The Best Way to See the Islands of Venice (+ Glass Making & Wine Tasting)

A maze of canals, boats and bridges, Venice is constantly abuzz while still embracing the tranquil undertones of the Italian life of leisure. It’s this kinetic, thriving atmosphere that makes Venice so lovable. By day, you can count on the consistent chorus of boat traffic and pedestrian chatter outside your hotel window, yet by night, the canals quiet earlier than most Italian towns, and a stillness falls over the island and its lagoon. 

Unexpected views abound as you explore the islands of Venice.

The charm is inescapable, yet still, after a few days in Venice, a change of scenery may be welcomed. Our Premium Lagoon Excursion: Murano Glass Making, Burano & Wine Tasting proves that you don’t even need to go too far to escape the hubbub of the main island. Explore Venice like a local as you visit the city’s surrounding islands of Burano, Murano, and Mazzorbo for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Many of the surrounding islands embrace their own ways of life, often creating products sold on the mainland, or even internationally. A Murano glass experience, exclusive wine tasting, and introduction to a vibrant fishing village await you on this day trip. Here are six reasons why we think you’ll love the experience.

Explore new landscapes

Being on the water in Venice is incredibly freeing. You’re cruising through the canals, viewing the city from the water—and this offers a unique perspective to wandering its narrow alleys. As you enter the main lagoon and begin motoring further away, watch as the main island shrinks into the distance and recognize just how truly magical this landscape is. 

On our Premium Lagoon Excursion, you can take full advantage of unique viewpoints.

Visit three of Venice’s islands in one day

Often day trips from Venice include a half day tour of just one island, which isn’t always entirely an efficient use of your vacation time. With Walks, you’ll visit the can’t-miss islands of Burano, Mazzorbo, and Murano. This island hopping is a trip you won’t want to miss.

Get to know the islands of Venice like never before!

Discover a fishing village straight out of a watercolor

Burano Island is renowned for its fishing. As you putter up to dock, you’ll notice the boats differ from the sleek wooden hulls you see zipping around Venice. These no-fuss fishing boats reflect the history of the island as a fishing village, still a prominent source of income today.

The island’s reputation is also rooted in lacemaking, with traditions dating back to the 1500s. Though lacemaking is less prevalent, today, you can still seek out shopfronts for quality lace and designs. Spend your own time wandering the candy-colored facades before joining back up with the group.

Vibrantly painted houses line the canals in Burano, Venice.

Learn about and taste a rare wine

Visit a hidden vineyard located on the small island of Mazzorbo, where wine has been made since the 14th century! Our tour enjoys a wine tasting at Ristorante Venissa, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Take a moment to unwind and relish the picturesque vineyard vistas from the remarkable tasting room of the restaurant. Savor two exceptional wines in a unique tasting experience that cannot be found with any other tour company.

As part of your wine experience, you’ll understand how these grapes adapted to the area’s distinct biodiversity. This is your chance to try a truly unique wine in an incredible setting.

Ready to visit the a secret vineyard? We take you to the only one in the entire lagoon!

Appreciate the technique of precious glassware

Murano glass is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest in the world. Yet it isn’t until you witness a demonstration and meet the locals who spend hours aside the open fire do you understand the fine skill required to create a single piece.

The demonstration included with your ticket is performed in a deconstructed 13th-century church, adding to the emphasis of the glass’ history in Murano. Though the glassblowers’ demonstration may make it seem easy, it’s clear the technique required years of practice to do so.

Regardless of whether you take home a trinket for yourself from one of the many glass-clad storefronts, you’ll surely start recognizing the distinguishable Murano glass pieces – like chandeliers, vases, and glassware – in restaurants, hotels, and shops around the world.

Watch Murano’s glassmaking tradition come to life.

Travel like a local in a “limousine” boat

Last but not least, getting out on the water in Venice is an experience in itself. Boating is a greater part of the local culture, after all. By hopping on one of the classic, wooden “limousine” boats, you’re immersing into a local’s daily routine by experiencing local transport, in the comfort of your private vessel.

Just as the typical gondola has played a role in gliding through the narrow canals, the varnished limousines are also a part of Venetian history. They zip around the lagoons, always perfectly shined and lacquered. Their consistent upkeep comes as part of the boat’s generational significance, as well as its status symbol; one of these wooden hulls comes at no cheap cost, like a Ferrari of the water.Discover ancient islands only accessible by boat, where Venice’s traditions run deep.

Does this day trip sound like your ideal way to island hop around Venice? We’d love to have you on tour! Find out more about our Premium Lagoon Excursion: Murano Glass Making, Burano & Wine Tasting.