Shopping tours in Venice cut straight to the heart of the city’s food scene, focusing on the bustling Rialto Market and nearby specialty shops. Most run 2.5-4 hours and cost €85-274 per person. The best tours keep groups small and feature local guides who know their stuff – from traditional cicchetti (Venetian snacks) to regional cheeses and sweets.
I especially love the market-to-table experiences where you’ll learn to spot fresh seafood and seasonal produce like a true Venetian. The morning tours are particularly worthwhile, when the market is at its liveliest and vendors are setting up their colorful displays.
Check out these recommended tours for the most authentic Venetian shopping experiences:
Key Points
- Explore the iconic Rialto Market, known for its rich gastronomic traditions and seasonal produce, through immersive culinary tours in Venice.
- Enjoy a mix of food tastings, cultural insights, and hands-on cooking classes led by passionate local chefs during these tours.
- Tour prices range from €85.00 to €274.00 per person, with group sizes typically limited to enhance personal attention.
- Some tours offer additional experiences like gondola rides and multi-course meals, providing a well-rounded Venetian experience.
- Highly rated tours include the Rialto Market Experience, Venice Fish Market Shopping Tour, and Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Tour.
Venice Street Food Tour With Local Guide With Local Food Market Visit
The Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide and Food Market Visit offers travelers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of the floating city. Lasting around 2.5 hours, this highly-rated tour takes guests through the iconic Rialto Market and lets them sample local specialties like cicchetti, regional cheeses, and traditional cakes.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides fascinating insights into Venice’s rich history and dining culture. While the tour can accommodate vegetarians, it may not be suitable for those with more restrictive dietary needs.
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Tastes and Traditions of Venice: Rialto Market Tour
Exploring the vibrant Rialto Market lies at the heart of the “Devour Venice: Street Food Tour, Wine Tasting & Market Visit”.
On this 3-hour tour, guests venture into the historic marketplace to discover Venetian gastronomic traditions. Led by a local guide, participants learn about seasonal produce and seafood while sampling cicchetti, or tapas-like bites.
The tour also includes tastings of local wines, risotto, and gelato across 7 different venues. While not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance, the tour can be adapted for vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with other dietary needs.
Priced at $93.98 per person, the tour’s value has received mixed reviews, but its knowledgeable guide has been praised.
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Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice
At the heart of Venice’s gastronomic landscape lies the Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary traditions.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, this highly-rated 4-hour tour immerses participants in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the famous Rialto Market.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Denys and Julia, the tour includes a delectable lunch and wine pairings, showcasing the incredible variety of Venetian cuisine.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though vegans and those with nut allergies should exercise caution.
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Venice: Local Fish Market With Cicchetti, Lunch, and Wine
Immersing visitors in the vibrant culinary culture of Venice, the “Venice: Local Fish Market With Cicchetti, Lunch, and Wine” tour offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
Priced from €85.00 per person, this 3-hour tour takes participants on a journey through the renowned Rialto Fish Market, where they’ll learn to identify fresh fish and produce and spot quality restaurants.
The tour includes 15 tastings, a seasonal lunch at a renowned restaurant, and visits to ancient wine bars.
Travelers can expect knowledgeable and personable guides, delicious food and wine, and an enjoyable group experience.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.
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Market Tour and Cooking Class With a Venetian Chef
The “Market Tour and Cooking Class With a Venetian Chef” offers visitors an immersive gastronomic experience in the heart of Venice.
This popular 3-hour tour includes a market visit, hands-on cooking class, and wine tasting, led by the engaging Chef Filippo.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the class focuses on local ingredients and authentic cooking techniques in a fun atmosphere.
Guests will learn to prepare 3 Italian recipes and enjoy the fruits of their labor paired with excellent local wine.
Conveniently located near the Rialto Market, this experience earns high praise from travelers for its memorable and informative nature, often ranking above traditional gondola rides.
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Venice: Rialto Market Guided Tour With Tastings
Explore the vibrant Rialto Market on this 1.5-hour guided tour, where you’ll savor a delightful array of local delicacies.
Priced at Kč 1,230 per person, this activity includes a cheese tasting, a visit to the food market, a wine and food tasting, and a dessert stop.
You’ll start at the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto and visit several key spots, with a maximum walking distance of 5 minutes between locations.
