Venice is more than gondolas and grand palazzos—it’s also the gateway to a whole constellation of islands, each with its own personality, craft traditions and slower, more local rhythm. With the right plan (and a good boat guide), you can experience the best of the lagoon in a single unforgettable day.
Start in Venice: Canals, Culture & Classic Sights
Begin with the Venice everyone dreams about:
- St. Mark’s Square & Basilica – Iconic, yes, but still magical, especially early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Doge’s Palace – For history, art and that walk across the Bridge of Sighs.
- Rialto Bridge & Market – A lively spot to see daily life in motion and browse stalls of produce, fish and spices.
- The back canals of Dorsoduro or Cannaregio – Quieter neighborhoods with local bàcari (wine bars), artisan shops and fewer crowds.
For a classic Venetian evening, follow the locals: cicchetti (small bites) and a spritz or glass of local wine at a bàcaro, followed by a slow stroll along the canals.
Hire a Private Boat Guide: Your Island-Hopping Secret Weapon
One of my favorite insider moves is to hire a private guide with a boat for the day. Instead of juggling ferry schedules or ending up on a rushed group tour, you’ll:
- Set your own pace
- Visit smaller canals and quieter spots
- Customize which islands you see (and how long you stay on each)
Tell your guide you’d like to focus on Burano, Murano and a couple of lesser-known islands, and they’ll help you weave together a route that feels relaxed, not rushed.
Murano: Glassmaking & Studio Visits
First stop: Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Here you can:
- Visit glass studios and watch artisans shape molten glass into vases, chandeliers and delicate sculptures
- Learn about different techniques, from blown glass to intricate millefiori designs
- Browse showrooms for everything from small souvenirs to statement pieces for your home
A good guide can steer you toward authentic, family-run workshops instead of only the big tourist stops, and help you understand what you’re seeing (and buying).
Burano: Lace, Color & Quiet Canals
Next, glide over to Burano, instantly recognizable by its brightly painted houses lining small canals. Legend has it that fishermen painted their homes vivid colors so they could spot them from the lagoon in thick fog.
On Burano, you can:
- Learn about traditional lace-making, a craft that dates back centuries
- Visit small shops and lace museums to see handwork up close
- Wander side streets and photograph the color-blocked houses and tiny bridges
- Enjoy a long lunch of fresh seafood—Burano has some excellent, low-key trattorie
This island is a photographer’s dream and a wonderful place to simply slow down for a few hours.
Other Islands to Consider: Torcello, Mazzorbo & Beyond
With a boat and guide, you can add a quieter island or two:
- Torcello – One of the earliest settled islands in the lagoon, with a peaceful, almost rural feel. Don’t miss the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its stunning mosaics.
- Mazzorbo – Connected to Burano by a small footbridge, this island has vineyards, gardens and a calmer, more residential vibe.
- Depending on your interests and time, your guide might suggest other stops—small islands with monasteries, nature reserves or tucked-away restaurants.
Food & Cultural Experiences
Throughout Venice and the islands, food and culture are woven together:
- Sample sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and fresh lagoon seafood.
- Enjoy a classic spritz or a glass of local prosecco overlooking the water.
- Visit artisan workshops that still produce masks, marbled paper, leather and textiles using traditional techniques.
- Time your trip with festivals or events for an extra layer of local color—your advisor (hi, that’s me!) can help with that.
Venice rewards wandering: getting “lost” in narrow calli, hopping on a vaporetto (water bus) along the Grand Canal, and then retreating to a quiet campo or café when you’re ready to rest.
Ready to Plan Your Venice & Islands Escape?
The beauty of Venice and her islands is how customizable they are: you can pair iconic sights with hidden corners, craft studios with slow lunches, and a private boat day with plenty of time to just be by the water.
If you’re dreaming of gliding through canals, visiting Murano and Burano with a private guide, and building in just the right mix of art, history, food and downtime, I’d love to help you design the perfect itinerary.
👉 Start with my full insider overview and connect with me here:
Insider’s Guide to Venice as a Gateway – with Heidi Dent
From there, we’ll plan a Venice trip that feels like your own personal love letter to the lagoon.