Food and Wine Tour with Cicchetti Tasting in Venice

Venice, with its labyrinth of canals and churches and centuries of history, is one of the most visually stunning and culturally vibrant cities in Italy. What many visitors to the romantic city don’t realize is that it is also home to a dynamic nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night enjoying local wine and food or an evening of jazz music and dancing in a hip club, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to explore the local dining culture, a great place to start is a cicchetti tour. Cicchetti are small snacks usually accompanied by an aperitif, which are popular throughout Venice. On this tour, an expert guide will take you to some of the the best local cicchetti bars where you can taste delicious tapas-style snacks paired with local wines.

What is Cicchetti?

Cicchetti (pronounced chee-KET-tee) is Venice’s version of tapas. While technically any small snack can be considered a cicchetti, traditionally they are small bites of fish, meat, or vegetables served with either a few drops of olive oil or a little salt. A typical plate of cicchetti might contain slices of boiled egg with anchovies, marinated vegetables, and codfish mixed with potatoes or onions. The snacks are traditionally served at osterie and bacari (bars and pubs) either on their own or with an aperitif such as wine, spritz or beer, becoming an important part of Venetian evening culture.

What is Included On The Tour?

The Food & Wine Tour with Cicchetti Tasting in Venice is an intimate evening experience that introduces visitors to the Venetian night culture from the perspective of local food specialists. Your experienced guide will lead you to 4 different typical cicchetterie for delicious samples of Venice’s best snacks and drinks. With every stop you will learn about the history and culture behind Venetian cicchetti and the different types of wine accompanying them. At each venue you’ll have the opportunity to sample local produce, such as cheeses and meats, and learn more about the local area from your guide. Along with sampling hearty fare you’ll also get the chance to discover hidden gems in the backstreets of the city and admire breathtaking canals views.

Practical Information

The Food & Wine Tour with Cicchetti Tasting in Venice starts off in Campo San Leonardo area at 7pm and lasts for 3-4 hours. It is held each and every day no matter the weather and takes place rain or shine. The tour requires a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 participants and is best suitable for adults and children aged 15 years and older. It is important to mention that the tour is completely private, so you won’t be sharing space with strangers. For more information on what to expect during your visit and how to book your spot on the tour, please visit this link.

Tips For First Time Visitors

Visiting Venice can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. Here are some tips for making the most of your experience:

• Dress comfortably – it may be hot and humid during the summer months so opt for lightweight clothing if possible.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes – this is not only practical for maneuvering through cobbled streets, but also shows respect for Venice’s religious sites which ban high heels.
• Be prepared for crowds – some of Venice’s biggest attractions are also the most popular so expect crowds and prepare for long lines.
• Wear sunscreen – even on cloudy days, the sun can still be strong so applying suncream is always a good idea.
• Explore at night – many of Venice’s attractions close early in the evening so take advantage of wandering around after dark.
• Splurge on a gondola ride – while a bit spendy, a relaxing ride through Venice’s canals is worth the price tag.

Other Nightlife Activities

In addition to the Food & Wine Tour with Cicchetti Tasting in Venice, there are plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay in the city. From live music performances to cocktail classes and more, there are plenty of ways to make your nights out in Venice memorable. Here are just a few:

Live Music Venues

Venice has a thriving jazz music scene that attracts tourists from all over the world. Notable venues include La Romita live jazz club, La Bissa Jazz Bar in Dorsoduro – which hosts regular blues jam sessions – and Ghetto Jazz Club near Campo della Salute. For fans of classical music there is also Gloria concert venue near St. Mark’s Square which offers weekly performances featuring musicians from around Europe.

Themed Events

Throughout the year, Venice plays host to many extravagant themed events including Carnival – an annual two week carnival that celebrates Italian culture with music, dance and costume parades – as well as spooky Halloween parties at various open-air cinemas across the city. There is something for everyone!

Bars & Pubs

Although there may not be as many traditional bars and pubs in Venice compared to other cities, there are still plenty of spots worth checking out during your stay. Rialto Bar Canal near Santa Croce boasts one of the most stunning canal views in town; La Cantina has an extensive selection of wines and craft beers; Birraria La Corte has a huge selection of beers from around the world; and La Palanca jazz club in Castello offers live performances every Thursday through Saturday night.

Rooftop Sunsets

One of the best ways to enjoy a warm summer evening in Venice is with a cocktail at Ristorante Terrazza Danieli. This rooftop lounge offer magnificent views of St Mark’s Basin, as well as delicious drinks and dishes inspired by authentic Venetian recipes. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening or just to kickback and sip on a cocktail while admiring the sunset over Venice.

For visitors looking for an intimate evening discovering traditional Venetian snacks paired with local wines, a cicchetti tasting tour is worth considering. Venetian locals have been gathering around bars offering cicchetti snacks paired with wines for centuries as part of their evening culture. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, have a look at this link for more information on booking your spot on the tour!