The tour isn’t suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance, so be sure to inform the guide of any dietary restrictions.
Capture the market’s stunning architecture as you explore with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
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Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour With Rialto Market Visit
Set out on a culinary voyage through the vibrant Rialto Market, where you’ll savor a delightful array of Venetian delicacies.
This 95% recommended food tour offers a maximum of 10 travelers the chance to taste local cheeses, seafood, and risotto paired with prosecco and wine.
Along with a guided walking tour, you’ll enjoy a small gondola ride on the 10 AM tour.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free, and non-alcoholic options are available. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.
With knowledgeable guides and ample food portions, this experience provides cultural insights and a fun atmosphere, though some guests have noted crowded stops and a mismatch of food to alcohol ratio.
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Venice: Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour
Enjoy the vibrant culinary scene of Venice with the Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour.
This 4-hour guided experience takes you on a journey through the city’s renowned eateries, pastry shops, and wine bars. Savor traditional Venetian specialties and regional wines while meeting local producers and learning about the area’s rich food stories.
Explore the famous Rialto Market, subject to the schedule, and discover its fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables.
With a small group size, the tour offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Priced at $98.31 per person, the tour receives exceptional reviews for its knowledgeable guide and engaging content.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about Venetian cuisine, this tour is a delightful way to learn about the city’s culinary heritage.
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Venice: Rialto Market Tour, Hands-On Cooking Class & Lunch
Nestled within the historic heart of Venice, the Rialto Market Tour, Hands-On Cooking Class & Lunch offers a captivating culinary experience that immerses participants in the vibrant gastronomic scene of the city.
With a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this 2.5-hour tour allows guests to explore the renowned Rialto Market, select fresh local produce, and learn how to prepare authentic Italian dishes, including handmade pasta and tiramisu, under the guidance of expert chefs.
The experience culminates in a full 3-course lunch accompanied by fine local wine, providing a delightful way to savor the flavors of Venice.
Suitable for groups of up to 6 travelers, this tour offers a hands-on, immersive culinary adventure.
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Venice Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure
The Venice Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary heritage.
This 3-hour tour, limited to just 10 participants, guides visitors through the iconic Rialto Market and local taverns, uncovering the flavors that define Venetian cuisine.
Guests will indulge in a diverse array of cicchetti (tapas), iconic dishes like pasta al nero di seppia, and the renowned Venetian treat, baccalà.
The experience also includes three glasses of wine and a special Streaty treat, providing a well-rounded taste of the city’s food and drink culture.
Priced at $104.54 per person, this tour promises an immersive and delectable journey through the heart of Venice.
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Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice With Wine Tasting & Guided Sightseeing
Discover the vibrant flavors and rich history of Venice through the Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour. This 2.5- to 4-hour small-group experience combines food culture and sightseeing, offering a personal and immersive journey.
Begin at the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, then explore the Rialto Market for food and wine tastings. Savor local specialties and prosecco as you discover lesser-known areas of the city.
Lunch is included, though vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions should note that the tour may not accommodate their needs.
With a 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to indulge in Venice’s culinary delights and cultural gems.
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Venice: Rialto Market & Cicchetti Experience
Immersing visitors in the vibrant heart of Venetian culture, the Venice: Rialto Market & Cicchetti Experience offers a captivating 2.5-hour small-group tour.
Priced at $146.78 per person, this activity allows you to explore the UNESCO-preserved Mercato di Rialto, indulge in Venetian cicchetti and prosecco, and embark on a traditional gondolino ride.
Led by a local, professional guide, the tour includes a 30-minute market exploration, 60 minutes of tasting at two authentic bars, and a 30-minute dessert and gelato stop.
Capped at 6 participants, this experience promises an intimate and immersive look into Venetian culinary traditions, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Rialto Market Tour and Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice
Frequently, visitors to Venice embark on the Rialto Market Tour and Private Cooking Class, an enriching experience that immerses them in the heart of the city’s culinary heritage.
Guests can explore the iconic Rialto Market, learn traditional recipes from a local chef, and enjoy a homemade meal in a warm, familial atmosphere.
The 5-star rated experience includes a guided tour, hands-on cooking, and an array of regional specialties, from rosemary focaccia to hand-rolled pasta.
