Experience Venice Like a Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour

Explore the hidden gems of Venice on a small group cicchetti and wine tour. Enjoy the local culture as you savor authentic Venetian cuisine and sample 5 glasses of wine. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll discover lesser-known areas of the city and enjoy a picturesque gondola ride across the Grand Canal. With only 12 participants, this tour offers a personalized and sustainable experience. Discover why this tour is a must-do for any traveler seeking to experience Venice like a local.

Key Points

• Immersive local experience exploring Venetian cuisine and culture through a small group tour with 5 glasses of wine, 7 cicchetti dishes, and 1 dessert.
• Personalized attention and sustainable practices from a B Corp certified company, including accommodations for dietary needs and emphasis on supporting the local economy.
• Guided tour covering approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on foot in less touristy areas, with stops at Cannaregio, Rialto Market, and Rialto Bridge.
• Gondola ferry ride across the Grand Canal, offering insights into Venice’s history and culture through the lens of its renowned food and wine.
• Moderate physical fitness required, with the tour not wheelchair accessible but allowing service animals and accommodating children with adult supervision.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the city through a local lens.

With 1,623 reviews and a 95% traveler recommendation, this small group tour immerses guests in Venetian culture through food and wine tastings. Participants will sample regional wines and traditional cicchetti, or Venetian appetizers, at backstreet bars.

The tour includes 5 glasses of wine, 7 cicchetti dishes, and 1 dessert. Beyond the culinary experience, highlights include a gondola ferry ride across the Grand Canal.

The tour size is limited to 12 for personalized attention, and it’s operated by a sustainable B Corp company.

Culinary Experience

Travelers on the Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour can sample local specialties, including seafood with polenta, black ink calamari, and fried mixed fish.

The culinary experience includes:

• Visiting multiple cicchetti bars, known for their unique Venetian tapas-style dishes
• Experiencing the history and culture of Venice through food, with insights from knowledgeable guides
• Suitable for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free (non-celiac)
• Exploring the flavors and traditions that make Venetian cuisine so distinctive.

The tour allows guests to enjoy the local food scene, savoring the diverse array of regional specialties and gaining a deeper appreciation for Venetian culinary heritage.

Itinerary and Locations

The tour includes stops at Cannaregio, Rialto Market, and iconic locations like the Rialto Bridge.

Participants will explore less touristy areas, covering approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on foot.

The itinerary may change based on bar and restaurant availability, ensuring a dynamic and authentic experience.

The meeting point is Campo de la Maddalena in the Cannaregio district.

Throughout the tour, you will enjoy the history and culture of Venice through the lens of its local food and wine offerings.

Traveler Information and Accessibility

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Service animals are allowed, but participants shouldn’t have any serious medical conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Not wheelchair accessible; moderate physical fitness required
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Service animals allowed; no serious medical conditions should be present
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Food and Wine Offerings

While the tour offers an exceptional culinary experience, it caters to various dietary needs. Guests can sample local specialties like seafood with polenta, black ink calamari, and fried mixed fish.

The tour also includes stops at multiple cicchetti bars, known for their unique Venetian tapas-style dishes. Vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free (non-celiac) options are available, ensuring all participants can fully enjoy the flavors of Venice.

The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and culture of the city, enhancing the overall gastronomic journey.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

As a B Corp certified company, the tour operator is committed to sustainable and responsible travel practices.

They focus on:

• Minimizing environmental impact through carbon offsetting, waste reduction, and use of eco-friendly suppliers.
• Supporting local businesses and economy by partnering with family-owned bars and restaurants.
• Promoting cultural preservation by educating guests on Venetian traditions and history.
• Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, with accommodations for various dietary needs and physical abilities.

Exceptional Guiding and Personalized Attention

Knowledgeable and attentive guides are the cornerstone of this Venice food and wine tour, consistently earning high praise from travelers.

With a focus on providing personalized attention, the tour limits group sizes to 12 participants. Guides share their insider knowledge of Venetian culture and history, enhancing the culinary experience.

They skillfully navigate the city’s backstreets, introducing guests to authentic cicchetti bars and local wine specialties. Travelers appreciate the guides’ dedication to sustainable tourism practices.

Rave Reviews and Recommendations

The tour’s exceptional ratings and enthusiastic recommendations from past travelers underscore its appeal. With a 4.8 rating based on over 1,600 reviews, the tour has garnered a 95% traveler recommendation.

Travelers highlight:

• The knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences
• The opportunity to try authentic local dishes and wines in less touristy areas
• The tour as a must-do for food lovers and those wanting to explore Venice beyond the typical routes
• The friendly atmosphere created during the small group tour

Positive feedback emphasizes the tour as an immersive and memorable way to discover Venice’s culinary culture and hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific dress code requirements for the tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the food and wine experience while exploring the backstreets of Venice.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Dietary Needs?

Yes, the tour can be customized for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free (non-celiac). The provider ensures they cater to these requirements so all participants can fully enjoy the culinary experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour is open to participants of all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no minimum age requirement, making it suitable for families with children.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be mindful of not disrupting the experience or interfering with other guests. The tour operator requests that guests respect the privacy of the local establishments visited.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to and From the Meeting Point?

The tour does not include transportation to and from the meeting point. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the designated meeting location in Venice. The tour focuses on exploring the city on foot.

The Sum Up

The Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour offers an authentic Venetian experience, immersing travelers in the city’s vibrant culinary culture. Featuring carefully curated food and wine pairings, a scenic gondola ride, and personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Venice like a local. With sustainability and inclusivity at its core, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a truly unique and memorable exploration of this iconic destination.