City Wonders Murano Burano Small-Group Boat Tour With Glassmaking and Lace
Quick answer
City Wonders' 5-hour Murano and Burano boat tour costs from $55 (€49), leaves from Riva degli Schiavoni and skips Torcello.
I'd book it for the guide and small group; it holds 4.7/5 from 7,700+ reviews on GetYourGuide, but tips and hotel pickup cost extra.
City Wonders Ltd.
Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
4.7 (7,709) · from $55
The city wonders murano burano tour is a 5-hour guided boat trip from the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront to the glass island of Murano and the lace island of Burano, run for groups of 22 people or fewer. It costs $55 per person, about €49 at the 2026-10-16 rate, and Torcello is left out on purpose.
The rare detail is the word "private". The title says "private boat", but the standard booking is a shared group of up to 22, and a private group is a separate option. If you want a boat only for your party, the private boat tours in Venice are the page to read.
I have not taken this trip. What follows comes from the listing, its review sample and the sources linked inline, and it sits in my Venice boat tours comparison.
| Operator | City Wonders Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Boat and group | Boat from Venice, small group of 22 people or fewer; private group option exists |
| Price | From $55 per person (about €49) |
| Duration | 5 hours; start times appear at checkout |
| Departure | Riva degli Schiavoni 4182 area, Riva degli Schiavoni on Google Maps; the listing offers 3 meeting points depending on the option |
| Route | Murano glass demonstration, Burano lace demonstration, return to Venice; no Torcello |
| On board | Guide with a headset system for the group; food, drinks and tips not included |
| Languages | English, Spanish, French |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before |
| Rating | 4.7/5 from 7,700+ reviews on GetYourGuide (guide 4.9, transport 4.8, value 4.6) |
What is the city wonders murano burano tour and what do you see?
It is a guided half-day boat trip with two demonstrations: glassmaking on Murano and lacemaking on Burano.
- Boat to Murano: the guide tells the story of the glassblowers, whose skills made them too valuable to let leave Venice.
- Glass demonstration: a craftsman shapes glass while the guide explains how sand becomes coloured glass; you then browse the gallery and wander on your own.
- Boat to Burano: you reach the island of painted houses along the canals.
- Lace demonstration: you step into a workshop where women still stitch lace, then walk the streets or try local snacks.
- Return: the boat takes the group back to Venice.
The omission of Torcello is the tour's selling point. Per the listing, the saving goes to the two islands, away from boat time and inland walking.
Where does the boat leave from?
Guests meet on the Riva degli Schiavoni, the waterfront east of St Mark's Square, near the Hotel Gabrielli stop listed in the itinerary.
The listing gives three meeting points depending on the option, so use the one on your voucher. For the main one, open Riva degli Schiavoni 4182 on Google Maps and the Hotel Gabrielli stop on Google Maps.
| From | Walk | Route |
|---|---|---|
| San Zaccaria vaporetto stop | 2 min (134 m) | walking route |
| Venezia Santa Lucia railway station | 34 min (2,522 m) | walking route |
From the station, a waterbus to San Zaccaria saves the 34-minute walk. The ACTV operator lists fares on its fares page, but that page does not print the amounts, so I won't quote one. Hotel pickup is not included.
What is the route, stop by stop?
The route has two islands and one pickup area, and the order of visits can change with local conditions.
| Stop | What happens | Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Riva degli Schiavoni | Board the boat | Riva degli Schiavoni 4182 on Google Maps |
| Murano | Glass demonstration, free time, shop | Murano on Google Maps |
| Burano | Painted houses, lace demonstration, free time | Burano on Google Maps |
| Hotel Gabrielli area | Listed return or pickup stop | Hotel Gabrielli on Google Maps |
The listing says the order of islands and demonstrations may vary, and working artisans can change the demonstrations without notice. From November to March the lace demonstration may not run on Mondays, and the operator then offers a comparable activity.
How long is it and when does it sail?
The tour lasts 5 hours, and the listing warns that outside factors can stretch it slightly.
Start times are not printed on the listing, so choose a slot at checkout. I'd choose the earliest: a reviewer of another Murano and Burano boat advised going early because the islands get busy later, and Burano is the stop most reviewers of this tour wish they had more time for. A morning departure also leaves your afternoon free.
- Allow 5 hours plus 15 minutes to get to the meeting point.
- Moderate walking on the islands; it sails whatever the weather.
- Strollers and large bags are not allowed.
What is included and what is not?
The ticket covers the boat, the guide, the two demonstrations and a glass-gallery discount; hotel pickup and tips are not covered.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Round-trip boat from Venice | Included |
| Local guide for the whole tour | Included |
| Glassmaking and lacemaking demonstrations | Included |
| Headset for clear audio | Included |
| Discount at the glass gallery | Included |
| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Not included |
| Gratuities | Not included |
| Food and drink on the islands | Not stated; budget your own |
What rare details change the City Wonders Murano Burano day?
Five details decide whether the day suits you, and most are buried in the listing's small print.
| Detail | What the listing says | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | 22 people or fewer | Easier to hear the guide than on a full ferry |
| Audio | Headset for each guest | You can wander a few steps without losing the commentary |
| Lace demonstration | May not run on Mondays, November to March | Pick another weekday in winter |
| Order of visits | May change with local conditions | Do not plan lunch around a fixed island order |
| Weather | Runs in all weather | Bring a rain layer between October and March |
The City Wonders Murano Burano ticket sells the boat and the guide, not the city access fee, so register separately if your date is on the city's list.