With options for dietary restrictions, the class caters to diverse tastes.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable host, delectable cuisine, and personalized interactions that make this a truly memorable venture.
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Rialto Market Street Food
Visitors to Venice can dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Rialto Market on a captivating street food tour.
Priced at $147.83 per person, this 2-hour small-group experience is led by an English-speaking local food expert. Guests will explore the colorful fruit and vegetable stands, taste seasonal Venetian specialties and cicchetti, and enjoy local wines, including a glass of Prosecco.
They’ll also learn about the history of the Venetian Republic and the spice trade, get insights on where to eat in Venice, and receive tips from a certified Italian sommelier and cheese taster.
The tour includes all tastings, gratuities, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure
Travelers on the “Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Adventure” can expect an immersive exploration of Venice’s vibrant culinary heritage.
This guided walking tour takes participants through the city’s historic Rialto Market and old taverns, providing an opportunity to sample a variety of traditional dishes and local wines.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and intimate experience, led by knowledgeable guides.
Highlights include indulging in 8+ traditional Venetian delicacies, such as local panini, tapas, and pasta, as well as 3 wine tastings.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with dietary restrictions, but it’s an excellent choice for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Venice.
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Venice: Traditional Cafés and Pastry Shops Walking Tour
This 2-hour walking tour offers a delightful exploration of Venice’s traditional cafés and pastry shops.
Priced from $74.97 per person, it’s available in multiple languages and can accommodate private or small groups.
Highlights include indulging in Venetian baked specialties, enjoying authentic Italian espresso, and a guided tour sharing stories about Venice’s history.
Guests receive an espresso and traditional sweet at the first stop, plus a gondola ferry ride on the Canal Grande.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 7 reviews, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the city’s vibrant café and pastry culture.
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Market and Cooking With a Real Venetian Private Activity
Immerse oneself in the vibrant culinary culture of Venice through this intimate market and cooking experience.
Venture into the local Rialto Market, accompanied by a knowledgeable Venetian host, to select the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Then, step into a private kitchen and learn the art of authentic Italian pasta-making, risotto, and classic Tiramisu.
The 3.5-hour activity includes a 3-course lunch, local wine, and the opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers.
With a maximum group size of 10, this hands-on cooking class provides personalized attention and insights from the expert hosts.
Conveniently located near public transportation, this highly-rated experience is a must for foodies visiting Venice.
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Venice: Rialto Market Tour, Cooking Class, and Lunch
Discover the vibrant culinary heritage of Venice through a comprehensive experience that combines a guided tour of the renowned Rialto Market, a hands-on cooking class, and a delectable lunch.
Explore the market’s bounty of local produce, seafood, and spices alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Then, head to a cozy apartment for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic Italian dishes like tiramisu, homemade pasta, and sea bass.
Savor the fruits of your labor over a meal accompanied by wine, music, and conversation.
With a small group size and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a truly immersive and memorable culinary adventure in the heart of Venice.
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Sweet Venice: Traditional Cafès and Pastry Shops Walk
Set out on a delightful walking tour that unveils the rich, centuries-old pastry heritage of Venice.
The “Sweet Venice: Traditional Cafès and Pastry Shops Walk” takes you to the city’s most iconic bakeries and cafes. Savor a chocolate-filled pastry, sip on an espresso, and indulge in Italy’s beloved tiramisu.
You’ll also visit a kosher bakery in the Jewish Ghetto and a gelateria favored by celebrities. The tour includes a gondola ferry ride on the Canal Grande and insights from a licensed guide.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this personalized experience boasts a 95% recommendation rate. While some found the limited stops and additional costs disappointing, the host is committed to improving the tour.
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Venice: Market Tour and Meal at a Locals Home
Explore the vibrant local markets of Venice and savor a delectable home-cooked meal with this comprehensive tour.
Spend 4 hours immersed in the city’s culinary culture, guided by a certified Cesarina. Learn to spot the best local produce, then enjoy a private cooking demonstration and a 4-course seasonal feast in an Italian family’s home.
Sip on complimentary wines, water, and coffee as you savor the authentic flavors. This private group experience promises lasting memories, with options for free cancellation and reserve now/pay later.
