Venice lagoon tour on Day 3 of the VFR tour

Posted by arc on 07/19/26 01:33 AM

Then it's all aboard for a cruise into Venice's lagoon on our private
boat. We'll visit your guide's favorite island, where you'll have free
time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. After returning, we'll
set you free to discover Venice's other famous sights and find dinner
on your own in the tangled maze of alleys and trattorias.

I am arriving in Venice early and am thinking of visiting islands before the tour. Is there a standard "favorite island" that I can wait to see with the tour?
I want to get tickets to go to something "after returning". Any idea of what time this lagoon excursion gets back?

t.y.

Posted by Reederman

Seattle

07/19/26 02:02 AM

434 posts

When we took this tour in October 2023, we visited Burano. I recall hearing the guide say that this was usually always the case. We were on the island for close to 3 hours. After leaving Burano, we went to Torcello. We were on Torcello for about 90 minutes and then returned to Venice. I can't remember what time we got back to Venice, however. Maybe another tour alum can chime in with the timing.

Posted by TC

Atlanta

07/19/26 04:32 PM

5743 posts

Haven't take that tour, but have been to Venice a number of times. If the consensus of those who have taken the tour is that Burano and Torcello are included, then you might want to consider a trip to Murano. While it is a bit more crowded than the other two, it is also larger and a very interesting place to visit -- especially if you are interested in blown glass.

Each time we go to Venice, we set one day aside to visit Murano and Burano. With an early morning start we generally beat the crowds, spend a couple of hours on each, and still get back to Venice proper by mid to late afternoon.

If you google "videos of walking around Murano" you'll be able to see if it interest you. Same with Burano.

Haven't been to Treviso yet, but plan to check it our next trip.

Posted by Anita

RIchmond, BC,Canada

07/19/26 04:59 PM

1162 posts

When I did this tour a few years ago, we also stopped at Torcello and Burano. I visited Murano on my own before the tour. I recall we got off the boat at St. Mark’s late afternoon, and a few of us went right into the Doge’s Palace which is right there. At that time, there was no line up so we were able to walk right up to the ticket window and go in. I returned to Venice on my own about three years ago, and noticed the lines for the palace do thin out later in the afternoon, so you may not need an advance ticket. I think the tour returned around 4pm, but don’t quote me on that. I was there with the tour in mid October, though, so the cruise ship season may have been slowing down. The day trippers from the cruise ships add a lot of volume to the crowds, but do thin out later in the day.

Posted by arc OP

07/21/26 01:41 AM

2 posts

Thank you for this input. Very helpful.
I have changed my mind at least 4 times in the last two days, but this is good. I think I have a good plan now.

Posted by BethFL

07/21/26 01:52 AM

3572 posts

If you go to Murano, make sure you visit the glass museum. It is really special.

Posted by Dick

Olympia, WA, USA

07/22/26 02:34 AM

6792 posts

I did in 2018 what you plan to do, get there early and do some sightseeing on my own. I emailed the RS tour office to ask about "your guide's favorite island" and they said it was usually Burano, so I planned accordingly. And sure enough, we had a good visit to Torcello and Burano on the tour.

I don't know why the itinerary doesn't just specify Burano, but maybe they have to change it up sometimes. I doubt if the guide's individual preference has much to do with it.