Venice’s iconic canals have long captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Now, you can experience the city’s timeless allure through a carefully curated tour that combines a gondola ride with an exploration of Venetian culinary traditions. Sip on local wines and savor authentic cicchetti – Venetian tapas – before gliding through the peaceful waterways in a traditional gondola. This immersive experience not only immerses you in Venice’s rich history, but also offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into what makes this tour a must-do for any visitor to the Floating City.
Key Points
- This small-group tour in Venice includes a gondola ride and a bar crawl to three traditional bacari for wine tasting and sampling of Venetian tapas known as cichetti.
- The tour begins at Wine Bar 5000 and features a tasting of four wines from the Veneto region paired with a selection of cichetti, such as fried zucchini flowers.
- The intimate group size of up to 15 participants ensures a personalized exploration of the local culture and culinary traditions, with opportunities to engage with local experts.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation, and pregnant travelers are advised against participation.
- The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, and weather-related cancellations by the operator are also fully refundable.
Overview
Venice, known for its rich gastronomy, often leaves travelers missing out on the city’s local spots.
This small-group tour provides an intimate experience, including a gondola ride and a bar crawl to three traditional Venetian bacari, or wine bars. Guests will sample local wines like Prosecco and Merlot, while enjoying Venetian tapas known as cichetti.
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized exploration of Venice’s vibrant food and drink culture.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking an authentic taste of the city, this experience promises to deliver an immersive and flavorful adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
What to Expect
The tour begins at Wine Bar 5000 in central Venice, where you will kick off the experience. The tasting includes four wines from the Veneto region, with a discussion on their flavors, including refosco, marzemino, Prosecco, and popular whites.
The wines are paired with a selection of cichetti, Venetian tapas, such as fried zucchini flowers and baccala. After the tasting, guests have the opportunity to stay and enjoy additional wine and food at their own expense.
- The tour is limited to 15 participants for an intimate experience.
- Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transport.
- Children’s drinks aren’t included and must be paid for by the client.
- The tour is in a standing format, with a €5 access fee for certain non-Venice travelers.
Additional Information
On the whole, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s situated near public transport.
Pregnant travelers are advised against participating. Most participants can join, however, and children’s drinks are available at an additional cost.
Attendees should be prepared for a standing tour format, and some non-Venetian travelers may be charged a small access fee of €5.
Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking, and clear guidelines are provided regarding the cancellation policy, which allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour. Clear cancellation guidelines are provided when booking.
If you need to cancel your tour, here’s what you should know:
- Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
- Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable
- No-shows will be charged the full tour price
- Rescheduling is subject to availability and may incur a fee
- Weather-related cancellations by the operator are fully refundable
The cancellation policy ensures transparency and flexibility for tour participants.
Be sure to review the terms carefully when booking your Venice gondola ride and aperitif experience.
Tour Highlights
This small-group tour offers an immersive experience exploring Venice’s vibrant local culture. Participants will embark on a guided journey, visiting three traditional Venetian bacari (wine bars) and indulging in a delightful aperitif experience. Along the way, they’ll savor a selection of local wines, including Prosecco and Merlot, paired perfectly with a variety of cichetti (Venetian tapas). The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration of the city’s gastronomic delights.
Tour Highlights | |
---|---|
3 Traditional Bacari Visits | Tasting of Local Wines |
Prosecco & Merlot Sampling | Venetian Cichetti Pairings |
Intimate Group Size (15 max) | Gondola Ride Included |
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Exploring Local Spots
Beyond the well-trodden tourist hotspots, this small-group tour invites travelers to uncover Venice’s vibrant local spots. The guided exploration takes participants to three traditional Venetian bacari, or wine bars, where they can savor the city’s renowned gastronomy.
Guests will sample a variety of regional wines, including Prosecco and Merlot, while enjoying cichetti, the Venetian take on tapas. The intimate experience allows for meaningful discussions on wine flavors and pairings.
The tour also includes:
- A gondola ride to soak in the picturesque canals
- Opportunities to mingle with locals and fellow travelers
- Insights into Venetian culture and culinary traditions
- Flexibility to extend the experience with additional wine and food
- A chance to discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist trail.
Venetian Gastronomy
Though Venice is renowned for its picturesque canals and iconic landmarks, the city’s vibrant gastronomy often escapes the notice of many travelers.
Venture beyond the tourist traps and discover the local delights at traditional Venetian bacari, or wine bars. Savor the region’s renowned wines like Prosecco and Merlot, paired perfectly with cichetti, the Venetian version of tapas.
From fried zucchini flowers to creamy baccala, these small bites offer a delightful taste of Venetian culinary tradition. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you explore three beloved bacari, guided by a local expert who shares insights into the city’s unique food and wine culture.
Customer Feedback
Customers offered mixed reviews of the Venice Gondola Ride Tour, with an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 13 evaluations.
While some highlighted the tour’s positive aspects, such as the food quality and atmospheric setting, others expressed disappointment with the wine selection and lack of informative guidance during the tastings.
Key customer feedback includes:
- Mixed feedback on wine selection and service quality
- Positive mentions of food quality and atmosphere
- Recommendations for exploring other bars for better value and experience
- Lack of informative guidance during tastings
- Overall average rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 13 reviews
Recap
The Venice Gondola Ride with Aperitif & Cicchetti Tour offers a delightful blend of local culture, gastronomy, and scenic exploration. Guests can enjoy the city’s charm as they savor exquisite wines and traditional Venetian tapas, before embarking on a picturesque gondola ride through the serene canals. This intimate experience allows visitors to fully appreciate the vibrant culinary traditions and unique ambiance of this enchanting city.
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- A Luxury Gondola Tour in Venice: Onboard Aperitif and Serenade
- Doges Palace Venice Audio Tour Experience
- The Best of Venice Walking Tour
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