Venice Rialto Market Food Tour with Wine & Local Guide

Summary

Venice Walking Food Tour with Cicchetti & Wine Tasting

Experience Venice through its flavors on this Rialto Market food tour: sample cicchetti with locals, taste Venetian wines in hidden bars, stroll past landmarks like Marco Polo’s house and the Grand Canal, and enjoy a rich lunch in a cozy trattoria — all led by an expert local guide you’ll remember long after your last bite.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Marta, right by Campo San Bartolomeo — she waved at us with a grin and a folded map poking out of her bag. The city was already humming, boats bumping gently along the Grand Canal. We started weaving through alleys I’d never have found alone, past laundry lines and old men arguing about football (I think). Marta kept pointing out little details — like the lion heads above doorways or how Venetians say “ombra” for a glass of wine. I tried to repeat it; she laughed and said my accent sounded more Milanese than Venetian. Not sure if that’s good or bad.

The Rialto Market hit me first with the smell — fresh fish, herbs, even something sweet from a nearby bakery. There were vendors calling out prices in rapid Italian, their hands moving faster than I could follow. We stopped at one stall where Marta explained which lagoon fish were in season (apparently Mondays are quiet since the fishermen rest Sundays). She handed us a piece of marinated seafood on soft polenta — honestly, I didn’t expect to like it so much. The texture was creamy but the fish had this briny kick that stuck with me.

After that we ducked into a bacaro for cicchetti and local wine. The place was tiny, just three tables and walls covered in faded photos. I watched an old woman behind the counter spoon baccalà mantecato onto bread; she winked when I hesitated before trying it. It’s salty-smooth, almost like whipped butter but with more depth. We wandered over the Rialto Bridge (so many people taking selfies) and Marta pointed out Marco Polo’s house — not flashy at all, just another brick building you’d miss if you blinked.

Lunch was in a trattoria tucked down an alley where the light barely reached the tables. Pasta arrived steaming with clams and parsley; there was prosecco too, which tasted sharper than what I’d had back home. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really care — Venice has this way of making you forget time when you’re eating well and listening to stories from someone who grew up here. Even now, sometimes I catch myself craving that polenta or remembering how everyone seemed to know Marta by name as we walked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice Food and Sightseeing Tour

• Taste Venetian food and wine
• Visit Rialto Fish Market and try Cicchetti
• Stroll Rialto Bridge and Campo San Bartolomeo
• Explore Venice streets with local guide

Top questions

How long is the Venice Rialto Market food tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included on this Venice food tour?

Yes, a rich lunch is included along with all tastings and drinks.

Does the tour include wine tasting?

Yes, local wines are served alongside cicchetti during the tour.

Where does the food tour start in Venice?

The meeting point is near Campo San Bartolomeo in central Venice.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

Vegetarians can be accommodated if advised in advance when booking.

Is hotel pickup included for this Venice food experience?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests need to reach the meeting point themselves.

What happens if it rains during the walking food tour?

The tour takes place rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing just in case.

Can gluten-free or vegan diets be accommodated?

No, unfortunately gluten/dairy-free or vegan participants cannot be accommodated on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all foods and drinks throughout the walking tour: cicchetti tastings at authentic bacari bars, local wine pairings, a rich lunch at a traditional trattoria, plus guidance from an expert local guide as you explore Venice’s markets and historic sights together before finishing near Campo San Giovanni e Paolo.