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Venice Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Venice Cruises & boat tours

Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

1. Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

Set sail on a boat tour from Venice to the islands of Burano and Murano. Sail there on a comfortable vessel, enjoy some time at your leisure on the islands, and witness a glass-blowing demonstration. Depart from Venezia San Marco to the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano. Feel at ease as you cruise the seas and enjoy quality service and a panoramic terrace. Take an hour exploring the colorful houses of Burano and learn about the tradition of glass-making in Murano. Meet your crew and get the 5-star treatment as you ride by boat to the islands of Murano and Burano. Explore the colored buildings that line the small canals and step back in time for a while. Take your time and walk on your own. Next, find yourself on the island of Murano and discover the tradition of glass-making as you stroll the vibrant streets. In the evening you will return to San Marco. 

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

2. Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Feel the essence of Venice as you explore hidden and picturesque waterways near the Grand Canal with a gondola ride. Listen to in-app commentary to learn more about the city as you admire the sights. Start your activity by meeting the host, who will explain some curiosities about the history of gondolas and gondoliers. Get free access to an app with commentary of your itinerary on the gondola. As you enjoy the beauties of the Grand Canal, admire the marvelous Palaces such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, the Gritti Palace, the Salute Church, the Punta della Dogana. Discover the worldwide-famous La Fenice Theatre and the Mozart House along the romantic and hidden waterways. At the end of your ride, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint Mark’s Basin with San Giorgio Island.

Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour

3. Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour

Sail across the emerald waters of the Venice lagoon on this full day trip to the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello. Choose from an option with a shuttle transfer from S. Lucia Train Station to the departure point in San Marco or pick a tour option that meets in San Marco.  Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi in the morning and glide through the Lagoon of Venice. Admire views from the boat's panoramic terrace and listen to commentary from your guide.  Upon arrival at your first stop, Murano, find out why the island is renowned for its glassworks with a visit to a local glass factory. Watch a skilled artisan during a glass processing demonstration. Afterward, have approximately an hour on the island for shopping in one of the many glass shops. Next, head for Burano, which is known for its lacework and brightly colored houses. Follow your guide to the heart of the town and have 2 hours of free time to purchase a nice lunch, typical Venetian aperitifs, or get an ice cream at one of the many cafes.  Venture from Burano to Torcello, the first center of civilization in the estuary. Spend an hour of free time where you can go to see the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Return to San Marco in the early evening. 

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

4. Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Explore the canals of Venice aboard a gondola. As your gondolier takes you down secluded ways and along the Grand Canal, enjoy live commentary from your guide. Learn about the city's palaces, churches, and attractions. Hear about local stories and the history of the gondola and gondoliers. During your journey, admire Desdemona’s House and Mozart’s House. You'll also pass by the magnificent La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal. Continue on to the most important canal in Venice, the Grand Canal. Make your way towards the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and some of the stunning Venetian palaces that run alongside the canal, like Ca'Dolfin, Ca'Loredan, Grimani Palace, and many others. You will also see Punta de la Dogana and Saint Mark’s basin before making your way back to Campo San Moisè. At the end of the tour, you will receive a QR code to download a digital map with 2D images of Venice from the Middle Ages until the 18th century. With the shared option, enjoy a 20-minute walking tour from the meeting point as well as your 30-minute gondola ride. See the Biennale Cafe and the facade of San Moisè Church and learn about the history of the Venetian gondola tradition. You will also see Punta della Dogana and Grand Canal.

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

5. Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Discover some of the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this full-day boat tour. Travel with your guide through Venice Lagoon on a panoramic vessel and enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Start your day of adventure by boarding a comfortable panoramic boat as you set off from St. Mark's. Learn about the islands from your host along the way. Take in the sights of this ancient city for around 30 minutes until you reach your first destination, Murano. Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration with a glass master accompanied by a historical explanation of the craft. Stop by the souvenir store at the glass factory and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your purchases. Your scheduled time in Murano also includes free time to explore on your own. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colorful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island. Travel to your final stop, Torcello. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the island and visit historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. Finish your adventure with a 1-hour trip back to Venice taking in the breathtaking ambiance of the Venetian lagoon.

Venice: Private Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride

6. Venice: Private Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride

Begin the 30-minute tour from the departure point at Bacino Orseolo, right in front of the famous Hard Rock Cafè and just behind Saint Mark’s Square. Follow smaller but unbelievably beautiful secondary canals such as Rio dei Barcaioli, where Mozart once lived, and Rio dell’Ovo to reach the Grand Canal. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Rialto Bridge from the water, and see imposing palazzi such as Ca’ Farsetti, the seat of the municipal government. Admire Palazzo Grimani, the largest building overlooking the Grand Canal and which now hosts the Court of Appeals. Continue down Rio San Luca where it passes Palazzo Manin, the residence of the last doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin, and today the Bank of Italy’s Regional headquarters building, before returning to end again at Bacino Orseolo. Start the 60-minute tour with departure from Bacino Orseolo, right in front of the famous Hard Rock Cafè and just behind St. Mark’s Square. Travel down smaller but beautiful canals, on an itinerary that includes Mozart's House and Grand Canal with the stunning Rialto Bridge. Pass under the famous Rialto Bridge and see the Rialto Market, where locals and visitors enjoy walking around and buy fruits, veggies and fresh seafood. Marvel at the many imposing Palaces, such as Ca’ Farsetti which hosts the Venice Mayor, and Palazzo Grimani, the largest building overlooking the Grand Canal. Cruise down to Rio San Luca with Palazzo Manin, former residence of the last Doge of Venice Ludovico Manin, currently home to the Bank of Italy. Move through enchanting small canals of the city center and end at the same departure point.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

7. Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Spend some time on the most famous Venetian islands, known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, craft traditions, and unique history. See a glass factory in Murano, visit a lace shop in Burano, and enjoy free time in Torcello. Depart from near Saint Mark’s Square or Santa Lucia Train Station, and take an enjoyable trip across Saint Mark’s Basin. On the boat, a live guide will illustrate the history of the lagoon and the three islands you will visit.  Your first stop will be the island of Murano, sometimes referred to as the “Island of the Glass.” Spend 30 minutes visiting one of its famous glass factories and see the glass being manufactured and blown.  Enjoy about 15 minutes of free time on Murano before heading to Torcello, the most ancient of the inhabited islands. Continue to Burano, admiring the natural environment and the minor islands spread all around you. Enjoy some free time in Burano, a typical fishing island with colorful contrasts and chocolate-box-painted houses. Look out, too, for much evidence of its renowned lace-making and embroidery industry, and try some of Burano’s notable homemade cakes. Please note that once on the ground, this is not a guided tour. The guide will escort you to the glass factory in Murano and the lace shop in Burano. Afterward, you will have time to explore each island on your own.

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

8. Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Experience the romance of Venice aboard a traditional gondola for up to 6 people and enjoy a more intimate experience, exclusive to your group. Depart from the Campo San Luca at a time to suit you. Gondola rides are available by day and at night, when you can marvel at the monuments illuminated after dark. Journey along the legendary Grand Canal to see some of the historic buildings from the water. Venture down some of the smaller canals and get away from the tourist crowds. Pass the Gothic façades of palazzos at a gentle pace as your gondolier punts you through the historical center aboard the city's most traditional mode of transport. Glide back to the starting point for the end of your amazing gondola ride.

Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

9. Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

Share a gondola ride with up to 5 other people and a master gondolier through the canals of Venice. Glide gracefully through the mysterious canals of Venice on a peaceful 30-minute ride. Discover the quaint and charming canals of Venice that have different charms and appeals, which you'll experience on this tour. Float down the iconic Grand Canal, ride down minor waterways, and pass by the famous theater, La Fenice, to soak up the atmosphere.

Venice: Doges Palace Tour with St Mark's and Gondola Ride

10. Venice: Doges Palace Tour with St Mark's and Gondola Ride

Home to the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower and Doge’s Palace, St. Mark's is the biggest square in Venice. After meeting your guide, skip the line and enter the awe-inspiring St Mark's Basilica. The church dominates the square with its incredible facade and domed roof. However, the interior is even more stunning. The basilica is one of the most visited sites in Venice and has a wild history, which you will learn about on your tour. Onwards to the next stop - a visit to the majestic Doges Palace which was once home to Venice's justice system, prison as well its Duke. Bypassing the queues our guide will walk you through the monuments imposing hallways and take you on a journey through time, discovering the ins and outs of the Venetian empire back in the days in the place where history was made. Following your visit to the Doges palace, our guide will accompany you to our trusted gondolier a couple of blocks away. For the next half an hour, sit back, relax and see Venice from a whole new vantage point. If you're planning a trip to Venice without a a gondola ride, you're doing it wrong! After cruising through the gorgeous blue canals, your tour will conclude a few minutes walk from St. Mark's Square. This is where you began your adventure.

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Frequently asked questions about Venice

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Venice?

The best day trips and excursions from Venice are:

Murano

Other Sightseeing Options in Venice

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What people are saying about Venice

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 12,779 reviews

Had to queue for two hours outside and too crowded inside.

Sadly our general admission ticket was for a Sunday but this was the only opportunity to attend. I have always wanted to visit Versailles but the two hour queue up meandering up and down the pavement in the hot sun was very unpleasant and by the time we entered I had lost interest. Once inside the queues continued and people were squashed against each other, and with the very warm conditions made it even more unpleasant. Too crowded, too hot and not the 'wow' factor palace that I had read so much about. Some of the palace was not even accessible, even more disappointing. There were a few moments of enjoyment, but only a few. I appreciate that it's a very popular tourist attraction and it's the summer season for tourism but I won't return.

This was a lovely time! Even though it was rainy, it was still a very cool experience, and our tour guide Riccardo was very informative, charming and engaging. (He gave me some great restaurant recommendations too!) The trip in total was about 45 minutes and there was no wasted time. Definitely recommend!

Great tour! Seeing more of Venice rather than just the usual - the glass making part seemed more like a one stop to make money in the gift shop but Murano was beautiful and Torcello was delightful, such stunning places filled with life and character

Great to walk & hear about the city’s history. Windy conditions limit the gondola in the grand canal, which is a bummer. Great experience, worth it!

Great fun! Little walk to the boat with a nice explanation of the city then the gondola ride was a good amount of time :))