Highlights
- Admire the art of glass blowing and shaping in one of the oldest glass furnaces
- See the colorful houses of Burano and learn about the island's lace production
- Visit the first settlement in the Venice lagoon,Torcello,and its Basilica Church
- Explore the island of San Francesco del Deserto, an old Franciscan monks island
- Enjoy a panoramic view of St. Marc’s Square and the Arsenale
Description
Explore the Venetian Lagoon with Deep Blue Venice on a boat tour departing from the Zattere area in the Dorsoduro district. This itinerary takes you through the northern lagoon to Murano, Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello and, upon request, San Francesco del Deserto, combining island culture, local traditions, and natural scenery.
The experience begins along the Zattere waterfront, overlooking the wide Giudecca Canal. After boarding, the boat crosses the canal and follows the edge of Giudecca Island, offering views of its long embankments and historic churches. As you continue north, the city opens into broader lagoon waters, marked by marshes and quieter navigation channels.
The first stop is Murano, world-renowned for its glassmaking heritage. On the way, you will pass San Michele, Venice’s island cemetery. In Murano, you will visit a traditional glass furnace where artisans demonstrate the techniques of glass blowing and shaping, providing a close look at a craft that has defined the island for centuries.
The tour continues to Burano, famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Here you will have time to walk around, explore the small squares, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this fishing community.
From Burano, the route moves into a more natural part of the lagoon. Passing through shallow waters and quiet marsh areas, you reach Mazzorbo, an island of gardens and open spaces that offers a peaceful contrast to Burano’s lively colors.
A short cruise leads to Torcello, one of the oldest inhabited locations in the lagoon. Today it is a quiet island with large green areas and a few historic buildings. After disembarking, a short walk takes you to the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, notable for its Byzantine mosaics and early medieval architecture.
If requested, the tour may also include San Francesco del Deserto, a small island inhabited by a community of Franciscan monks. Known for its gardens and calm atmosphere, it is one of the lagoon’s most serene places.
On the return journey, the boat enters Venice through the historic Arsenale, once one of the largest and most advanced shipyards of the Venetian Republic. Passing between its fortifications offers a unique perspective on the city’s naval past. The tour ends with a panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square, where the basilica and bell tower rise above the water in one of Venice’s most iconic scenes.
This route, operated by Deep Blue Venice, offers a balanced mix of culture, nature, and island life—an ideal introduction to the diverse character of the northern Venetian lagoon.
Includes
Guide
Boat cruise
Glass blowing demonstration (optional)
Walking tour of Burano
Excludes
Food and drinks
Tips
Important Information
- A walk around Burano is mandatory
Visits to San Francesco del Deserto and a glass furnace in Murano are optional and upon request
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
