Venice Food & Wine Tour with Murano Glass Visit Included

Summary

Venetian Bacari Crawl and Local Aperitif Tasting

You’ll taste real Venetian life—snacking on cicheti in cozy bacari, sipping ombra wine where locals gather, and hearing stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Plus, there’s a bonus trip to see Murano glassmaking up close whenever you like.

What’s the experience like?

It’s late afternoon in Venice, the kind of time when the air smells faintly of salt and fried fish from open tavern doors. Our guide, Marco—a real Venetian—nudged us down a narrow calle just as the bells chimed five. “’More, ‘ndemo a bacari?” he grinned, which I learned is how locals invite friends for a round of snacks and wine after work. Not every day, but often enough that it feels like a ritual.

The first bacaro we ducked into was barely wider than my outstretched arms. Inside, regulars leaned on the wooden counter, chatting in bursts of dialect. We tried cicheti—tiny plates piled with things like creamy baccalà mantecato (salt cod), sweet-and-sour sardines, and meatballs still warm from the fryer. The bartender poured us each an ombra—a small glass of local white wine. Marco winked and said there’s a story behind that word “ombra,” but he’d save it for later. Honestly, these little bites and sips felt like the heartbeat of Venice.

After a couple more stops (one place had boiled eggs topped with anchovy fillets—surprisingly good), Marco suggested we try a Spritz. He explained how this bright orange drink started here back when Venice was under Austrian rule. I noticed folks outside sipping theirs slowly, watching gondolas drift by as dusk settled over the city. It’s not just about eating or drinking; it’s about soaking up the mood—voices echoing off stone walls, glasses clinking, the hum of boats in the canal.

And here’s something extra: whenever you want during your stay, you can hop over to Murano for a free visit to a glass factory (worth €150). I went the next morning—the furnaces were roaring and you could feel the heat on your face as artisans shaped glowing blobs into delicate vases right in front of us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venetian Bacari Food and Wine Tour

• A guided walk through Venice culinary traditions
• Taste cicheti at selected bacari taverns
• Enjoy a glass of wine called “ombra”
• Optionally taste the Venetian Spritz aperitif

Top questions

Is this food tour suitable for kids or people with strollers?

Yes! Infants and small children can join in strollers or prams. Just let us know if you need help navigating some narrow streets.

Can I bring my service animal?

Absolutely—service animals are welcome on this tour.

How do I get to Murano for the glass factory visit?

You can use public transport anytime during your stay in Venice to reach Murano for your included glass factory visit.

I have some heart health concerns—is this walk strenuous?

The walk is gentle but may not be best for those with poor cardiovascular health due to standing and walking between stops.

What’s included

Your private guide leads you through Venice’s best bacari for cicheti tastings and local drinks (ombra wine or Spritz). You’ll also get a complimentary visit to a Murano glass factory (value €150) at any time during your stay. All ages welcome; service animals allowed; easy access to public transport.