What exactly are cicchetti?

Cicchetti are small, savoury Venetian bites—typically cured meats, marinated seafood, cheese, or vegetable appetisers served on bread or as-is. They're designed to pair with wine or spritz and eaten standing at the bar.

What's a typical spritz, and will I like it?

A Venetian spritz is a refreshing, low-alcohol aperitif made with white wine, sparkling water, and a bitter liqueur (usually Aperol or Campari). It's sweet, slightly bubbly, and approachable for most palates—ideal for afternoon drinking.

Are the bars we visit difficult to find?

Yes—they're deliberately chosen for being off main tourist routes and tucked into residential neighbourhoods. Your guide will lead you directly; navigating solo would be challenging without local knowledge.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?

Most cicchetti include cured meats and seafood, but bars always have vegetable and cheese options. Inform your guide of dietary preferences in advance so they can highlight suitable choices at each stop.

How much alcohol will I drink?

You'll visit 3–4 bars over 2 hours, typically tasting one drink per stop. It's moderate and designed for savouring rather than heavy drinking; food pairings help pace consumption.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, advance booking is required. Tours operate on fixed schedules with small groups to maintain an intimate, authentic experience.

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Wine Bars Hopping: Spritz & Local Bites Like a Venetian

(3)

Venice, Italy

Food & Drink ToursWalking ToursCity ToursNightlife

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About this activity

Join a 2-hour guided aperitivo crawl through Venice's neighbourhood wine bars, sampling regional spritz cocktails and cicchetti (traditional small bites) at insider-favourite taverns away from the main tourist zone. Experience how locals actually spend their late afternoons, moving between intimate bars and discovering hidden gems in residential neighbourhoods.

Have a unique Aperitivo time together, the best part of every Venetian’s day. We will check the wine bars sipping some local drinks and enjoying some mouthwatering ‘cicchetti’ bites in several taverns and pubs that only locals know.
Drink after drink and hopping from one bar to the other, you will discover some hidden gems of the city in the off the beaten path spots.

Highlights

✓Sample authentic Venetian aperitivo culture with spritz and local wines
✓Taste cicchetti—cured meats, seafood, and cheese bites—at multiple bars
✓Visit off-the-beaten-path taverns frequented by residents, not tourists
✓Learn local bar etiquette and seasonal drink traditions from your guide
✓Discover quieter neighbourhoods beyond San Marco and the Rialto Bridge

Insider tips

★Eat a light lunch beforehand; cicchetti are meant to accompany drinks, not replace a meal
★Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll navigate narrow, uneven Venetian streets between bars
★Go on a weekday evening for a more authentic local atmosphere; weekends draw more visitors
★Most bars don't have printed menus; your guide will explain what's available and recommend pairings

Good to know

•Tour duration is 2 hours; typically runs during late afternoon/early evening (aperitivo time, usually 17:00–19:00)
•Group size is typically small (under 10 people) for an intimate experience
•Food and drink tastings are included; budget additional cash for optional extra purchases
•Advance booking required; meet your guide at a specified location in central Venice

Who it's for

Food and wine enthusiasts keen to taste regional Italian cuisine beyond restaurantsVisitors seeking authentic local experiences and neighbourhood explorationSmall groups (friends, couples) wanting interactive evening entertainmentTravellers with 2–3 hours free time in the late afternoon/early evening

Best time to visit

Visit during the traditional aperitivo window (17:00–19:00) to experience bars at their most authentic and buzzing with locals. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking; summer evenings can be humid but bars have outdoor seating.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Mike S.

Mar 2026

loved it — host Joseph top notch, miles ahead of a similar food tour we tried in Athens

Olivia V.

Jan 2026

our host Raj had so many stories and a glass of the local red was the highlight, and handy if youre short on time, and we hit 6 tastings, def recommend

Ruth H.

Feb 2025

our host Yusuf couldnt do enough for us and the warm baklava at the last stop was the highlight, and fine even with my dodgy knee, and rolled home properly stuffed.

from€300/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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