Fom Treporti: Murano, Burano, and Venice Motorboat Trip

Traveling to Venice often means navigating its enchanting canals, but this motorboat trip from Treporti offers a different perspective — a relaxing cruise through the lagoon that hits the highlights of Murano, Burano, and Venice itself. Touted as a 7.5-hour adventure for just $30, it’s a budget-friendly way to tick off some of the area’s most iconic sights.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the opportunity for a scenic ride across the lagoon, the chance to visit the vibrant villages of Burano and Murano, and the inclusion of a walk through St. Mark’s Square. Plus, the well-equipped motorboat ensures comfort during the journey.

That said, a possible downside is that food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan for a meal afterward. This tour appeals most to travelers eager for a cost-effective, authentic look at Venice’s islands without the fuss of larger group tours or over-the-top prices.

If you thrive on short, immersive excursions that combine scenic views with cultural highlights, this tour is likely to suit you perfectly.

Good To Know

• Affordable price point offers good value for a full day of exploring.
• Comfortable, well-equipped motorboat ensures a smooth ride around the lagoon.
• Visits to Burano and Murano include free walks and optional glass-making demos.
• Flexible itinerary with enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.
• Includes walking in Venice’s historic Piazza San Marco for a dose of history and art.
• Accessibility with wheelchair-friendly options available.
• Lack of food and drink included means planning ahead for meals.
• Departure from Dal Banco delle Prenotazioni, easy to find and convenient.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction

This Venice lagoon tour from Treporti is a quick but immersive way to see some of the most colorful and craft-rich islands of the Venetian Lagoon. We’re told it’s perfect if you want an affordable, no-fuss day trip that combines scenic boat rides with island visits and a taste of Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco.

What attracts many travelers is the chance to experience Burano’s multicolored houses, Murano’s legendary glassmaking, and finally, a stroll through Venice’s historic streets and landmarks. The entire day is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping logistics simple, making it ideal for first-timers or those short on time.

Three standout features? First, the scenic motorboat that whisks you around the lagoon; second, the free walk through Burano’s vibrant streets; and third, the optional visit to a Murano furnace. These elements combine to create a balanced mix of relaxation, culture, and history.

However, a consideration is that meals aren’t provided, so you’ll want to plan for your own snacks or lunch. Still, the price makes it an attractive option for travelers seeking value and authenticity. This tour is perfect if you want a flexible, budget-friendly introduction to the Venetian islands, especially if you prefer a small group experience with a local operator.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Departure Point and Transport

The tour departs from Dal Banco delle Prenotazioni, a central and accessible spot near Venice. You’ll be greeted by the well-maintained, modern motorboat operated by TURISTICA PENZO, a company with over four decades of experience in Venetian lagoon transport.

The boat itself is described as efficient and innovative — a key point because comfort and reliability matter during a nearly 8-hour journey. The timing ensures you get an early start, with the boat leaving the dock and heading toward the islands for a full day’s exploration.

The Scenic Lagoon Ride

The first part of the journey offers beautiful views of the northern lagoon, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of the water, surrounding islands, and possibly even some local birdlife. Travelers often mention the peaceful, scenic ride as a highlight — an authentic way to see Venice’s waterways from a different angle.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Burano: The Colorful Village (Approx. 1 Hour)

Burano is famous for its brightly painted houses, which create a postcard-perfect scene. During the tour, you’ll enjoy a free walk with roughly an hour to explore at your own pace. This extra time allows you to wander through narrow streets, visit local shops, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

A review mentions that the walk in Burano is “a highlight”, with the colorful houses providing excellent photo opportunities. Some travelers note that the shops selling lace and souvenirs are charming but can be busy, so a quick browse might be the best plan unless you want to linger.

Murano: Glass-Making Demo and Optional Furnace Visit (Approx. 1 Hour)

Murano is world-famous for glassmaking, and this tour offers the chance to watch a glass-making demonstration — a fascinating peek into centuries-old craft. One reviewer highlighted the possibility of visiting a furnace, which is a wonderful experience if you’re interested in seeing the glass-blowing process up close.

The tour description notes that visiting a furnace is possible, but it’s likely flexible depending on the schedule or group size. The glassmaking demo is typically a brief, engaging presentation, giving insight into Murano’s craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions.

Venice: Walk and Piazza San Marco (Approx. 1 Hour)

After returning from Murano and Burano, the boat heads toward Venice. Here, you’ll have time to explore on foot, with a focus on St. Mark’s Square — the city’s most iconic piazza.

Walking through Venice’s historic streets is always a treat, but during this tour, you’ll specifically visit the Square where you can admire the basilica, panoramic views, and the bustling atmosphere. It’s an excellent chance to take photos, soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the city’s blend of art and history.

Return and Final Details

The boat departs Venice at a time that allows travelers to enjoy the sights comfortably and return to the starting point by around 5:00 pm. This scheduling fits well with a day trip, especially considering the 7.5-hour duration which includes travel, stops, and free time.

What to Expect from the Experience

Comfort and Convenience

The tour is operated by TURISTICA PENZO, a company with a long-standing reputation for lagoon transportation. The motorboats are described as efficient and innovative, making the experience comfortable even during a full day of sightseeing. The group size isn’t specified but is likely small or medium, enabling a more personalized experience.

The Islands: Burano and Murano

Burano’s vibrant colors are truly captivating and worth the visit. The free walk allows you to explore independently, whether you want to photograph the houses, browse local shops, or just enjoy the laid-back village vibe.

Murano offers a glimpse into Venetian craftsmanship with the optional furnace visit and glass-making demo. Travelers have noted that the demo is engaging and worth seeing, especially if you’re interested in art and tradition.

Venice: The Historic Heart

The visit to St. Mark’s Square is a highlight, offering that quintessential Venetian experience. The walk through the city’s historic streets connects you with the city’s artistic and cultural heritage, making this a well-rounded day trip.

Additional Practicalities

The tour does not include food or drinks, so it’s wise to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch locally. The wheelchair accessibility is a plus for travelers with mobility needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the trip.

Analyzing the Value

At just $30 per person for 7.5 hours of sightseeing, this tour offers exceptional value. Compared to private or guided tours, this option delivers a significant portion of Venice’s essential sights at a fraction of the cost. The inclusion of transportation, island visits, and a walk through Venice makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive experience without sacrificing quality.

That said, since food isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for meals but that’s a minor addition considering the overall affordability. Most travelers found the timing and itinerary well-paced, allowing enough time for each stop without rushing.

The Sum Up

This Treporti to Venice Lagoon tour is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, relaxed way to explore Venice’s most famous islands and the city itself. The scenic motorboat ride, combined with independent walks and a glimpse into local craftsmanship, makes for an experience that balances comfort, culture, and value.

It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate authentic, small-group excursions and aren’t looking for a packed, overly-touristy day. If you’re happy to bring your own snacks and want to see the vibrant houses of Burano, the glass artistry of Murano, and the historic charm of Venice, this tour checks all the boxes.

Overall, it’s a great introduction to the Venetian lagoon, especially for first-timers or those on a budget who want to maximize their time and sights without breaking the bank.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Transportation by motorboat and a 7.5-hour lagoon tour are included. You’ll enjoy visits to Burano and Murano, along with a walk in Venice’s Piazza San Marco.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not part of the package, so it’s recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to buy lunch locally.

How long do we stay on each island?
You’ll have approximately an hour for Burano, including a free walk, and around an hour for Murano, which may include a glass-making demo or furnace visit. The Venice stop is flexible but typically allows ample time to explore on foot.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Dal Banco delle Prenotazioni, which is easy to find and convenient for most travelers staying near Venice.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 7.5 hours, departing early in the day and returning by 5 pm.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
Given the pace and the nature of the boat ride and walks, it’s suitable for most ages, especially those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Would I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and since food isn’t included, packing snacks is a good idea.

Embark on this scenic, budget-friendly Venetian adventure to soak up the colors of Burano, see the artistry of Murano, and stroll through Venice’s storied streets — all in one day.

You can check if your dates are available here: