Tour to the Islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello

 

Discover the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello and learn more about Venice and its ancient way of life. Highlights - Start off the tour in Murano, well-known for its glass making - Continue through the brightly coloured homes of Burano - Contemplate the impressive mosaics in Torcello These beautiful islands are known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, handicraft, and history. Departing from the famous St. Mark’s Square by motorboat, the first stop is Murano, where you can see the antique art of making glass and lampworking. Murano has been famous for its glassmaking since the thirteenth century when the Venetian Republic ordered all glassmakers to leave the mainland because of fear of fire. Most settled in Murano and quickly became the most prominent citizens. The second island stop is Burano, known for its lacework and brightly colored homes. Your guide speaks English, German, French and Italian and is happy to tell you all about the history of the area, including its visit by Leonardo da Vinci. If you select the 6-hour tour option, you will enjoy the third and last stop on the tour Torcello, a quiet and sparsely populated island. It is considered the oldest continuously populated region of Venice and once held the largest population of the Republic of Venice. Torcello was once more powerful even than Venice itself, due to the lagoon’s salt marshes that were Torcello’s economic backbone and its close trading and cultural links with Constantinople. The island has since fallen in fortune, but relics of its bygone glory remain, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 and still containing stunning mosaics to this day. Others If you select the 4.5-hour tour option, a visit to the Torcello is not included.