Italy · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Italy

246 tours  ·  from $14 a head

From a half-hour on the Grand Canal to a full day under sail off Sorrento. The 15 below range across the lagoon, the lakes and the southern coast, each priced and clear about how much swimming time you actually get.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands - Murano: glass, furnaces, and a short wander
Cruises & Boat Tours, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Venice

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

1.Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 15,699 reviews · 4.5 - 5.5 hours · from $29Our pick

Take a 4.5 to 5.5-hour boat trip from Venice to Murano, Torcello, and Burano. Watch glassblowers at work, stroll quiet island lanes, and see Burano’s painted houses. A multilingual host gives commentary on board, while you explore independently at each stop. Bring lunch, arrive early, and keep a close eye on departure times.

“It was bit difficult to find the exact location, better to provide google map location to reach fast. Thanks for the tour to allow to get into the next trip though I was late.”

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Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing - Boarding near St. Mark’s
Cruises & Boat Tours, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

2.Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10,245 reviews · 6 hours · from $28

Spend six hours traveling by panoramic boat from St. Mark’s to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Watch a glass master work, browse with a 10% factory discount, photograph Burano’s painted houses, and hear multilingual commentary from your host. This is an escorted island sampler, not a guided walking tour.

“fantastic trip to see the venetian islands and experience the true culture. would definitely recommend”

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From Milan: Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise - Meeting the coach in Milan
Cruises & Boat Tours, Italian Lakes & Dolomites Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Lake Como

From Milan: Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise

3.Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,788 reviews · from $112

Travel from Milan to Como and Bellagio by luxury bus, with a guided walk, Villa Olmo gardens, and a one-hour private Lake Como cruise. You get free time in both Como and Bellagio, plus clear commentary in English or Spanish. Guides such as Lina, Franco, Marina, and Andrea have led recent departures, though names vary.

“Overall tour very good. Cómo and Bellagio worth seeing and the boat ride was lovely. Bus ride from one village to the other wonderful”

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Venice: Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit - Murano’s glass factory demonstration
Cruises & Boat Tours, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice

Venice: Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

4.Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 9,527 reviews · from $34

Cruise from San Marco or Venice train station to Murano and Burano on a comfortable boat with a panoramic terrace. Watch a short glass-blowing demonstration, learn about traditional glassmaking, then explore Burano’s colorful canals at your own pace. Commentary is offered in Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish.

“The guide was great and provided information about the islands and Venice in several different languages. I liked the chance to explore Murano and Burano your own, the time provided was perfect.”

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Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat - Murano glass, from secret craft to showroom display
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

5.Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,580 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $36

Spend five hours visiting Murano and Burano from Venice by private boat. See a glassblowing demonstration, watch lace-making when available, and explore Burano’s colorful canals. Guides such as Silvia, Serena, Frankie, and Alice add local history and practical food tips. Groups are limited to 22 people.

“Silvia was our wonderful guide for the Murano/Burano tour. She provided explanations, education and history at all points of the trip! We attended a glass blowing demonstration (hosted by Nicolo at New Murano Glass), got to browse the showroom at New Murano, and had time to wander the island and grab a coffee. Then we hopped over to Burano for a brief lace making demo, then spent the rest of the time exploring this colorful island. Silvia even shared a list of favorite bars and restaurants!”

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Venice: Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing - Finding the yellow desk near St. Mark’s
Cruises & Boat Tours, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice

Venice: Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

6.Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 6,212 reviews · 4 - 4.5 hours · from $29

Leave from St. Mark’s area for a 4 to 4.5-hour boat trip to Murano and Burano. Watch a Murano glass master at work, browse the factory gallery with a 10% discount, then stroll Burano’s colorful lanes, lace shops, and cafés. Multilingual guides provide commentary, though island visits are self-guided.

“lovely boat ride to murano. Glass making experience in the factory was lovely. burano was also sweet. all in all a great half day spent on the tour.”

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From Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour - Boarding at Palau or La Maddalena
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sardinia

From Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour

7.La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,980 reviews · 6 - 7 hours · from $59

Spend 6 to 7 hours aboard a comfortable boat from Palau or La Maddalena, with multilingual guide Claudia explaining the islands in English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Swim at Budelli, relax at Santa Maria and Cala Granara, see Spiaggia Rosa from the water, and browse La Maddalena town before returning.

“I would recommend to everyone, the nature is outstanding. The only minus on this trip was too many people on the boat. You are not comfortable sitting because it’s not enough room for your legs and they tell you where you have to sit so you don’t have many choices.”

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Capri: Island Boat Trip with Grottos - Marina Grande and the first coastal views
Capri & Blue Grotto Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Capri

Capri: Island Boat Trip with Grottos

8.Island Boat Trip with Grottos

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4,923 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $28

From Marina Grande, you circle Capri aboard a boat with an English and Italian-speaking crew. Expect the Faraglioni, White and Green Grottos, Punta Carena Lighthouse, Casa Malaparte, and the Baths of Tiberius. A Blue Grotto option adds an €18 entrance fee and can involve a wait of up to two hours.

“Amazing tour of the island, best part was swimming, water was so refreshing on a hot day. Crew was informative, captain navigated boat into small grottos so we could see everything up close. Highly recommend this tour!”

