Private Venice Full-Day Tour: Murano, Burano, St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

Discover Venice across the lagoon and in the heart of the city on a private full-day tour. Travel by private boat to Murano and Burano, meet the traditions of glass and lace, then return to Venice for guided visits inside the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Your licensed local guide brings these places together through the story of the Venetian Republic: the skills developed on its islands, the trade that supported its wealth, and the art and institutions at its centre.

Begin at Rialto

Meet your guide in the Rialto area for an introduction to Venice. From the Grand Canal, see the boats and buildings that make the city’s relationship with water immediately clear. Hear why Rialto became its commercial centre before boarding your private boat for the islands.

Murano: The Art of Glass

Cruise to Murano, an island closely associated with Venetian glassmaking. Visit an arranged glass workshop to watch a craftsperson at work and learn how heat, movement and skill turn molten glass into finished objects.

Your guide will explain how Murano’s workshops became part of Venice’s artistic and commercial identity. Afterwards, enjoy time to walk beside the canals and browse the island’s glass shops if you wish.

Burano: Colour and Lace

Continue by private boat to Burano. Walk among its brightly coloured houses and quieter canals while your guide introduces the island’s history and lace tradition.

There will be time to explore and take photographs. If a lace demonstration or workshop visit has been arranged for your date, you can meet this tradition at closer range; otherwise, your guide will discuss its history as you walk through the island.

Return to Venice and Pause for Lunch

Travel back by private boat and enjoy free time for lunch near St. Mark’s Square. Your guide can suggest restaurants or cafés according to your preferences. Food and drinks are at your own expense.

The Doge’s Palace

Enter the Doge’s Palace with your guide to discover where the Venetian Republic conducted its affairs. Walk through its decorated institutional rooms and learn how the Doge and the Republic’s councils governed the city.

In the Great Council Chamber, take in the scale of the room and the paintings that proclaimed Venice’s power. Continue along the visitor route to the Bridge of Sighs and New Prisons, where the story turns from government ceremony to justice and confinement.

St. Mark’s Basilica

Finish with a guided visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica. Admire its mosaics, domes and marble decoration as your guide explains the church’s role in Venetian life and its artistic connections with the eastern Mediterranean.

The order of the Basilica and palace visits may change to fit their booked entry times and religious services. The Pala d’Oro is included only when the ticket purchased for your tour specifically covers it.

Optional Gondola Ride

If you would like to extend your day, a 30-minute gondola ride may be arranged separately, subject to availability. The gondola fare is paid on site and is not included in the tour price.

Tour Highlights

• Private boat travel to Murano and Burano
• Arranged Murano glassmaking demonstration
• Guided walk through Burano and introduction to its lace tradition
• Free time for lunch near St. Mark’s Square
• Guided visit inside the Doge’s Palace, including the Bridge of Sighs and New Prisons
• Guided visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica
• Optional gondola ride at additional cost