Cicchetti & Wine: Private 2-hour Food Tour in Venice

Enjoy a gastronomical experience of Venetian Cicchetti and wine ‘Ombra’ on this foodie tour of Venice.

On your private tour, you will:

• Enjoy the personalised attention of a private tour guide and local foodie expert who will be able to customise this tour to best match your taste buds and interests;
• Meet your guide at your hotel and explore the surrounding area on this delicious food-tasting tour;
• Get acquainted with the local food options in three different Cicchetti (Venetian Tapas) bars;
• At each stop enjoy a curated selection of two Cicchetti, your guide will be sure to point out local favourites such as baccalà mantecato (salt cod on grilled polenta), sarde in saor (sardines in sweet and sour vinegar sauce), polpette (meatballs), or a variety of mouth-watering mini sandwiches;
• Learn why a glass of wine is called an "Ombra" or shadow in Venice, and practice ordering one at each of the three locations; 
• Step away from the beaten tourist paths and discover the local side of Venice, through its food and most charming bars.

Enjoy wandering around beautiful Venice with your expert, English-speaking private guide on this gastronomic foodie tour of some of the best Cicchetti bars in this unique city on the water.

Cicchetti is a whole culture in Venice, and can be found on almost every street! Cicchetti refers to plates of tasty small eats like Spanish tapas that can be enjoyed as appetizers or even a meal.

Cicchetti is eaten casually – with fingers and toothpicks, usually standing up by the counter or at tall outdoor tables, and often enjoyed with a small glass of wine that the locals call an ‘Ombra’ meaning shadow.

On your private tour, your guide will tailor your route according to your preferences and hotel location. Discover several different taverns popular with the locals, but off the tourist trail, that serve delicious classics Cicchetti and Ombra. You’ll stop in three different places, sample different dishes and be able to soak up the authentic Venetian atmosphere!

Venetian food is unlike food anywhere else in Italy – with its long history of trading, the food here makes extensive use of exotic spices, while its watery location means fish is on the menu more often than not.

Venice can make a fantastic break from the usual pizza-and-pasta gastronomy of Italy, but with so many touristy restaurants on the island, it can be hard to make the most of Venetian cuisine and wine on your own.

On this private-guide-led exploration of Venice’s most bustling markets, cafés, and its famous Cicchetti bars, you will delve into an authentic side of Venetian culture, learning what to order, how to find great places and enjoying lots of tastings along the way – so make sure you have a hearty appetite before you join us!