Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi worth booking?
Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi is a 6.1-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $1,375 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (29)
- Duration
- 6.1 hours
- From
- $1,375 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Professional local guide
- Guided walking tours of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
- Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Private transportation by air-conditioned luxury water taxi
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance ticket to Santa Maria Assunta’s complex
What you'll see and do
Isola di Murano
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!
120 minutes here · Admission included
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!
120 minutes here · Admission included
Isola Torcello
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!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Friend in Venice Private Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
29 verified traveler reviews for Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely Perfect
I just returned from a trip with my family of 14, ages ranging from 5 to 89 and I have to say that our tour with Linda was just absolutely wonderful. A group of this dynamic comes with lots of challenges, including simply finding tours that can accommodate our size, let alone understand the needs of the different abilities and speeds. I can tell you about the beauty of Murano and the unparalleled glassblowing techniques or the incredible town of Burano where you feel you are inside of a painting.. but what you need to know when booking a tour is that your tour guide is genuine, warm, accommodating and knowledgeable. Linda is all of those things and more. This was not your standard tour where you walk around in one of those huge groups with an ear piece and try to keep up with your guide. This is a tour where your guide walks alongside you and matches your cadence.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend this tour with Nadia
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!
Response from the operator: 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
via Tripadvisor
A Trip to the history of glass blowing and lace making
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.
Response from the operator: 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
via Tripadvisor
This private tour was...
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!
Response from the operator: 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
via Viator
Fabulous tour guide for a wonderful city
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.
Response from the operator: 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
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Friend in Venice Private Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.
See everything Friend in Venice Private Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi cost?
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Prices start at $1,375 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi take?
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Plan for about 6.1 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 29 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi?
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Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 6.1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi?
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Included: Professional local guide; Guided walking tours of Murano, Burano, and Torcello; Glassblowing demonstration in Murano; and Private transportation by air-conditioned luxury water taxi. Not included: Lunch; and Entrance ticket to Santa Maria Assunta’s complex. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Venice. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Luxury Water Taxi?
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Across 29 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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