Burano. Nadia planned a perfect day! This is so much better than the large tours to the island.
Dear MNresident631, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing your experience. I am truly delighted that you enjoyed your day exploring Murano, Burano, and Torcello. The tour includes a visit to one of Murano’s most authentic furnaces, where master artisans bring centuries-old traditions to life, skillfully shaping molten glass into beautiful works of art before your eyes. It is an experience that goes far beyond a simple demonstration and offers a genuine insight into Murano’s rich heritage. It was very important to me to give you access to a side of Murano that many visitors never get to see. Even for me, gaining access to this traditional craft community was not easy, and I wanted my guests to enjoy something authentic, unique, and far from the typical tourist experience. The same is true for Burano. Beyond its famous colorful houses, the island reveals its true charm when explored through its hidden canals, quiet alleys, and lesser-known corners. If visitors stay only in the busiest tourist areas, they often miss the authentic character of the island and the traditions that make it so special. I am delighted that you had the opportunity to discover the art of lace-making and experience a more genuine side of Burano. Torcello – Where Venice Began Torcello, where it all began, is considered the mother of Venice. This peaceful island preserves the ancient origins of the Venetian Lagoon and enchants visitors with its history, Byzantine mosaics, and timeless atmosphere. We were able to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and admire one of the earliest representations of the Last Judgment in Western art, famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and spiritual atmosphere. I sincerely hope that future visitors will read your review and discover why Torcello is such a special place for lovers of art and history. I am also very pleased that you enjoyed the private luxury water taxi and the delicious lunch along the way. Creating memorable and personalized experiences is my passion, and it means a great deal to know that the day exceeded your expectations. Thank you for your kind words about my work and for choosing this experience. I hope to welcome you back to Venice someday for another unforgettable experience. Warm regards, Nadia @friendinvenice
This private tour was amazing! I booked it a bit last minute, and although Nadia could not bring us on the tour, she had her best friend and top-notch tour guide, Linda, bring us. We were sad not to meet Nadia in person as she is the utmost professional and kindest person, but Linda was superb! She was personable, knowledgable, and a true joy! We learned so much and had the most enjoyable trip. The glass blowing gallery she brought us to was quite special and not a crowded tourist trap. There were just the 6 of us and one other small group inside. We were even served espresso! Our lunch on Torcello was an experience to remember, and Burano was just delightful. I can't recommend this private tour and Nadia and Linda enough! They are true professionals and the most lovely humans. Worth every penny -- we will treasure this experience!
Dear Aimee, I was also sorry not to meet you in person, but I felt completely at peace knowing that Linda was looking after you.Besides being my best friend, Linda has a degree in Cultural Heritage and Byzantine History. She is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate guide. Seeing the mosaics of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello with her is truly breathtaking. We studied together, and I often rely on her expertise to ensure our guests receive a truly meaningful experience. The glass art gallery in Murano you visited is, as you noticed, not usually open to the general public, which makes it a more intimate experience. It is the result of our research to find a place that showcases the entire process—including polishing and cleaning—and the incredible people behind every work of art. We’re so happy you experienced this side of Murano. A big hug from Nadia and Linda Friendinvenice
We got to spend a wonderful two days in Venice with Nadia. Our first day was a 1/2 day walking tour where we learned some of the history of the city. Nadia's tours are so unique and she is a master at showing her clients places in Venice where the tourists are not! We really enjoyed the tour. Our second day we took a private taxi to Murano and got a private tour of one of the glass factories where we were able to purchase a beautiful piece of glass art. From there we went by private taxi to the island of Burano, and then on to Torcello. There were four of us and we all had a fabulous time with Nadia. We had a 3-day tour with Nadia in Venice a few years ago, and we were so impressed that we looked her up again and had a wonderful two days with her. I would highly recommend Nadia - particularly if you are looking for a tour that avoids all of the other tourists.
Dear friends, It was truly wonderful to see you again after all these years. Time passes, but some connections stay the same. You brought me such joy by choosing me once again and for recommending me to your friends over the years. My small business grows thanks to people like you, and I focus on creating meaningful experiences for my guests. I spent such a special time with you, and it was a real pleasure to share these days together again. Thank you once again. I hope to see you again in the future. Baci baci, Nadia Friendinvenice
Such a unique and memorable experience! If you want to experience Venice and the surrounding islands through the eyes of a local I highly recommend this tour. Luxurious travel accommodations made us feel very special from arrival to departure. Our entire family felt a very strong connection to the culture and history by the end of the tour with a newfound appreciation for what it means to be Venetian.
Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m truly happy that the experience was so memorable for you. It was just as special for me to meet you and share what I consider the “real” Venice, together with Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking, but having the chance to step inside a real furnace — where you can witness the full process, not just a simple demonstration — is something quite unique. Watching a piece of art come to life right in front of you is always moving, even for me as a Venetian. Burano, on the other hand, is all about slowing down and wandering. Getting away from the crowds, exploring the quieter calle, and seeing those vibrant houses while understanding a bit of everyday local life makes it truly special. And then there is Torcello, the “Mother of Venice,” where everything began. It has a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere, and stepping into the cathedral is always a powerful experience. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. It truly means a lot and is deeply appreciated Baci baci Nadia
Excellent, the guide is spectacular! Burano and Murano are lovely places and meeting them away from normal tourism is great!
