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Venice Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Venice Cruises & boat tours

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

1. 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

2. 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: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

3. 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 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.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

6. 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 Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride

7. 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.

Padua to Venice Boat Cruise of the Brenta Riviera

8. Padua to Venice Boat Cruise of the Brenta Riviera

In ancient times, Padua and Venice were connected by typical river boats called Burchiello®. The wooden boats featured elegant cabins and 3 or 4 balconies and were driven by the wind or oars, before being drawn by horses from Fusina to Padua. Recreate this journey on a full-day mini cruise from the heart of Padua to Venice San Marco. Departing from the historical Burchiello® Stairway at Portello, you will cruise along the original course of the 18th-century Venetian Burchielli, passing the gorgeous Villa Giovanelli at Noventa Padovana. Relax on board the luxury boat, with open-air deck to soak up the views. Disembark at Stra for a guided tour of Villa Pisani. Marvel at its impressive swimming pool, the grandiose stables and the elegant eighteenth-century Coffee House. Continue towards Dolo, enjoying historic illustrations of the different villas seen from the river. Pass through Dolo Lock and on towards Mira. Just past Mira Lock you will stop at Villa Widmann for a guided tour of the 18th-century mansion that belonged to a noble family of Persian origin. Cruise to Oriago, where you will stop for lunch in the historic Il Burchiello Restaurant. Next, navigate to Malcontenta, cruising past villas, villages and swing bridges. Upon arrival in Malcontenta, stop to explore one last villa; the regal Villa Foscari. Located on the edge of the lagoon, it was within easy access of Venice for its powerful Venetian owner. Finally, cruise through the Moranzani Lock to journey across the lagoon, and dock at San Marco Riva degli Schiavoni at the “Pontile della Pietà” landing stage.

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

9. 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

10. 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.

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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

We had an amazing day, so glad that we booked this trip. Great value for money. Murano and Burano were brilliant, there was less to see on Torecello but glad we booked it as we had longer at Burano than those who had just booked the Murano & Burano trip. Watching the glass making in Murano was really interesting too.

We booked online prior to our arrival to Venice. Everything worked wonderfully and we were impressed by the "multilingualism" of our tour guide Eva.

It was really a nice experience... We would have loved to have even more time in each place to enjoy it more...

Very nice. Recommend doing it at least once in a lifetime

Too fast in Murano No time to visit It's a shame