I’m on the BOE in 21 days 9/28. On my free afternoon in Venice there is a group walking tour in the morning until 11:15. I have booked tickets to see St Mark Basilica/museum at noon. I’m considering a 5 hour tour to Murano and Burano, but wondering if that is going to be too much time away from the main island to see and get a feel for Venice. I like to see artisans at work and seeing how the more common people lived vs. royalty. Would you recommend going to Murano & Burano or to spend more time exploring in Venice? Other suggestions on what to do instead would be appreciated as well. Thank you!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9693 posts
Murano and Burano are easily done on your own
Since that afternoon is really your only free time in Venice I would skip the lagoon islands and just wander back canals/ hidden neighborhoods in Venice proper
The tour doesn’t give you much time in Venice at all
Arrive evening, walking tour next morning then free afternoon
Posted by
Nevada USA
47 posts
We did the BOE 21 day tour this past spring. Two people in our tour group skipped the walking tour of Venice in order to have the whole day to go to Murano and Burano (they told the guide in advance and got advice on the bedt way to go there). When they returned, they had time to walk to other sights and join the optional evening gondola boat ride.
Here's what you'll miss by skipping the walking tour -- went past and learned about the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, activity of watching how the hand-crafted Venitian masks are made by a master craftsman, the Rialto Bridge, Galileo's Tower, St. Mark's Square, some hidden back streets and canals, and other history of Venice from ancient to modern times.
You could certainly use the guidebook to find these places on your own (though you'll miss seeing how much work and hours go into making the masks). If you go to the islands, make sure you're back in time to join the optional evening gondola boat ride. It's touristy, but it was a lot nicer and more memorable than we anticipated. Because the boat ride is in the evening, it was so peaceful after a day of very crowded streets, plus the evening lights were pretty. Your guide will arrange for you to share a gondola with other members to reduce the per person cost (for our trip, the cost was less than 39 Euros per person). You'll need to repay your guide in cash (in Euros). There's a bank ATM not far from the hotel if you need cash.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9693 posts
Here's what you'll miss by skipping the walking tour -- went past and
learned about the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain,
Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are in Rome, not Venice
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, Mn
11 posts
Thank you all for your recommendations. I plan to skip the tour to Murano & Burano, just not enough time to see them. I’m looking forward to the walking tour and don’t want to skip that.
Posted by
San Diego, California
7306 posts
If you collect glass, as I do, then going out to Murano, and visiting the small owner-operated shops, is a treat. Just going to Murano is a much shorted day trip, and leaves you more time for wandering in Venice.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Vancouver BC
97 posts
Murano- to see blown glass and Burano the lace island- you can see blown glass in Venice and beautiful shops selling same, so unless you are into lace and want to see colorful homes on Burano please skip. Venice is enchanting and time on tour is limited. Enjoy everything Venice has to offer.
Posted by
New Jersey
172 posts
Murano is a quick trip and if you enjoy artisans at work it may be worthwhile for you. We visited both Murano and Burano in about 6 hours including a sit-down lunch. You could spend much less time than that and still enjoy the outing.