How does it compare with the other Murano and Burano tours?
The city wonders murano burano ticket is the most expensive of the shared group tours but has the best rating and the smallest group.
| Tour | Price | Time | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Wonders (this page) | $55 | 5 h | 4.7 (7,700+) | 22 or fewer, no Torcello |
| Bucintoro Viaggi | $28 | 4.5 - 5.5 h | 4.2 (18,000+) | Optional Torcello |
| Il Doge di Venezia | $22 | 4.5 - 7 h | 4.3 (12,800+) | Guide on board only |
| Serenissima Motoscafi | $28 | 4 - 4.5 h | 4.4 (6,500+) | Glass factory visit |
| Vetreria Artistica Colleoni (private) | $471 | 4 h | 4.8 (189) | Private, hotel pickup |
Is the City Wonders Murano Burano tour worth it versus the cheaper boats?
Yes, if you value a guide who walks the islands with you, since the other boats mostly guide on board and leave you free; no, if you only need a boat ride.
The price gap to the $22 Il Doge tour is about $33, or €29. For that you get a smaller group, a longer day and top scores for guide and transport (4.9 and 4.8). Its weakest score, value at 4.6, is still high.
118 small islands carry the city that UNESCO lists together with its 70,176-hectare lagoon.
When is the best time to go?
May to September give the warmest days, but the shoulder months have fewer people and the tour runs in all weather.
| Month | Average high | Rain days | On the water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 °C | 11 | Coat on open deck |
| Feb | 10 °C | 6 | Coat on open deck |
| Mar | 15 °C | 15 | Light jacket for the crossing |
| Apr | 18 °C | 10 | Light jacket for the crossing |
| May | 21 °C | 14 | T-shirt weather |
| Jun | 29 °C | 4 | Shade seat helps |
| Jul | 28 °C | 14 | Shade seat helps |
| Aug | 28 °C | 9 | Shade seat helps |
| Sep | 24 °C | 12 | T-shirt weather |
| Oct | 18 °C | 7 | Light jacket for the crossing |
| Nov | 13 °C | 8 | Light jacket for the crossing |
| Dec | 10 °C | 7 | Coat on open deck |
Rain days in the 2025 record range from 4 in June to 15 in March. Highs of 9-10 °C in January and December mean a cold boat deck. From November to March the lace demonstration may skip Mondays, so book a different day if lace is your reason to go.
What do passengers say?
The review sample I read is all five-star, so it shows themes only; the 4.7/5 average over 7,700+ reviews is the better score.
- Guides: almost every review names a guide and calls them knowledgeable or friendly.
- Rushed schedule: the listing summary says some travellers wanted more time to explore.
- Burano: two reviewers wished for more time there.
- Murano shop: one reviewer felt much of the Murano stop was a shopping stop and called the pieces expensive.
- Group chat: one liked mingling with other passengers.
Reviewers also tell you how to use the free time. One said the guide recommended things to do on both islands and a local drink to try, so ask early what is worth your minutes on Burano. Another reviewer suggested the tour is easy to enjoy with other passengers, as the group is small enough to talk.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want a private boat on a budget, need a stroller, or want a full day to wander.
- Families with strollers: baby strollers are not allowed on the tour.
- Shoppers wary of sales stops: expect time in the glass gallery; the discount is optional to use.
- Torcello fans: take the Bucintoro Viaggi half-day tour with the optional third island.
- Private groups: see the private lagoon boat with skipper at $111 for a party of up to six.
How do you book the City Wonders Murano and Burano tour?
The City Wonders tour costs from $55 per person (€49) for 5 hours, free to cancel up to 24 hours before.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
- Pick the standard small-group option or the private one.
- Choose a morning start.
- Check the Venice access fee dates at cda.ve.it before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the City Wonders Murano and Burano tour?
It starts at $55 per person, about €49 at the 2026-10-16 rate. Tips and hotel pickup are extra.
How long is the tour?
The listing says 5 hours, and it warns that outside factors can stretch the day slightly.
Does the tour include Torcello?
No. The listing leaves Torcello out on purpose to give more time on Murano and Burano.
How big is the group?
The listing says a small group of 22 people or fewer.
Where does the tour start?
On the Riva degli Schiavoni, near Hotel Gabrielli. The listing has three meeting points, so check your voucher.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included.
Can I bring a stroller or a large bag?
No. Baby strollers, luggage and large bags are not allowed.
Is lace-making shown every day?
No. From November to March the lace demonstration may not run on Mondays, per the listing.
Do I need to pay the Venice access fee?
The city applies an access fee on set dates. The listing links the registration site at cda.ve.it.
Is there a private version?
Yes, a private group option is listed. The standard ticket is a shared small group.
What if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather, according to the listing.
Sources: Listing data and reviews: GetYourGuide, product 21293 (checked 2026-10-17); Open-Meteo archive API; Frankfurter API; Nager.Date API; walking times by OSRM foot routing; UNESCO World Heritage Centre; ACTV/AVM fares; City of Venice access fee.