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Milan: Navigli Canal Boat Cruise - Boarding at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Milan

Milan: Navigli Canal Boat Cruise

9.Navigli Canal Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 4,502 reviews · 50 min · from $25

Board a small electric boat at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4 for a 50-minute cruise through Milan’s Navigli district. You’ll pass San Cristoforo, Vicolo dei Lavandai, Canottieri Milano Olona, Darsena, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Conchetta. An English or Italian host assists with boarding, while audio commentary is accessed by QR code in five languages.

“Beautiful canal ride and also enjoyed the audio that was available, the step by step guide for the audio guide was easy to follow. Enjoyed learning the information whilst enjoying the views.”

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From Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat - Murano: fire, glass, and a short island walk
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Murano & Burano Island Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice

From Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat

10.Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,170 reviews · from $61

Spend five hours traveling by boat from Venice to Murano and Burano with an English-speaking guide. Watch a glassblowing demonstration, see lace-making in Burano, browse local shops, and enjoy free time for photos, food, and wandering. Guides may include Elena, Elly, Manu, Christina, or Francesca Gin. Small-group and private options are available.

“Our guide Ellie ( Elly) was so good. Being born and raised here, she knew the answers to all our questions, and gave us a really good insight into the local culture and history, and we saw so much more of these places due to her personal experiences of living here. She was very friendly and kind, adjusted the tour to our needs, especially as we were four older people who needed a bit of time for resting now and then. She made our experience memorable. Highly recommended.”

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Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour - Isola dei Pescatori, the best place to stop for lunch
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

11.Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,122 reviews · 1 day · from $14Best value

From Stresa Piazza Marconi, hop between the three Borromean Islands by modern boat. Visit Isola Madre’s botanical gardens, eat on Isola dei Pescatori, and tour Isola Bella’s palace and terraces. The €14 pass covers boat transport, but island landing fees and palace and garden tickets cost extra.

“The whole experience is very good. there were so much fascinating arts, spexially painting, its mesmarizimg I wish every aetwork has a miseum loke details. who, when and mentionable featirw. An itemised aidio guide woild have been very food. At least a printed catalovue. The gaedens are kept very well hence its so mixh enjoyable. Thanks”

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Naples: Boat Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello - Starting in Naples and reaching the port
Amalfi Coast Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Naples

Naples: Boat Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

12.Boat Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4,000 reviews · from $95

Spend 10 hours sailing from Naples to Amalfi and Positano, with views of Mount Vesuvius, Queen Giovanna’s Baths, Punta Campanella, and the Sirenuses. Choose the Ravello option for Villa Rufolo and Gulf of Salerno views. Guides may include Alba, Simone, Cristina, or Nello, with commentary in English, Spanish, or Italian.

“Beautiful day out from Naples. Weather was perfect. We didn’t do the Rovello, instead soaked up Amalfi and enjoyed every second! Positano was great too, but sooo busy! The boat trip was lovely, refreshments, and great info in so many languages! Teenage kids enjoyed it too! Would recommend! Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen, I got crazy burnt!”

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From Naples: Gulf of Naples & Capri Sightseeing Boat Tour - Marina Grande begins the island circuit
Capri & Blue Grotto Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Naples

From Naples: Gulf of Naples & Capri Sightseeing Boat Tour

13.Gulf of Naples & Capri Sightseeing Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,384 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $93

Travel from Naples or nearby towns to Capri by ferry, circle the island by boat, and see the Faraglioni, Natural Arch, grottos, Punta Carena, and Casa Malaparte. You get 3 to 4 hours ashore, a map, and guidance from staff such as Anastasia, Gaetano, Nello, or Teresa. Choose the swim option for a stop near the Faraglioni.

“Excellence defined. Truly focused on delivering the best possible experience for the customer. For starters, this particular company HD Travel went out of their way to make the transportation essentially door-to-door by modifying their original pick-up and drop-off route. The communication throughout the entire process was simply outstanding, ensuring a smooth and seamless tour. Friendly and accommodating staff members like Iliana and the results-driven leadership of our tour guide Anastasia deserve particular praise. True professionals who are truly passionate in what they do because service with a smile goes a long way. At the end of the day peace of mind is priceless. Thank you for making...”

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Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif - Cala Paguro and the first coastal views
Alberobello, Matera & the Trulli Towns, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Bari

Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif

14.Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,382 reviews · 2 hours · from $35Top rated

Spend two hours on a 7-meter speedboat along Polignano a Mare’s 11-kilometer coast. Your English or Italian-speaking skipper takes you into sea caves, past Lama Monachile and Grotta Palazzese, then stops for swimming and an aperitif. Guides such as Giuseppe, Claudio, and Mattia are known for local stories, music, and easygoing humor.

“This was a great way to see the caves of Polignano a Mare. Our guide was funny and entertaining. I would definitely recommend this activity especially as an activity in the off season.”

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Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark's, Walking tour & Boat tour - Inside St. Mark’s Basilica With Skip-the-Line Entry
Cruises & Boat Tours, Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Venice, Walking Tours

Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s, Walking tour & Boat tour

15.Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s, Walking tour & Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,372 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $480

This three-hour Venice tour combines St. Mark’s Basilica, a guided walk through Castello, and a one-hour Grand Canal boat ride. Guides such as Cristina Pigozzo, Francesco, and Adriana have led visits, though the boat and walking portions may use different guides. Confirm whether your booking is private or shared, as groups can reach 16 people.

“The tour was very good and informative. Boat tour could have been right after tour so that it could have been a restful time instead of waiting time in between”

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