Devour Venice Early Evening Local Food & Wine Tour

The Devour Venice Early Evening Local Food & Wine Tour offers a flavorful way to experience Venice beyond the usual tourist spots. Priced at $114.95 per person, this 3-hour guided tour takes small groups of up to 10 people into the heart of Venetian neighborhoods, focusing on local wine bars (bacari) and cicchetti (Venetian tapas). The tour is designed for food lovers who want an authentic taste of Venice with food and drink tastings included, making for a relaxed, hassle-free evening.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the expert guidance that takes you off the beaten path, into lesser-known neighborhoods like San Polo and Dorsoduro. It’s ideal for those who appreciate local culture, good wine, and delicious small plates, but it does involve moderate walking and extended periods of standing. This tour suits anyone eager to gain insight into Venetian food traditions while enjoying a guided, small-group experience.

Key Points

• Guided tour in Venice’s local neighborhoods with an emphasis on authentic food and wine experiences
• Includes tastings of cicchetti, pasta, prosecco, spritz, and local wine
• Small group size capped at 10 for a more personal experience
• Stops at modern wine bars, osterias, canal-front venues, and a gelato shop
• Tour departs from Campo San Tomà and ends at the same meeting point
• Suitable for vegetarians, pescatarians, dairy-free options, and pregnant women; vegan and gluten-free options are limited

Venice’s Best-Kept-Secret Bacari and Neighborhoods

This tour begins in the San Polo neighborhood, a vibrant area away from tourist crowds. Here, the guide introduces the key Venetian flavors and explains the importance of bacari—local wine bars favored by residents. The first stop features an aperitivo at a modern wine bar, where you sample two cicchetti—small bread-based bites—paired with a spritz, Venice’s popular cocktail.

From there, the journey takes you past Campo dei Frari and Scuola Grande di San Rocco, iconic Venetian landmarks, before arriving at a beloved osteria housed in a beautifully restored building. Here, a board of cold cuts and cheese is paired with prosecco, offering a simple yet flavorful taste of local dining traditions.

Sampling Venetian Classics in Intimate Venues

One of the tour’s key highlights is the variety of venues visited. At a canal-front wine bar, you enjoy a selection of fried cicchetti—favorite Venetian starters—along with local Vino. The guide shares stories about the culture of sharing food in Venice, enhancing each tasting with cultural context.

Later, the group visits a cozy Dorsoduro restaurant where a plate of traditional pasta is served with a glass of local wine. Each stop is carefully chosen for its authentic atmosphere, offering a glimpse into everyday Venetian life and dining habits.

Expert Guides with Local Insights

This tour is led by knowledgeable guides who have grown up in Venice or have deep local expertise. Several reviews praise guides like Anna, Barbara, and Daria for their friendly, personable approach, and their ability to explain the history and traditions behind each dish and drink.

The guides are attentive to dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian, pescatarian, and non-alcoholic options when requested. Their informative commentary adds depth to the tasting experience, making it more than just a food crawl but a cultural journey.

Tasting the Best of Venetian Wines & Cocktails

The drink tastings are a central part of the experience. Expect to sample Prosecco, Spritz, and local wines during different stops. Several reviews highlight the generous pours and well-chosen selections, which contribute to the relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Some stops also allow for non-alcoholic alternatives if preferred. The combination of food and drink helps illustrate Venice’s culinary habits, emphasizing sharing and local flavors.

The Flavorful Stop at a Gelato Shop

The tour concludes at a renowned gelato shop, where the group enjoys a sweet treat to cap off the evening. This final stop offers a refreshing and delicious way to end the experience, giving a taste of Venice’s beloved gelato tradition.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size & Accessibility

The meeting point is Campo San Toma, a location that is easy to find and near public transportation. The tour is strictly limited to 10 participants, fostering an intimate environment for discussion and tasting.

Guests should be prepared for a walking tour with moderate pace and extended standing. The tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, pregnant women, and those with dairy restrictions, but vegan and gluten-free options are not available due to cross-contamination risks.

Booking, Cancellation & Safety Policies

Advance booking is recommended, often made around 59 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility if plans change or if weather issues arise—though route adjustments are made if high tide affects certain stops.

The tour is offered by Devour Italy Food Tours and features a mobile ticket for convenience. The price includes all tastings and guided commentary but does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off.

Why You Should Experience This Tour

The Devour Venice Early Evening Food & Wine Tour offers a personalized, authentic taste of Venice’s food culture. The combination of local guides, delicious tastings, and less touristy neighborhoods makes it stand out from generic food tours. Its small group size fosters an engaging environment, perfect for discovering hidden gems and local stories.

This tour suits foodies, culture enthusiasts, and those wanting a relaxed introduction to Venetian cuisine. Its emphasis on local wines, cicchetti, and traditional pasta ensures you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Venice’s culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians and pescatarians. Please inform the organizers in advance to ensure dietary needs are met.

Can pregnant women participate?
Yes, pregnant women can join, and non-alcoholic drink options are available upon request.

How long is the tour and what’s included?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes food tastings of cicchetti, pasta, a board of cold cuts and cheese, and drink tastings of Prosecco, Spritz, and local wine.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because of the walking involved. The tour involves moderate physical activity and extended standing.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Campo San Toma in Venice, making it easy to access via public transportation.

Are there gluten-free options?
No, due to the risk of cross-contamination, gluten-free options are not available.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If high tide or weather issues affect the route, adjustments are made for safety and comfort, but no refunds are issued.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours prior to the start time.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for adults; specific age restrictions are not listed, but travelers should be able to walk at a moderate pace.

How do I book this tour?
Advance bookings are recommended, especially since the tour is booked an average of 59 days in advance. You can purchase tickets through the provided booking platform.