Private Tastes & Traditions of Venice Food Tour with Rialto Market Tour
3 hours
Max 10 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Dive deep into the history and culture of Venice through its most iconic dishes, straight from the spots that make the city special, alongside your own personal guide.
Highlights
- Enjoy 4 food tastings and 4 drinks at locally owned spots in the Rialto and San Polo neighborhoods. Enough food for a full meal.
- Private food tour with a local guide who teaches you to find food that’s actually worth your time in Venice—and avoid the ever-present tourist traps.
- Hear the stories of Venice's one-of-a-kind food culture as you tour the Rialto Market. (Closed on evening tours)
- Dive into the delicious world of cicchetti by sampling some of the best in the city.
- Savor a plate of freshly made risotto and authentic tiramisu at one of Venice's best-kept secrets.
Full description
Venetian food is some of the best in Italy if you know what (and where) to eat. On this private tour with just your friends or family and a local guide, discover both of the above and so much more as you wind your way through the streets of Venice on a food tour. Learn about the city’s gastronomic heritage as you explore the Rialto Market, savor unbelievable seafood fresh from the lagoon, and discover where locals go for great food and drinks—along with how each bite fits into Venice’s story.
Our Venice food tour begins at a local favorite in the San Polo neighborhood: a bustling family-run bacaro (Venetian-style wine bar) for an introduction to cicchetti. While often likened to “Venetian tapas,” these small bites are so much more than that—they’re the best representation of local food culture. Try two of our favorites paired with a special drink.
From there, we'll step into the heart of the city's culinary scene (and an undisputed highlight of your Venice food tour!): the Rialto Fish Market. Fresh fish from the nearby Mediterranean shows up here on boats every morning, as it has for hundreds of years. After learning about the unique food culture of a city that has no farmland—and gazing upon some of the freshest fish you'll ever see—we'll head off in search of more food. Please note: the Rialto Fish Market is closed on the evening private tour.
Luckily, we won't have to walk very far. Just outside the perimeter of the stalls is a bright and friendly shop owned by a group of local chefs. They proudly serve up street food-style takes on Venetian classics, all made with products fresh from the market just steps away. We'll try some of their excellent fried seafood and wash it down with a glass of crisp prosecco.
Back to the market we go, this time to the fruit and vegetable stands on the other side. Your guide will give you a crash course in navigating the market like a real Venetian before you stop off at one of our favorite stalls for a tasting of seasonal produce.
Your next stop, one of our favorite local watering holes, is just a quick stroll away to try the bar's famous spritz.
After that, you'll step into a warm, cozy, and modern take on Venetian bacari (wine bars). There's no better way to end your Venice food tour than with freshly prepared risotto paired with a glass of wine. Just don't forget to save room for some seriously incredible homemade dessert, authentic tiramisu!
This private tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a deeper connection with their guide and flexibility to move at your own pace. By the end of this unforgettable food tour in Venice, you won't just be full. You'll also understand how to eat well in a city where it can be difficult to find great, affordable food.
Note: Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Those with wheelchairs/strollers should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
From there, we'll step into the heart of the city's culinary scene (and an undisputed highlight of your Venice food tour!): the Rialto Fish Market. Fresh fish from the nearby Mediterranean shows up here on boats every morning, as it has for hundreds of years. After learning about the unique food culture of a city that has no farmland—and gazing upon some of the freshest fish you'll ever see—we'll head off in search of more food. Please note: the Rialto Fish Market is closed on the evening private tour.
Luckily, we won't have to walk very far. Just outside the perimeter of the stalls is a bright and friendly shop owned by a group of local chefs. They proudly serve up street food-style takes on Venetian classics, all made with products fresh from the market just steps away. We'll try some of their excellent fried seafood and wash it down with a glass of crisp prosecco.
Back to the market we go, this time to the fruit and vegetable stands on the other side. Your guide will give you a crash course in navigating the market like a real Venetian before you stop off at one of our favorite stalls for a tasting of seasonal produce.
Your next stop, one of our favorite local watering holes, is just a quick stroll away to try the bar's famous spritz.
After that, you'll step into a warm, cozy, and modern take on Venetian bacari (wine bars). There's no better way to end your Venice food tour than with freshly prepared risotto paired with a glass of wine. Just don't forget to save room for some seriously incredible homemade dessert, authentic tiramisu!
This private tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a deeper connection with their guide and flexibility to move at your own pace. By the end of this unforgettable food tour in Venice, you won't just be full. You'll also understand how to eat well in a city where it can be difficult to find great, affordable food.
Note: Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Those with wheelchairs/strollers should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- All food & beverage tastings
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Meeting point
Start Location
255 Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, Venezia, IT
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty. Please be aware that this tour involves extended periods of standing, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
- This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women, but please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop.
- Those with dietary restrictions need to contact us before joining the tour so we can arrange your food.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate vegan options, and gluten-free options are not available due to the risk of cross-contamination.
- There is an option to replace any alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic alternative upon request.
- This tour covers a full meal.
- This tour is in English.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
- Tours take place rain or shine, dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.
- Appropriate footwear recommended. Bring a water bottle.
- Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)