Querida amiga: Muchísimas gracias por esta reseña tan bonita. Murano y Burano se deben visitar así, fuera de las rutas turísticas, saboreando la atmósfera ma, sobre todo, conociendo a artesanos de calidad. Es un orgullo para mí llevaros a visitar una vidriería artística donde pocos tienen acceso; ver la elaboración del vidrio con artistas que parecen danzar, en un trabajo hecho de miradas cómplices. No es una simple demostración, sino una realidad laboral. Ver el nacimiento de un objeto de arte y comprender el orgullo de ser Maestros Vidrieros." Un fuerte abrazo Nadia
Most incredible day! Nadia is an incredible tour guide. She met us at hotel and we jumped on our private water taxi. She told us history of many islands what their purpose was and of Venice. At Murano we went to a glass factory but is not one that many go to. The workers their are artist and work as a team to great beautiful pieces. Think of it as going to an art gallery. There was no pressure but of course there are items to purchase. I found exactly what I was looking for and did not feel I needed to purchase more. We then when to the island of Burano. Walked beautiful quiet streets before eating at a Michelin Star restaurant for lunch. She was so patient bc we had a bottle of wine and a true Venetian meal. Then we visited a famous lace store and watched Emilia sew lace. Again no pressure but this is where you would want to buy lace. They took us upstairs where they beautiful table covers and more. Last but not least we went to the island of Trecello - which is the birth place of Venice. There is incredible mosaics in the church. Wonderful day and experience! Nadia is the best! If you are wondering if this day is worth the price tag and going private - yes it is! We moved at our own pace and never felt rushed.
Thank you so much for writing this beautiful review. Meeting my guests at their hotel is always a pleasure for me. It allows me to welcome you in a more personal and friendly way, share hidden gems, and offer tailored recommendations for a truly authentic Venetian experience. It’s my way of making sure you never feel like mere tourists, but welcomed travelers from the very first moment. The visit to the Murano glass factory is very special. It is an artistic glass studio where only a few people are allowed to enter. Finding this place required deep and careful research, because although there are many glass factories in Murano, very few still work at this artistic level. When you walk in, the reaction is almost always the same: “Wow.” This is exactly the kind of experience I want to offer: something completely different from what most visitors see. Exploring Burano through its side streets and quiet canals, away from the crowds, gives a totally different perspective of the island. And enjoying a true Venetian lunch, without rushing, is part of living Venice the right way. Then there is Torcello, a place of great beauty and deep significance. Its cathedral houses extraordinary mosaics, including The Last Judgment. Torcello is not an island most tourists visit. It is mystical, peaceful, and full of silence. For anyone who loves art, history, and contemplation, Torcello is an absolute must. So this time, I am the one who says thank you. For choosing FriendInVenice, for trusting me to create this itinerary for you, and for giving me the opportunity to meet you and share my Venice with you. From Venice, with love, Nadia
We really engine’s Torcello and the visit to allocate factory in Murano. Nahdia is the best. I would have loved a bit more time in both Murano and Burano, but the rest was perfect.
Dear Zachary, I would have loved to spend a little more time with you too. We spent almost seven hours together, which already feels like a lot when you compare it to other companies that try to visit all three islands in just four hours. The truth is, time flies when you are having fun and when the experience feels real and relaxed. Thank you so much for your review. Baci baci Nadia
We had a great time with our new friend in Venice. That would be Nadia a Venice local. She knew all the local places to show us for the day. We arrived as strangers and parted as friends. I highly recommend spending a day with her and hearing her stories.
Thank you so much for this beautiful review. I must confess that I had been looking forward to meeting you ever since you booked the tour. I know I am not a typical, formal, or distant guide. My approach is to surprise my guests, to truly understand them, and to personalize each tour as much as possible. I also try to welcome people in a way that makes them want to return, or at least think fondly about coming back and seeing me again. My goal is to help you understand how Venetians managed to build such a unique city with no local materials, having to import everything. Venice was born out of desperation, and only by staying united did its people succeed in creating something so beautiful, important, and unique. It truly is a miracle, and a miracle that belongs to all of humanity. See you soon, and please keep in touch. Baci baci Nadia
Wonderful way to visit these beautiful islands. Nadia was a fabulous guide. Having the private transport and be on our own time schedule was incredible.
Dearest Camille, I’m so happy to read your words! We truly shared a beautiful day together, exploring the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. I completely understand what you mean—it’s a completely different experience when you witness true craftsmanship, far from the productions made just for tourists. Watching the master glassmakers of Murano transform glowing glass into delicate art before our eyes was absolutely mesmerizing. I’m so glad you appreciated that authenticity. Torcello is another world—so full of silence and history. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is a true gem of Byzantine art, and its mosaics never fail to leave me speechless. Walking along those quiet paths, surrounded by the peaceful stillness, it’s easy to imagine the glory of the past and marvel at the fact that such an isolated island gave birth to the incredible civilization of Venice. Their vision and determination truly inspire me every time. And Burano! Its vibrant colors and the ancient art of lace-making... I completely understand the joy of escaping the crowds to wander those quiet streets, discovering hidden corners and that special “little colored house” that spoke to you. It’s like stepping into a dream. Having a “Friend in Venice” does make a difference—someone who shows you the soul of the city, far from the usual routes. I’m so happy I could help make your visit special in this way. Thank you again—and I hope to see you very soon! Baci baci, Nadia friendinvenice
