Drink eat and walk in Venice

Venice is a city that whispers stories from every stone, bridge, and alley. This tour offers a perfect way to experience its less touristy side, combining a relaxed walk with tastings of Veneto’s best — including cicchetti (Venetian tapas), wine, and gelato or dessert. For $132.09 per person and just around two hours, you’ll visit two traditional bacari (Venetian wine bars) and a few secret spots, guided by someone who clearly loves sharing Venice’s hidden charms.

What we love about this tour is its intimacy and authenticity. First, you’ll get to see Venice away from the crowds, wandering through narrow streets and crossing bridges your typical tourist guide might overlook. Second, the food and drink are not just a side note but the main event — enjoyable, flavorful, and rooted in local tradition. The tour is perfect for those who want a more genuine experience without the hassle of large groups or tourist traps.

One thing to consider is the timing. The tour starts at 2:00 pm, which is great for those who want to avoid the busiest midday hours but might be less ideal if you’re looking for a morning exploration or a sunset walk. Also, since it’s a relatively short experience, it’s best paired with other activities in Venice if you’re staying for more than a day.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate stories behind a city’s hidden corners, enjoy local food and drinks, and prefer small-group experiences. It’s especially ideal if you want to taste Venice’s culinary culture firsthand, supported by a guide who brings stories and anecdotes alive — as one traveler said, Roberto was “so sweet and kind” and full of fun facts.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Explores less touristy streets and secret spots in Venice.
• Culinary Highlights: Tastes include cicchetti, wine, and gelato or traditional desserts.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guide shares stories, anecdotes, and local curiosities.
• Short & Sweet: About two hours, perfect as a quick immersive taste of the city.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value for Money: Combines sightseeing and tastings for a well-rounded experience.

In-Depth Review: What Makes This Tour Special

Discovering Venice Beyond the Crowds

This walk is designed to show you Venice that’s less crowded and more real. While many visitors stick to the main attractions like Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge, this tour takes you through quieter streets and courtyards that have stories and character all their own.

For example, you’ll pass through a courtyard with a legendary history, walk along a street with an ancient, mysterious past, and cross a unique bridge — the Ponte de Chiodo — renowned for being one of a kind. According to reviews, Roberto, your guide, “showed us hidden corners and secret spots,” making the city’s everyday charm accessible.

The Culinary Journey

The heart of this experience is food and drink. You’ll visit two bacari, where you’ll sample a glass of wine (or soft drink) and a cicchetto at each stop. These are small, flavorful bites — often traditional Venetian tapas — that give you a taste of local life. One reviewer mentioned the “amazing cicchetti”, highlighting how these tiny bites are a perfect way to savor Venice’s flavors without the formality of a sit-down meal.

The final stop is a gelato or traditional dessert, especially enjoyable during the summer months. One traveler raved about the “fantastic homemade ice cream”, which capped the tour with a sweet and cooling finish.

Stories and Anecdotes

The guide, Roberto, is praised for his knowledgeability and friendly manner. One review mentions how Roberto shared interesting stories and curiosities about Venice, enriching the tasting experience with context and humor. It’s this storytelling that turns a simple walk into a memorable journey into Venetian life.

The Experience in Practice

This tour’s duration of around two hours makes it ideal for fitting into a busy Venice itinerary. It’s booked on average 74 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among travelers seeking authentic experiences. Small groups, capped at 8, ensure you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd.

Price and Value

At just over $132, the price might seem modest compared to a full meal or private tour. Considering that it includes guided walks, tastings, and a personalized experience, it offers excellent value — especially if you’re keen to explore Venice off the beaten path. Plus, the focus on local, homemade items makes it a memorable, flavor-rich journey.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who want to explore Venice beyond the postcards. Food lovers, history buffs, and those who enjoy stories behind a city’s architecture will find it rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups and authentic local settings over touristy restaurants.

Practical Details and Expectations

Itinerary Breakdown

• Stop 1: Venice’s Hidden Streets — Your guide leads you through less touristy areas, highlighting buildings with unique stories and a mysterious, ancient atmosphere. The walk is about 15 minutes but packed with visual and historical interest. No tickets needed here; just take in the sights.
• Stop 2: Ponte de Chiodo — A distinctive bridge with a story of its own, this quick stop gives you a chance to marvel at Venetian craftmanship and perhaps snap some photos.
• Stop 3: Calle Varisco — A typical Venetian calle that embodies the city’s charm, perfect for absorbing the everyday life of locals.

What to Expect at Each Stop

The walk is relaxed and conversational, with the guide sharing curiosities and anecdotes about each site. You’ll see buildings suspended between past and present, and discover stories that bring Venice’s timeless beauty to life beyond the crowds.

Food and Drink

At each bacaro, expect to taste a small glass of wine or soft drink paired with a cicchetto — a small, savory bite. These could range from traditional small sandwiches to seafood bites, depending on the bar. The final stop offers gelato or a typical Venetian dessert, which the reviews highlight as delicious and homemade.

Group Size and Flexibility

Limited to 8 travelers, the tour feels very intimate. Roberto’s friendly approach and ability to share stories mean you’ll likely get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Weather and Booking

The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or bad weather, you’ll get a different date or a full refund. It starts at 2:00 pm in Cannaregio and ends near the Rialto Bridge — an excellent central location for further exploration.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a delightful blend of Venice’s sights, stories, and flavors. It’s especially valuable for those who want to connect more deeply with the city’s local side without sacrificing comfort or time. The focus on authentic food, less touristy streets, and personal storytelling makes it stand out from typical sightseeing.

If you’re a traveler who loves small-group experiences, enjoys learning about local traditions, and wants to taste Venetian specialties, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed but informative walk that leaves you with stories to tell and flavors to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or special dietary needs?
While the tour features classic Venetian cicchetti and gelato, specific dietary restrictions aren’t detailed. It’s best to contact the provider beforehand if you have special needs.

How long is the walk?
The total walk lasts approximately 15 minutes, focusing on exploring the streets, bridges, and courtyards.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Cannaregio, 1818, and ends at Campo San Bortolomio, near the Rialto Bridge, making it easy to connect with other Venice adventures.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers guided walking, tastings at two bacari (including wine/soft drinks and cicchetti), and a final gelato or dessert. Group size is limited to 8, ensuring personalized attention.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking along Venice’s typical uneven streets and bridges; accessibility details aren’t specified, so check with the provider if needed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and a small umbrella in case of rain. Nothing else specific is required.

Is there a dress code?
No particular dress code; casual and comfortable clothing suitable for walking is fine.

In sum, “Drink, Eat, and Walk in Venice” offers a charming, flavorful glimpse into Venice’s less trodden paths, making it perfect for curious, food-loving travelers eager for genuine stories and tastes. It’s an experience that balances sightseeing with culinary delight, served with a generous helping of local stories — a memorable way to spend an afternoon in this enchanting city.