Venice Cicchetti, Spritz and Wine Tour with a Local Guide

Imagine strolling through Venice’s narrow streets, stopping for delicious cicchetti at authentic local spots, while sipping on a perfectly crafted spritz. For just over two hours, this small-group tour led by a knowledgeable local guide offers a relaxed, immersive glimpse into Venice’s culinary and cultural soul. At a price of around $72.45 per person, it’s a wonderful way to start your adventure, especially if you’re eager to experience the city like a local rather than a tourist.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are the insider access to hidden eateries known only to Venetians and the chance to explore the historic Ghetto Ebraica neighborhood, a less-visited but deeply meaningful part of Venice’s past. The guidance is lively and informative, making the experience not just about food, but about understanding the city’s layers of history and community.

A minor consideration is the group size, capped at just ten participants, which is perfect for personalized attention but might mean booking early if your trip is planned well in advance—this tour is booked on average 51 days ahead. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy small, intimate experiences, love food, and want a taste of Venice beyond the usual sights.

Whether you’re arriving in Venice and want a quick but authentic intro, or you’re a seasoned visitor looking to deepen your appreciation, this tour offers insight, flavor, and a memorable look at Venice’s culinary traditions.

• Authentic Venetian Experience: Taste freshly made cicchetti at local spots known by your guide.
• Cultural Exploration: Walk through the historic Ghetto Ebraica neighborhood and learn about its significance.
• Variety of Drinks: Discover the many kinds of spritz beyond the famous Aperol, with expert tips from your guide.
• Small Group Setting: Enjoy personalized attention in a group limited to 10 participants.
• Insightful Guides: Guides like Silvia, Alice, and Olympia bring knowledge, warmth, and a genuine love for Venice.
• Good Value: For its duration, food, drinks, and cultural insights, the tour offers excellent value.

The Setting and the Guides

Starting at the lively Gam Gam Cannaregio, a well-known local gathering spot, this tour feels like a friendly walk with a knowledgeable friend rather than a typical commercial experience. The guides receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, vast knowledge, and passion for Venice. “Silvia was an amazing guide,” one reviewer notes, “incredibly knowledgeable about the food, wine, culture, history, and architecture of Venice.” That kind of expertise makes all the difference, transforming a simple tasting into an educational journey.

Exploring the Ghetto Ebraica Neighborhood

The tour begins with a visit to the Ghetto Ebraico, Venice’s Jewish quarter established over 500 years ago. This is a quiet, historically rich area that often gets overshadowed by more famous sights like St. Mark’s Square, but it’s packed with stories and significance. “The Jewish ghetto has had a lasting cultural impact on Venetian language, cuisine, music, and dance,” our guide explains, adding depth to the tasting experience.

Walking through its narrow alleys, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the corners, the historic buildings, and the atmosphere of resilience and community that still lingers. Reviews highlight how much travelers appreciate this part of the tour, with one mentioning, “Seeing the area at night was lovely, and Eleana explained the food and the history of the ghetto in a way that made the neighborhood come alive.”

Discovering Venetian Cicchetti

Next, the tour takes you into two authentic Venetian eateries—each a small, lively bacaro (wine bar)—where you sample cicchetti, the city’s answer to tapas. Expect a variety of fresh, regional bites like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) and baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped codfish). These are dishes that tell stories of Venice’s resourcefulness and maritime history.

One reviewer describes the experience as “delicious, with a huge variety of finger foods waiting for you,” and appreciates the chance to try modern and regional products. Because cicchetti are best enjoyed interactively, the stops feel more like a visit to friends’ homes than a formal tasting, making the experience warm and genuine.

What to Expect at the Eateries

You’ll likely find yourself in lively, local spots with a cozy, character-filled atmosphere. Each place adds its own flair: some will serve seasonal cicchetti, emphasizing locally available ingredients, while others might surprise you with innovative twists. The guide’s role is to explain the context of each dish, making it more meaningful than just tasting.

The Spritz & More

After the first round of tastings, the tour moves into the Ghetto Ebraico again, this time for a relaxed drink stop. Here, you’ll sample a classic Italian spritz, but importantly, your guide will introduce you to other regional drinks beyond Aperol. Expect a friendly conversation about the different styles and regional variations, turning a simple drink into an educational moment.

The second tasting session also involves more cicchetti, giving you a chance to compare flavors and textures. It’s a great way to get a sense of Venice’s evolving food scene—from traditional recipes to modern interpretations.

The Experience and the Value

This tour is praised for its intimate setting and rich storytelling. “Our guide did a great job explaining why Venetians prepare foods to preserve them,” one review notes, highlighting how gastronomy is woven into the city’s history. Since the cost covers multiple tastings, drinks, and a guided walk through an authentic neighborhood, it offers excellent value for a memorable, immersive experience.

The small group size ensures personalized attention and lively conversation. Plus, the flexibility for vegetarians—if you give prior notice—makes this accessible for different dietary preferences. However, it’s not suitable for those with severe allergies or celiac disease, so always communicate your needs.

Practical Details: Logistics and Booking

The tour begins at Gam Gam Cannaregio and ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to include in your itinerary. It lasts roughly two hours, which is long enough to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The group is capped at 10 travelers, helping everyone feel involved and engaged.

Most travelers tend to book at least 51 days in advance, so if you’re planning ahead, secure your spot early. The tour includes a mobile ticket, with confirmation provided at booking, and is suitable for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy food, history, and local culture, this tour hits all three. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a gentle introduction to Venice’s neighborhoods, as well as seasoned travelers who already know the city’s main sights but want to experience its authentic flavors. The educational aspect, combined with delicious tastings, means you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Venice’s culinary traditions and its resilient communities.

This Venice Cicchetti, Spritz and Wine Tour is a wonderful way to connect with the city’s everyday life. It combines authentic tasting experiences with cultural insights, led by guides who genuinely love sharing their city. The focus on local eateries, historic neighborhoods, and regional drinks offers a richer, more genuine experience than just wandering around on your own.

For travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, well-informed guides, and delicious food, this tour represents great value. It’s an ideal choice for those arriving in Venice who want a relaxed, educational, and tasty introduction to its hidden corners and culinary soul.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, there is a vegetarian option available if you provide prior notice. However, it isn’t suitable for those with severe allergies or celiac disease.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Gam Gam Cannaregio, making it easy to incorporate into your day.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the food, drinks, and sights without feeling rushed.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a local guide, samples of cicchetti, guided walk around the Ghetto area, and drinks including spritz and regional wines.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are not refundable.

Is this tour good for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. It offers a gentle introduction to Venice’s neighborhoods, history, and cuisine, making it ideal for those new to the city.

This tour offers a wonderful slice of Venice’s everyday life—its food, its history, and its community—packed into a short, enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply curious about Venice’s lesser-known neighborhoods, it’s a memorable way to start or deepen your trip.