Venice, the floating city, captivates visitors with its labyrinth of canals and centuries-old architecture. But beneath its surface lies a rich culinary heritage that’s often overlooked. The ‘Evening in Venice With a Local: Food and Wine Tasting Tour’ promises to unveil this hidden world, guiding participants through the city’s backstreets to discover its vibrant food and wine culture. Led by a local expert, this immersive experience invites travelers to indulge in traditional cicchetti, or small plates, while sipping on a selection of regional wines. As they explore the history and significance of these gastronomic delights, you will uncover the enduring traditions that have shaped Venice’s unique flavor. The stage is set for an unforgettable evening that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points

- Immerses participants in Venetian cuisine and culture through a guided exploration of backstreets, discovering local wine bars, and tasting traditional cicchetti.
- Provides a 3-hour experience to sample regional wines and learn about Venetian history and culinary traditions through the lens of food.
- Offers an insider’s view of Venice’s rich culinary heritage by wandering through picturesque backstreets and sampling tapas-style cicchetti.
- Showcases the bounty of the Adriatic through a tasting of traditional Venetian cicchetti, including crostini, fried seafood, marinated sardines, meatballs, and pickled vegetables.
- Includes a sampling of five distinct regional wines, providing insights into grape varieties, production methods, and the cultural significance of wine in Venetian lifestyle.
Overview of the Tour

The tour provides an evening of immersive exploration into Venetian cuisine and culture, guiding participants through the city’s backstreets to discover local wine bars and sample traditional cicchetti, or small plates.
Led by a local food expert, the 3-hour experience allows visitors to taste regional wines and learn about Venice’s history through its food.
Priced at £91.58 per person, the small-group tour (maximum 8 travelers) ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
While dietary restrictions can’t be accommodated, the included food samples are enough to replace a full meal.
With no seating guaranteed during the stops, guests will explore the atmospheric streets and hidden gems of this iconic Italian city.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Venice
Exploring Venetian Backstreets

Participants can expect to wander down picturesque Venetian backstreets, discovering hidden wine bars and sampling traditional tapas-style cicchetti along the way.
Led by a local food expert, the tour provides an insider’s view of Venice’s rich culinary culture. As you explore the city’s intricate network of alleyways, you’ll learn about the history and significance of the dishes you taste.
From savory bites like cured meats and cheeses to sweet confections, each stop offers a chance to indulge your senses and learn about the flavors that define Venetian cuisine.
The local guide’s passion and knowledge ensure an engaging and authentic experience off the beaten path.
Tasting Traditional Cicchetti

As participants explore the backstreets, they’ll have the chance to indulge in traditional Venetian cicchetti, or small bites, at local wine bars along the way.
These savory tapas-style dishes offer a delightful way to sample the flavors that define the city’s renowned culinary heritage. From crostini topped with creamy codfish spread to fried morsels of breaded seafood, the cicchetti showcase the bounty of the Adriatic.
Guests will also savor classic bites like marinated sardines, hearty meatballs, and tangy pickled vegetables.
Sipping on regional wines, they’ll learn how these bite-sized delights have become an integral part of the Venetian lifestyle, fostering a sense of community and conviviality.
Experiencing Regional Wine Tastings

Throughout the tour, guests will have the chance to indulge in a delightful selection of regional wines, each offering a unique taste profile that showcases the diversity of Italy’s winemaking traditions. From crisp, minerally whites to bold, full-bodied reds, the carefully curated tastings provide an opportunity to explore the nuances and complexities that have made Venetian wines renowned worldwide.
The wine tasting experience includes:
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A sampling of five distinct regional wines, each accompanied by insights from the knowledgeable local guide.
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An introduction to the grape varieties, production methods, and terroir that contribute to the distinctive flavors.
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Pairings with traditional Venetian cicchetti to enhance the tasting experience.
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Insights into the rich history and cultural significance of wine in the Venetian lifestyle.
Learning About Venetian History

During the tour, the local guide weaves captivating narratives that bring Venetian history to life, drawing upon the city’s rich cultural heritage and the unique relationship between its people and the surrounding waterways.
As participants explore the backstreets, the guide shares intriguing stories about the evolution of Venetian architecture, the rise and fall of the Venetian Republic, and the critical role that maritime trade played in shaping the city’s prosperity.
The guide also highlights the enduring traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations, providing insights into the daily lives and experiences of Venetians.
This immersive exploration of Venetian history and culture enriches the overall food and wine tasting experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice
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- Venice: Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio Area Food Tour: Pasta Wine Gelato and More!
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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes local food samples, enough to replace a meal, as well as five regional wine tastings, all led by a knowledgeable local guide.
However, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as any extra food or drinks, are excluded from the tour.
Participants can expect to sample a variety of traditional Venetian cicchetti, or tapas-style dishes, during the tour.
The five regional wine tastings allow guests to explore the diverse flavors of the local vintages.
The tour guide is a local food expert who can provide insight into the city’s history and culture through the lens of its culinary traditions.
Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options aren’t available, so those with dietary restrictions should plan accordingly.
Tour Important Information

Travelers should be aware that no seating is guaranteed during the food stops on the tour. Plus, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately.
Customers must advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options aren’t available.
The tour has a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This small-group size allows the guide to provide more attention to each participant, ensuring they get the most out of the food and wine tastings.
Whether the weather is sunny or rainy, the tour will proceed as scheduled, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local culinary culture of Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour as a Solo Traveler?
Yes, solo travelers can join the tour. The tour has a minimum of 2 participants, so solo travelers are welcome to book and participate in the food and wine tasting experience with the small group.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the small group tour, which can accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers. Children are permitted, though the tour may not be suitable for very young kids.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
No, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not allowed on the tour. The tour includes 5 regional wine tastings as part of the experience, so you’ll be able to sample a variety of local wines during the event.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photography is typically allowed during the tour, though participants should be mindful not to disrupt the experience for others. Check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.
Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?
Yes, travelers can typically request a private or customized tour. Many tour operators offer this option, which allows for a more personalized experience tailored to the group’s interests and preferences.
Recap

The Evening in Venice With a Local: Food and Wine Tasting Tour offers an immersive experience that allows participants to explore the rich culinary heritage of Venice.
Guided by a local expert, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s picturesque backstreets, where they can savor traditional cicchetti and indulge in a tasting of five distinct regional wines.
This unique opportunity provides an insider’s perspective on the enduring traditions that have shaped Venice’s renowned gastronomy.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Venice
- Venice Street Food and Sightseeing Small Group Tour
- Private Horseback Riding Tour of the Vineyards in Verona with Wine Tasting
- Venice Rialto Market Food Delicacies and Sightseeing Tour with a Native Guide
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: Pasta Class with Wine Tasting and Gelato
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- Private Day Trip to Murano Burano and Torcello islands from Venice with a local
- Public Tour: The Most Complete Tour of Venice
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