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Venice Rialto Market Food Tour: Wine, Spritz & Cicchetti Experience
Venice Rialto Market Food Tour: a Gourmet Journey through the Floating City. Discover Rialto Market Secrets, Traditional Bacari, and the Art of the Venetian Aperitivo.
Itinerary Highlights
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Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): Begin your Venice Rialto Market Food tour at Venice’s most iconic crossing, the historic gateway to the city’s ancient commercial heart.
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Rialto Fish & Produce Markets: Immerse yourself in the sensory explosion of the Mercato di Rialto. Watch local chefs select the “catch of the day” and see the seasonal Sant’Erasmo violet artichokes that define Venetian cuisine.
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Traditional “Bacari” Crawl: Wander the hidden calli (alleys) of the San Polo district to visit authentic wine bars. Here, you will enjoy a curated selection of cicchetti—from baccalà mantecato (creamy cod) to spicy meatballs.
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The Art of the Venetian Spritz: Lean into local culture at a historic tavern to enjoy a perfectly mixed Spritz (Select, Aperol, or Campari) while learning the history of this world-famous aperitivo.
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Regional Wine & Prosecco Tasting: Sip on “Ombre” (small glasses) of fine Veneto wines and crisp Prosecco, expertly paired with your gourmet snacks.
Why book this tour
Venice Rialto Market Food Tour: a Gourmet Immersion into the Flavors of the Floating City
Leave the tourist menus behind and step into the authentic soul of Venice. Our Venice Rialto Market Food Tour is a curated journey through the flavors, aromas, and traditions that have defined Venetian life for centuries. Led by a local gastronomic expert, this small-group tour begins in the pulsating heart of the city: the Rialto Market. Here, among the 11th-century stalls, you will witness the vibrant trade of lagoon-fresh seafood and seasonal produce from the island of Sant’Erasmo, learning how these ingredients form the backbone of the Venetian diet.
As we navigate the narrow, winding calli (alleys) of the historic San Polo district, we will follow the lead of the locals to their favorite Bacari—traditional, wood-paneled wine bars tucked away from the main thoroughfares. You will partake in the quintessential Venetian ritual of the aperitivo, sampling a variety of Cicchetti. These artisanal small plates, ranging from creamy baccalà mantecato to savory local cheeses and marinated seafood, are the ultimate expression of the city’s culinary heritage.
Throughout the walk of your Venice Rialto Market Food Tour, your guide will share stories of the spice trade, the history of the Rialto Bridge, and the evolution of the Venetian Spritz. Whether you prefer yours with Aperol, Campari, or the local Select, you will learn to drink like a true Venetian. This experience is designed for those who want to taste the real Venice while uncovering the hidden corners of its most historic neighborhoods.
Book our Venice Rialto Market Food Tour!
Description
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Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): Meet your guide at this architectural masterpiece, the historic center of Venetian commerce and trade.
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Rialto Fish & Produce Markets: Explore the legendary stalls of the Erberia (vegetable market) and Pescheria (fish market) to see the fresh ingredients that inspire the city’s top chefs.
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San Polo District Exploration: Wander through the atmospheric backstreets of one of Venice’s oldest “Sestieri,” discovering hidden squares and medieval architecture.
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Traditional “Bacari” Crawl: Visit a curated selection of authentic, local wine bars to experience the “Giro d’Ombra”—the local tradition of moving from bar to bar for snacks and wine.
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Gourmet Cicchetti Tastings: Savor a wide array of hand-crafted Venetian tapas, including local meats, seafood delicacies, and regional cheeses.
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The Authentic Venetian Spritz: Learn the origins and variations of Italy’s most famous cocktail, enjoying a perfectly prepared Spritz in the setting where it was born.
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Veneto Region Wine Pairing: Taste local “Ombre” (small glasses of house wine) and crisp Prosecco from the nearby hills of Valdobbiadene, perfectly paired with your food samples.
Things to know before the tour
During this tour you will taste food and drinks: if you have any allergy, please let us know
Important information
We met in Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, right in front of the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto (the church with the large 24-hour clock). This is just steps away from the Rialto Bridge and the entrance to the market.
Cancellation policy
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local timezone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Meeting point
Included
Excluded
Tips
Food or drinks not mentioned
Values
- Priority Access and Expert Guidance!
- Local Staff Support
- Encounter Ancient Treasures
- Unravel Hidden Meanings in the Artwork
About the Tour
Offered in English
Duration
2 hours
Level
Easy
Access
Audio
Small Group Tour
Maximum group size of 20 people
Dates and departures
Every Friday and Saturday
— About Us
