Discover the Northern Lagoon (with private boat and skipper)

Discover Venice’s Northern Islands by Private Boat for $206.35

This 3.5-hour tour in Venice offers a personalized experience of the Northern Venetian Lagoon, guided by a knowledgeable Venetian skipper. Priced at $206.35 per person, it includes private transportation aboard a classic Patana boat, perfect for shallow lagoon waters. The tour departs from Algiubagio Restaurant at Fondamente Nove at 10:00 am and is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of stunning island stops—Murano, famous for its glassmaking; Burano, known for colorful houses and lace; and Torcello, with its historical significance. The experienced guide Alessandro adds personal warmth and local insights, making it ideal for those wanting an engaging, flexible exploration of Venice’s lesser-known treasures. The tour’s free glass and lace demonstrations are highlights, along with the bottled water and private boat, providing comfort and convenience.

While the tour doesn’t include meals or alcohol, the easy booking process and free cancellation policy make it accessible for most plans. Booking 11 days in advance on average, this tour appeals to visitors seeking a small-group, customized Venetian experience with authentic local charm.

Key Points

• Custom private boat tour of Venice’s northern islands on a classic Patana boat.
• Visits to Murano, Burano, and Torcello with free glass and lace demonstrations.
• Duration of approximately 3 hours 30 minutes starting at 10:00 am.
• Tour limited to 10 guests for a personal experience.
• Includes bottled water and private transportation; No lunch or alcohol.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Starting Point and Tour Schedule in Venice

The adventure begins at the Algiubagio Restaurant at Fondamente Nove. The tour kicks off promptly at 10:00 am, with a friendly guide leading the small group aboard the Patana boat, a traditional Venetian vessel well-suited for shallow waters. The timing allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of time to explore each island.

Departing from the central Venice area, the boat ride first takes you to Murano, setting the tone with an immersive glassmaking experience. Afterward, the tour proceeds to Burano for a 45-minute walk among its colorful houses, perfect for photos and souvenir shopping, especially Burano lace. The final stop is Torcello, an island that preserves a quiet, almost untouched charm, with vegetable gardens and a quiet population of a few dozen residents.

Murano: Mastering Glass in a Beautiful Factory

Murano is the first stop, where the tour visits a glass factory renowned for its craftsmanship. Visitors witness live demonstrations of glassmaking, seeing how artisans transform molten glass into intricate pieces. This stop is also an opportunity to purchase authentic Murano glass items directly from the masters.

The 30-minute visit is designed to give a tangible sense of Venice’s famous glass tradition. The admission is free, but the experience of seeing skilled artisans at work makes it a highlight of the tour. The combination of visual spectacle and the chance to buy unique souvenirs appeals to arts lovers and collectors alike.

Burano: Colorful Houses and Handcrafted Lace

A 30-minute boat ride takes you from Murano to Burano, a small island famous for its brightly painted houses. Once there, you’ll have approximately 45 minutes to stroll among these vivid facades, which brighten every corner and provide perfect photo opportunities.

Burano’s centuries-old lace-making tradition remains alive today, with punto Burano being a distinguished local craft. You can browse shops offering handmade lace, a skill refined over centuries, showcasing Venice’s long-standing artisanal heritage. This stop offers a perfect blend of visual delight and cultural insight.

Torcello: From Flourishing Civilisation to Quiet Countryside

The tour’s final stop is Torcello, located about 10 km from Piazza San Marco. Once a thriving hub between the VII and X centuries, with a population reaching 20,000, today this peaceful island features vegetable gardens and a small community of residents.

Torcello’s history as the cradle of Venetian civilization makes it a meaningful visit, with remnants of ancient churches and historic sites. The 30-minute visit offers a glimpse into the depth of Venice’s past amid tranquil surroundings, providing a stark contrast to the busier city.

The Comforts and Practical Details of the Tour

The private boat offers a comfortable and scenic way to explore the lagoon, with bottled water provided for refreshment. The guide Alessandro is described as personable and knowledgeable, adding warmth and local expertise to the experience.

The tour is accessible to most travelers and service animals are allowed. The tour’s group size is capped at 10, fostering a more personable and flexible atmosphere. The meeting point at Fondamente Nove is easily accessible by public transportation, making logistics straightforward.

What Makes This Tour a Unique Choice

Unlike larger group excursions, this small-group tour emphasizes personalized attention and flexible pacing. The private boat allows for a more intimate viewing of the islands and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the guide.

The free glass and lace demonstrations add an authentic touch, giving visitors insight into Venice’s artisanal crafts. The itinerary balances iconic sights with cultural depth, making it suitable for those who want to see the highlights without rushing.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour does not include lunch or alcoholic beverages, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry after the trip. Since the tour relies on good weather, it may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor conditions, with options for a full refund or alternative date.

The timing is tight but manageable, with sufficient time allocated for each stop, though visitors interested in longer explorations may need additional time on their own.

An Ideal Experience for Art and Culture Enthusiasts

This tour is perfect for small groups seeking a personalized Venetian experience. Art lovers will enjoy the glassmaking demonstration and the lace tradition, while history buffs appreciate the civilizational significance of Torcello.

The scenic boat ride and vivid island scenery make it a visually rewarding outing. The friendly guide Alessandro ensures that the journey is both informative and enjoyable, adding a layer of local authenticity.

Final Thoughts on the Northern Lagoon Tour

Priced at $206.35 per person, this well-reviewed tour delivers a rich, personal experience of Venice’s northern islands in just over three hours. The small-group setting, combined with private transportation, makes it a standout choice among Venetian excursions.

The free glass and lace demonstrations, along with the historic significance of Torcello, add depth to the trip. While the absence of lunch might be a minor drawback, the overall value and authenticity make this a memorable way to discover Venice’s hidden treasures.

This tour suits visitors who value personalized service, cultural insights, and scenic boat rides, especially those eager to explore beyond the city center at a comfortable pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and visits to Murano, Burano, and Torcello with free glass and lace demonstrations.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and mobility levels?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed. No specific accessibility details are provided, so travelers with special needs should inquire directly.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Does the tour include lunch or alcoholic beverages?
No, lunch and alcohol are not included. Participants should plan for their meals accordingly.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention.

What makes this tour different from others in Venice?
The small group size, personalized guiding, and private boat set this experience apart, allowing for a more relaxed, engaging exploration of the islands.

Where is the meeting point?
The tour departs from Algiubagio Restaurant at Fondamente Nove in Venice.

Is there an age restriction?
The information suggests most travelers can participate, but no specific age restrictions are noted.