Travelers consistently praise the tour’s value, service, and cultural insights, making it a must for any foodie visiting Venice.
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Market Tour and Cooking Class With a Venetian Sailor
This unique culinary experience invites visitors to explore the vibrant Rialto Market alongside a passionate Venetian sailor-turned-chef.
With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation from 34 travelers, the market tour and cooking class is a top-rated activity in Venice.
Guests will learn about fresh local ingredients before returning to a private home for an intimate cooking class.
The hands-on lesson culminates in a delightful meal featuring homemade pasta, seafood, focaccia, and local cheeses, paired with beverages from the host’s family vineyard.
Travelers consistently praise the engaging host, enjoyable market experience, and authentic home-cooked fare.
This is a must-do for foodies seeking an immersive Venetian culinary adventure.
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Venice: Fish Market Shopping Walking Tour & Home Cooked Meal
Visitors to Venice can enjoy the vibrant culture of the city by joining the Venice Fish Market Shopping Walking Tour & Home Cooked Meal.
Priced at €274.00 per person, this 4-hour tour offers an authentic experience, including a visit to the Rialto Market, a gondola ferry ride across the Canal Grande, and a hands-on cooking session with a local chef.
Participants will prepare a 3-course Venetian meal, complete with prosecco and appetizers, before enjoying the homecooked feast with a view of the canal.
The tour is available in multiple languages and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Venice Market and Cicchetti Semi-Private 6 People Food Experience
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Venice will delight in the Venice Market and Cicchetti Semi-Private 6 People Food Experience.
This small-group tour begins at the UNESCO-listed Rialto Fish Market, where participants can enjoy local specialties like cicchetti – small savory dishes.
The tour includes three stops for cicchetti tastings, plus a gelato treat. The highlight is a gondola ride across the canal.
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the professional guide. Priced at £117.32 per person, the tour receives excellent reviews and offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Private Walking and Food Tour in the Market of Venice
Explore the vibrant Rialto Market in Venice on this private walking and food tour. Lasting 3 hours, the tour provides an immersive experience exploring the city’s narrow streets and hidden gems with a private guide fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian.
You’ll learn about Venice’s rich history, culture, art, and architecture as you visit important landmarks and monuments. The tour includes food and drinks, allowing you to savor local specialties.
Priced from $267.15 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. With personalized attention and 24/7 support, this is an excellent way to discover the authentic side of Venice.
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Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice With Wine Tasting & Sightseeing
On this half-day Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice, visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe’s oldest open-air markets.
They’ll learn to shop like a local, enjoy Venetian tapas called “cicchetti,” and have lunch at a trattoria.
The tour also includes a wine tasting and sightseeing of landmarks like Marco Polo’s house and the Grand Canal.
With a maximum group size of 14 and an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 15 reviews, this tour provides an authentic taste of Venetian cuisine and culture.
Accommodations are available for vegetarians, but gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan participants aren’t catered for.
Read our full review: Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice With Wine Tasting & Sightseeing Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Dietary Preferences?
Many shopping tour companies offer the flexibility to customize tours to accommodate dietary preferences. Clients can work with the tour provider to ensure the itinerary and activities align with their specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Are the Tour Guides Fluent in Multiple Languages?
The tour guides are typically fluent in several languages, making it easy for participants to communicate and get the most out of the experience. They accommodate different dietary needs, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and personalized tour.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?
The amount of walking depends on the tour, but most involve a fair bit of walking to explore the area. Travelers should expect to walk several miles during the tour and be prepared with comfortable shoes.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
Many tour companies offer discounts and package deals for their shopping tours. Tourists can often find reduced rates for group bookings or when purchasing tours in combination with other activities. Checking for promotions and special offers can help save money on these experiences.
Can I Book a Private Tour for My Group?
Yes, you can book a private tour for your group. Many tour companies offer customized private tours that allow you to explore at your own pace and focus on your specific interests. Contact local providers to inquire about availability and pricing for a private shopping tour.
Recap
Venice offers a variety of shopping tours that allow visitors to explore its lively markets and sample local cuisine. From guided food tours of the Rialto Market to cooking classes with Venetian chefs, these experiences provide a unique insight into the city’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking to shop for fresh produce or indulge in cicchetti and wine, Venice’s market tours cater to all interests and budgets.