Venice is the city which requires no introduction. Stunning architecture bleeding into the canals, gondolas, narrow backstreets, and neighbourhood churches lined with Veroneses and priceless marbles. To show you a side to Venice which most miss, this tour focusses on the taste sensations of the best regional food and wines. Food is after all the only way to really discover Italy!
A local guide is the only way to explore Venice, their knowledge, historical and cultural insights, and advice is the fastest way to discover the real life of a Venetian. This trip encapsulates the backstreets, twisting alleys, markets and naturally food and wine.
For three hours we stroll around the alleys of Venice, setting our tastebuds alive with a selection of cicchettis (tapas). Beginning with a quick but comprehensive overview of the city’s history, we then dive into the colours, aromas, and flavours of the Rialto food market where you are presented with seasonal local cuisine, interesting facts about vendors and their products.
With a welcome toast, we set off on the food trail as we meander around the San Polo district and into the guides’ favourite wine bars. A glass of wine (ombra) enhances and compliments a selection of delicious plates. Most traditional Venetian cuisine consists of fish and seafood, however, there are plenty of inviting alternatives for vegetarians.
Crossing the Grand Canal by gondola is one of the highlights of the experience and is how the locals (not just the tourists!) get around. We stop by the Bacaro Fiore which is a must-eat destination in Venice as they make the best fried fish and mouth watering seasonal treats like the lagoon crab (which tastes better than it sounds!).
As we continue on foot, your guide not only reveals interesting and unusual facts about the local food and wine, but also gives real insights to the life of Venetians and other engaging, and sometimes controversial issues, such as how Venetians cope with the huge influx of tourism.
Naturally, there is only one way to end the tour and that is with a seasonal dessert and small glass of grappa. Think fire water… but that is how the locals do it!
This is not just a tour; it is a walk with a local friend. Your guide is on hand to share tips to enjoy Venice as a local would: where to eat, what to order, how to move around, how to greet your new Italian friends!
