An unforgettable experience, live and eat like a Venetian

Exploring Venice through its bustling markets and authentic cuisine offers a taste of the city that many visitors never get to experience. This tour, offered by Venice Cooking Society, promises a journey that combines local shopping, hands-on cooking, and dining in a truly picturesque setting.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to shop at the iconic Rialto Market with a local guide adds a genuine flavor of Venetian daily life. Second, the opportunity to cook alongside a chef with a background as the Artistic Director of the Carnival of Venice makes the culinary aspect feel special and personalized. And third, the beautiful, intimate dining location — a kitchen floating on a small canal — offers some of the most photogenic views you’ll find in the city.

One potential consideration? The activity is not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain food allergies and gluten intolerances, so it’s best to check if it fits your needs before booking.

This tour is ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a deeper, more personal experience of Venice beyond the usual sightseeing.

Good To Know

• Authentic local experience: Shop at Rialto with a knowledgeable guide
• Hands-on participation: Cook or observe in a stunning setting
• Exclusive setting: Dine in a charming kitchen on a small canal
• Expert guide: Led by a chef with a notable artistic background
• All-inclusive: Drinks, appetizers, and premium wines available
• Limited groups: Small, intimate experience with a maximum of 10 participants

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This four-hour adventure begins at the famous Rialto Market, where you’ll enjoy a personal shopping trip with a guide. As you browse the stalls, you’ll get a genuine peek into Venetian daily life — from fresh seafood to local produce, all with expert insights into selecting the best ingredients for your meal.

The walk through the narrow calli (Venetian alleys) leads you to a hidden gem: a beautiful, small kitchen located on a canal in Dorsoduro. This setting combines the charm of Venice’s architecture with the intimacy of a private cooking class. Here, your chef — a real Italian culinary professional, and notably, the former Artistic Director of Venice’s Carnival — will guide you through preparing a traditional Venetian meal.

Depending on your preference, you can choose to cook yourself or simply observe while the chef handles the cooking. This flexible approach caters to both aspiring chefs and those who prefer to relax and watch the culinary magic happen.

Post-preparation, you’ll sit down in this gorgeous, authentic location to enjoy your meal paired with regional wines, including options like Merlot, Cabernet, Soave, and Pinot. The experience is complemented by regional wines, aperitifs like spritz and Prosecco, and special delicacies such as lobster, caviar, and oysters — all included in the price.

The Rialto Food Market Tour & Shopping

Starting at the Rialto Market, you’ll be immersed in Venice’s vibrant food scene. Our reviewer noted that the guide was highly knowledgeable and passionate, providing insights that transformed a simple market stroll into a fascinating cultural experience. The market’s lively atmosphere, combined with the guide’s expert tips on choosing ingredients, makes this not just a shopping trip but a lesson in Venetian cuisine.

Guests have praised the guide’s ability to make the market come alive, describing it as a “unique window into daily Venetian life.” The market visit is perfect for foodies who love to understand where their ingredients come from, and photography fans will enjoy capturing the colorful stalls and lively scenes.

The Hidden Kitchen on a Canal

The highlight for many is the final location. This is no ordinary cooking studio. The kitchen, situated on a small canal in Dorsoduro, offers stunning views that make the meal feel like a special occasion. The setting’s authenticity and intimacy are often praised, with one reviewer mentioning it as “a dining experience that feels like stepping into a Venetian painting.”

The location’s charm is amplified by its history and design, making it a perfect backdrop for a relaxed, authentic meal. The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving you with a memorable taste of Venice’s culinary culture.

The Culinary Experience & Wine Pairings

Whether you choose to cook or observe, you’ll enjoy a meal paired with regional wines that enhance the flavors. The inclusion of aperitifs like spritz and Prosecco, along with water, coffee, and soft drinks, ensures a relaxed atmosphere.

Guests have appreciated the quality of the ingredients, noting that lobster, caviar, and oysters add a touch of luxury. The option to request top wines adds flexibility for wine connoisseurs. As one reviewer put it, “The food and drink felt truly special, elevating the entire experience.”

The cooking session is led by a chef who is not only talented but also approachable, making it easier for everyone to participate, regardless of skill level.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Transportation & Logistics

The tour begins at the left corner of Rialto Market, a central and easily accessible location. It ends back at the same spot, simplifying logistics. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed environment.

Additional transportation options include a traditional Venetian burchio — a floating transport boat used by the city’s elite, which adds a touch of elegance to the experience. This boat, Timotéo, is the only one of its kind, and its inclusion makes the tour feel even more special.

The tour duration is four hours, with multiple start times available (check availability). It’s important to note that the activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility challenges or food allergies.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $249.23 per person, this experience offers a mix of market shopping, a private cooking session, and a memorable meal with drinks in a stunning setting. For those who value authentic, local experiences and enjoy culinary adventures, this price is quite reasonable.

Compared to typical Venice tours that focus solely on sights, this offering provides a tangible, sensory connection to the city. The inclusion of high-quality ingredients like lobster and caviar, plus regional wines, adds to the value. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention, which many travelers find worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers looking to go beyond the tourist trail and dive into Venice’s culinary soul. The combination of shopping, cooking, and dining in a beautiful canal-side setting creates an experience that’s both engaging and relaxing.

It’s particularly suited for foodies, couples, or small groups who want a memorable, intimate taste of Venice’s lifestyle. Keep in mind that if you’re seeking a fast-paced sightseeing tour or have specific dietary restrictions, this might not be the best fit. But for those eager to savor Venetian flavors in an authentic way, this experience offers true value.

In the end, this is a chance to see Venice through the eyes of a local, cook like a Venetian, and enjoy a meal that’s as picturesque as the city itself.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Kids’ cooking courses are available upon request for children aged 10 and above. The experience can be adapted for families if arranged in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, with start times available depending on the day. Be sure to check availability.

What is included in the price?
Your shopping list, aperitif, regional wines, coffee, water, soft drinks, and delicacies like lobster, caviar, and oysters are included.

Can I request top wines?
Yes, top wines are available upon request, allowing for a more premium wine experience.

Is transportation included?
Transportation by boat (Timotéo) is available as part of the tour, adding a touch of elegance, but the main meeting point is easily accessible on foot.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or individuals with food allergies or gluten intolerance.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in Italian, English, and French, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

This tour offers a chance to experience Venice’s culinary scene in a way that’s both authentic and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Venetian cuisine, it’s a compelling way to spend a few hours soaking in the city’s flavors, sights, and stories.

You can check if your dates are available here: