Venice by Sail: Private Luxury Tour of San Marco, Murano, and Burano

Discover Venice on a Private Luxury Sailing Tour

The Venice by Sail experience offers an 8-hour private tour exploring the iconic Venetian lagoon aboard a luxury sailboat, with a small group of up to 10 guests. Starting from Diporto Velico Veneziano, this cruise takes you through the calm waters of the lagoon, away from crowded streets and noisy travelers, providing a more authentic and relaxed way to see the city. Highlights include a sunset view of St. Mark’s, a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, and a colorful stroll through Burano with a classic Venetian lunch option.

This tour balances luxury, cultural insight, and scenic beauty, making it ideal for those seeking a refined, intimate experience. The inclusion of local products and aperitif on board enhances the sense of exclusivity, while the detailed itinerary ensures you see some of the most famous Venetian sites along with lesser-known islands. Keep in mind, the full-day nature and small-group setting require comfortable footwear and an appreciation for a relaxed pace.

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Key Points

• Private tour with a maximum of 10 guests for an intimate experience
• 8-hour itinerary exploring San Marco, Murano, Burano, Certosa, and Vignole
• Luxury sailboat provides a peaceful, scenic way to see Venice from the water
• Includes breakfast, an aperitif, and guided visits to a glass furnace
• Stops at colorful Burano and famous Murano glassworks are highlights
• Sunset view of St. Mark’s from the water offers a unique photo opportunity

Departure from Diporto Velico Veneziano and the Initial Lagoon Ride

The tour begins at Diporto Velico Veneziano, where the crew welcomes you aboard a luxury sailboat. After a brief presentation and a personalized welcome kit, the crew provides a quick briefing before setting sail. The calm waters of the lagoon serve as the backdrop for a relaxing long-tail boat ride through the islands of Certosa and Vignole.

These islands are less frequented by travelers, making them perfect spots to appreciate the real Venice’s quiet side. The short boat rides are complemented with an Italian breakfast served onboard—coffee and local pastries—while the guide shares stories and insights about the lagoon’s history and traditions. This peaceful beginning sets the tone for a day filled with scenic beauty and cultural discovery.

Exploring Burano’s Colorful Charm and Local Flavors

The first major stop is Burano, renowned for its brightly painted houses and lace-making tradition. Here, the lively, photogenic streets invite you to wander freely, visit craft shops, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this fishing village.

A Venetian lunch at a designated restaurant (not included in the tour price) offers a chance to enjoy local flavors after a walk through the picturesque streets. This stop combines visual delight with a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine, making Burano a true highlight of the day. The time allocated allows for shopping for craft souvenirs and taking plenty of photos of the colorful houses.

Murano and the Art of Glassmaking

After lunch, the boat heads to Murano, famous worldwide for its master glassmakers. The highlight here is a private visit to a historic glass furnace where glassblowing demonstrations reveal the craftsmanship behind Murano’s exquisite sculptures and jewelry. Guests have the option to purchase unique glass pieces directly from artisans—a perfect opportunity for special souvenirs.

The 2.5-hour stop provides a detailed look into Venetian glassmaking traditions. The guide explains the history and techniques of this centuries-old craft, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Murano’s cultural significance. This experience offers both visual spectacle and cultural enrichment.

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The Grand Canal and Sunset Aperitif

In the late afternoon, the sailboat returns towards San Giorgio Maggiore, offering a slow cruise along the Grand Canal. As the boat glides past Renaissance palaces and historic facades, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed with an aperitif on board.

The sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over Venice’s waterways, creating an ideal photo opportunity. The refined aperitif features Venetian cicchetti and Prosecco DOC, enhancing the sense of elegance. This moment captures the magic of Venice at sunset, viewed from a unique vantage point on the water.

Returning to San Marco at Sunset with Unmatched Views

The tour concludes with a final sail to San Marco, where the golden light of sunset reflects off the Renaissance facades and historic palaces. Guests witness Venice’s most famous sights from the water, providing a different perspective compared to land-based tours.

This spectacular ending leaves a lasting impression and is considered one of the most memorable moments of the experience. The small-group setting ensures plenty of space to relax and take in the timeless beauty of Venice from an intimate vantage point.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from Diporto Velico Veneziano, where the crew welcomes guests with a personalized welcome kit and provides a short briefing. The entire experience lasts 8 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

The group size is limited to 10 people, ensuring a personalized and focused experience. The tour is conducted in English, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible to a diverse range of visitors. Travelers are advised to bring sunscreen and a sun hat to stay comfortable during outdoor moments.

Booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This makes planning convenient, especially for those with changing schedules.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Venice Excursions

Unlike typical land-based tours, this private sailing experience emphasizes luxury, tranquility, and scenic beauty. The small group size guarantees an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the cruise without crowds.

The focus on authentic locations like Certosa and Vignole, along with guided visits to Murano’s glass factories and the colorful charm of Burano, provides a well-rounded glimpse into Venice’s lesser-known islands and local traditions. The inclusion of local products and aperitifs on board enriches the experience with Venetian flavors.

While the full-day duration might be demanding for some, it ensures ample time to appreciate each stop at a comfortable pace. The expert guides enhance the experience with stories, anecdotes, and insights that bring Venice’s history and craftsmanship to life.

Venice by Sail: The Perfect Choice for Authenticity and Comfort

For travelers seeking a refined, scenic way to explore Venice, this luxury sailing tour delivers on exclusivity, cultural depth, and stunning views. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer small-group, intimate experiences over crowded tours.

The combination of scenic sailing, guided visits, and authentic local products makes this tour a memorable way to connect with Venice’s true spirit. The sunset views and craftsmanship demonstrations add unique touches that elevate the experience beyond typical sightseeing.

Overall, Venice by Sail offers a relaxing yet enriching day that highlights the city’s beauty, tradition, and charm from the comfort of a luxury sailboat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, including stops at Burano, Murano, and scenic cruising around Venice’s waterways.

What is included in the experience?
Guests receive a welcome kit, breakfast onboard, an aperitif with Venetian cicchetti and prosecco, guided visits to a glass furnace in Murano, and a scenic cruise at sunset.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While the 8-hour duration and outdoor sailing mean some walking and comfort are needed, the tour is suitable for most adults and children comfortable with boat travel.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring sunscreen and a sun hat for outdoor comfort during the cruise and stops.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What languages are available for the guides?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish to accommodate diverse guests.

This Venice by Sail tour combines luxury, culture, and scenic beauty into a carefully curated day that reveals Venice from a fresh perspective—on the water, with excellent guidance, and exclusive access to its most charming islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby