Venice’s islands: Recommended tours & tickets

Hop from island to island between the serene nature of Mazzorbo, the colourful houses of Burano, and the artistic glass scene of Murano. Hop from island to island between Mazzorbo, Burano, & Murano! Watch colourful houses wiggle with delight at their reflections in the Canal of Burano, witness artistry in action at the glass factories and artisanal workshops in Murano, engage with vivid biblical tales on byzantine mosaics under glittering golden medieval church apses and marvel at the quiet, serene nature of Mazzorbo and the lagoon.

We will discover the Lido island by bike, with its groomed shellac beaches, bronzed lifeguards and old ladies sipping Prosecco at the market, experiencing the Belle Epoque glamour passing in front of the beautiful hotels designed in the 20s in Art Noveau style. We will enjoy special views of Venice biking along the lagoon and reaching an old Israelitic cemetery. Biking through the San Nicolò harbor mouth we will reach its lighthouse and we will end up at the Hotel Excelsior, where the stars gather on the red carpet during the glittering Venice Movie Festival. We will bike along the canals of Malamocco, a colorful fishing village that’s like a miniature version of Venice, cycle through a forest reserve to a lighthouse and relax like the locals do by heading to quiet Alberoni beach for a drink or a swim. The route will continue on the lagoon side of the island, with views of the abandoned island of Poveglia, the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio and San Lazzaro degli Armeni.

Let's bike through the "Orto di Venezia" (Venice's "vegetable garden"), through artichokes fields and farms, admiring the Venice skyline from a very unusual view and tasting the unique honey produced only on this island. Bike along the island banks and fields and enjoy a rare view of Venice from an unusual spot. Experience the unique natural beauty of the island, appreciating the relaxed and traditional lifestyle of its few inhabitants. In fact, although being the largest island of the lagoon, Sant’Erasmo is populated by only 700 people, the majority of whom farm their own lands producing amazing fruits and vegetables. One of most interesting crops is the typical purple-hued artichokes, a slow food ® presidium “Carciofo Violetto di Sant'Erasmo”. Another typical activity in the island is beekeeping: bees enjoy the amazing variety of flowers growing on the salty soil, and they produce a unique kind of honey which you will be able to taste. While biking you will appreciate the variety of crops grown by local farmers as well as beautiful wild landscapes while spotting the belfries of Venice from afar.

Like every Venetians you will discover the Venice lagoon on board of a charming Vaporetto's ride! In Murano, the last 20 families are still keep going on with this very ancient glass tradition coming from the Roman Empire's Age. During a very interesting walking across the "Glassers Street" where you will see the different skills of the major of them, you will see how Masters made their unbeatable artistic handmade cristal glass, a lot of century ago considered a real State Secret here in Venice! While in Burano you will love their millenial lace making industry born in the course of the "Venetian mythology" age: legend say it started fixing fish traps..here you have of course the possibility to try their delicious sea food cuisine and for sure enjoy the most unforgettable local skyline taking thousand of pictures! In the end Torcello, created from the last Romans escaped from Barbarians Invasions. Today considered the beginning of our Western Civilization with its last 9 locals.

Discover the fishbone-like shape Giudecca island, known to be Venice’s unofficial seventh sestiere, once an aristocratic retreat, later the city industrial centre and nowadays a trendy artistic district. Let’s walk through the largest and closest island to Venice, from which it is separated by the broad and deep Giudecca Canal enjoying breath-taking views on the splendid city. The peacefulness of the island also made it popular among religious communities and with patrician families who built palaces with lovely gardens and allotments there. You will see how after the fall of the Republic, these areas were converted into warehouses, barracks, prisons, factories and workers’ quarters, some of them nowadays converted for artistic ad modern purposes. You will be walking not only through the long pedestrian quay running the length of its Venice-facing side but also wandering its hidden lagoon-facing side with gardens, art galleries and residential neighbourhoods.

Are you looking for a peaceful break away from the crowds? The monumental cemetery on San Michele island is the place! Join this extraordinary tour and let's hop on a 'vaporetto' to San Michele Island. Pay respects to Ezra Pound, Brodsky and Stravinsky in this silent place in the middle of the lagoon; a truly hidden gem! Whether you're a goth, a hopeless romantic, music lover, poet, philosopher or simply looking for a peaceful break, at San Michele island's cemetery you can find what you're looking for. Visit the Renaissance church of San Michele in Isola and take a walk through the Anglican and Orthodox sections and to the fields reserved to nuns, monks and to people who served the army. And the cherry on top, visit the modern cemetery extension designed by the architect David Chipperfield. The San Michele island's cemetery is the place where Venetians find eternal peace and where silence is interrupted only by the sound of boats, lagoon waves, and seagulls.

Cruise the Venetian Lagoon by private water taxi and meet the artisans keeping Venice’s traditional crafts alive. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional glassblowing on the island of Murano, and traditional lacemaking on Burano. The tour includes discounts on souvenirs from both demonstration workshops. Both islands have plenty to see, and you’ll have ample time to explore.

Meet you local guide in Venice city center, then board a private boat and admire the lagoon of Venice. Stop in Murano island to see S. Maria and Donato Cathedral followed by an old glass factory visit. Afterwards stop in Burano island and explore the lace island

Explore the Heart of Venice with the San Marco Priority Pass Unlock the magic of Venice’s most iconic landmarks with the San Marco Priority Pass! Skip the lines and enjoy fast-track entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, the stunning Doge’s Palace, and the breathtaking Bell Tower, the tallest structure in Venice that offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city and its glistening lagoon. Your pass also provides access to three cultural treasures: the Marciana Library, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Correr Museum. Inside the Correr Museum, journey back in time as you explore Napoleon's Grand Ballroom and the enchanting Boudoir of Empress Sissi. Experience a unique 3D journey through Venice's past, set within the stunning ambiance of a historic Venetian library. Travel through 8 centuries of history aboard a virtual gondola, gliding along the Grand Canal. Witness St. Mark’s Square in the past centuries! To enhance your experience, download our audio guides!

During this tour you will discover the main islands of the lagoon having a lot of time at your disposal. The tour starts from Piers 1, 2 and 3 in front of Palazzo Cornoldi in Riva degli Schiavoni, 4142. Once onboard the boat, you will begin sailing heading to Murano, where you will stop for one hour and 15 minutes. Here you will have the chance to visit one of the island’s glassworks and attend a demonstration of a master glassmaker. The second stop of this day tour to the Venetian islands will be Burano with its colorful houses. (approx 2 hour) The last stop will be Torcello, where the Venetian civilization was born (1 hour).Today Torcello has just over 10 inhabitants but its historical and artistic testimonies make it a very popular destination for visitors from all over the world. There is one last surprise: the return trip: the itinerary of the boat will allow you to enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the Venetian lagoon. The tour ends where it started.

Climb aboard a boat with a professional guide for a half-day tour around Venice islands. Enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello in the heart of the northern lagoon, and discover a more authentic Venice side.