Overview
Step away from the tourist trail to discover Venice’s culinary history from the days when the city was a major spice trade port through to the present day. As you learn about the influence of Venice’s maritime history, learn where the locals go to eat and hear tips for Venetian dishes to try.
Explore the Rialto Market and visit a few of our favorite renowned cicchetti bars to enjoy Venetian-style "tapas" with wine.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
All food & beverage tastings
Expert local tour guide
Small groups of 12 people or fewer
Short gondola ride across the Grand Canal
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
At the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (Campo San Giacometto).
End point
Near the Rialto Bridge.
Good to know
• Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
• Unfortunately, due to the nature of this tour, it is not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• If you cannot join your tour (running late, etc.) please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour (with an amendment fee) depending on availability.
• Those with dietary restrictions need to contact us before joining the tour so we can arrange your food.
• Venetian cuisine is closely connected to the sea. We enjoy a lot of seafood on this tour. We will do our best to provide alternatives for those who refrain from eating seafood but options may be limited.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Sensible shoes for walking over cobblestones and bridges make the tour more enjoyable.
• Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
• This tour is in English.
What to expect
Meet your guide in central Venice, and start with an intro to the city and its culinary history. Hear how Venice was the center of the spice trade route during the Middle Ages, and of its love for fresh seafood, caught locally, of course.
In recent years, the cuisine’s reputation has been tarnished by tales of overpriced tourist restaurants. So follow your guide to discover the places where the locals eat and avoid the tourist traps.
Stroll through Rialto Market to see stalls heaving with fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, and learn all about Venice’s maritime history. Then, stroll through the streets to discover beloved eateries such as a bakery, butchers and one of the oldest spice stories in the world.
Next you’ll board a gondola to cross the Grand Canal to Cannaregio. Once known as the Jewish Ghetto and surrounded by walls to keep residents in, Cannaregio is a favorite among locals today for its great food scene, beautiful streets and piazzas and its much more relaxed vibe away from the tourist route.
All this talk of food will make you hungry so we’ll be sure to sample sumptuous local wine and cicchetti along the way. On this side of the Grand Canal, you’ll stop at two of Venice’s most popular local bars. The cicchetti is Venice’s answer to the Spanish tapas and includes local delicacies like crostini (bread with delicious toppings like whipped cod) and Venetian panini (technically sandwiches, but so much more).
At each bar your guide will help you to choose two of the best cicchetti and of course a glass of wine, Prosecco or spritz to wash it down.
Your adventure here continues to another local bar for a different kind of cicchetti. Fritti is a common dish of fried fish or vegetables made popular in this very area. In fact, we bet you’ll be shocked to learn just how much of Venetian food (and Italian food as a whole) has been influenced by the Jewish community.
We’ll take our fritti as the locals do – on a stick, to go – and embark on a short stroll across bridges and piazzas of Cannaregio.
Your tour culminates in a stop at our favorite Venetian restaurant; a friendly and atmospheric neighborhood trattoria called La Colonna. Here you’ll be warmly greeted by the host and served a plate of the day’s pasta special, washed down of course, with another glass of wine.
After thee hours, your tour finishes near Rialto Bridge.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit
Can I cancel Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Where does it start?
At the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (Campo San Giacometto).
What's included?
- All food & beverage tastings
- Expert local tour guide
- Small groups of 12 people or fewer
- Short gondola ride across the Grand Canal
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Walks - Italy, Spain & Greece
