Top Excursions
in Venice Cruise Port

Tours and Excursions in Venice for Cruise Travelers: Murano Glass, Burano Lace, Evening Gondola Serenade

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Venice is one of those few cruise ports in Italy that can be very easily explored on your own even to more distant places like Murano or the Lido. Although the cruise terminal is not exactly a stone trow away, the Cruise Terminal has excellent public and private transportation that will take you directly to the main attractions and top highlights.

For those that enjoy walking, the cruise terminal is a 20-minute walk to Piazzale Roma, the main transportation hub of Venice, and from here you can literally start your exploration of Venice on foot or, by Vaporetto to or very close to all the major sites. Therefore, only a few major excursions are listed below for those that do prefer the luxury of being guided.

Murano Glass & Burano Lace
(The Two Islands)

This excursion will take the cruise traveler on a private motorboat through the northern Venetian Lagoon, passing by landmarks such St. Marks Square, on the way to the island Murano, where you will see the process of glass blowing as developed by Venetians over centuries. The tour continues to the island of Burano to admire its colorful houses, where you may find women sitting in their doorways working on a piece of lace. Naturally, you will be able to visit numerous shops where handmade lace-work is on offer.

Must Know: Cruise travelers prone to motion sickness should take precautions, must be able to walk approximately one mile over cobblestone surfaces with 160 steps.
Must Take: Hat, sunglasses, walking shoes, camera, cash (Euros) /credit cards.
Restrictions: Cruise travelers in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties should not select this tour.
Duration: Between 4 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours.

Shore Excursion Prices - Cruise Line Comparison

Princess:Duration: 5 hours | Adult: $49.95 | this tour is 30 minutes longer than most  
Royal Caribbean:Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes | Adult: $59.75 | Child: $43.75 
Norwegian Cruise Line:Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes | Adult: $79.00 | Child: $65.00 
Viator:Duration: 5 hours | Adult: $33.00 | This tour is 30 minutes longer than most and includes more free time  

Evening Gondola Serenade
(Romantic Charm)

This tour takes the cruise traveler through a network of canals on a 35-minute Gondola ride, together with a singer and an accordionist for the journey. The ride will pass by many landmarks and some of the most famous bridges.

Must Know: Cruise travelers prone to motion sickness should take precautions, must be able to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile and climb steps of at least 5 bridges.
Must Take: Walking shoes, Camera
Restrictions: Cruise travelers in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties should not select this tour.
Duration: between 2 hours and 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Shore Excursion Prices - Cruise Line Comparison

Royal Caribbean:Adult: $149.75 | Child: $119.75  
Princess:Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes| Adult: $139.95 | Princes tour is longer than Royal Caribbean and offers a visit to St. Mark’s Square and Dodge's Palace in the evening 
Norwegian Cruise Line:Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes | Adult: $199.00 | Child: $155.00 | NCL tour is the longest and offers a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in the evening.
Viator:Duration: 2 hours | Adult: $53.48 | Viator excursion is the shortest, no musical serenading but includes a guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica.

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