Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice with Wine Tasting & Guided Sightseeing

Looking for an authentic taste of Venice beyond the usual tourist spots? This Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour with wine tasting offers a wonderful way to see the city’s real flavor—both culinary and cultural. The experience promises a blend of local bites, historical insights, and a chance to enjoy Venice’s vibrant daily life all in just four hours.

What we particularly love about this tour is its small-group size, which means you’re likely to get a more personal, relaxed experience. Also, the inclusion of wine and prosecco tastings really elevates the overall journey, making it more than just a walk-and-eat. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or transportation, so you’ll need to plan to meet at the designated spot. This tour is best suited for folks eager to dive into local life, enjoy good food and drinks, and don’t mind a fair bit of walking.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for genuine Venetian flavors or someone who enjoys exploring cities through their markets and hidden corners, this tour hits a lot of the right notes. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes this experience special and what to expect along the way.

• Authentic experience: Skip tourist-centric restaurants and taste Venice where locals do.
• Small-group intimacy: Max 14 travelers for a more personal, engaging tour.
• Combination of food and sightseeing: Visit Rialto Market, enjoy tastings, and learn about Venice’s culture.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides share stories, history, and culinary insights.
• All-inclusive: Food, wine, prosecco, and a traditional lunch are included.
• Timing and logistics: Starts at 10:45 am at Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, with detailed meeting info provided after booking.

Venice is a city of winding canals, historic piazzas, and, of course, incredible food. But many visitors find that the best way to enjoy its culinary scene is to go beyond the typical restaurant routes. This tour delivers just that—an opportunity to explore the Rialto Market, a hub of local life, and taste the staples that Venetians love.

The combination of sightseeing and eating is one of its strongest features. You’ll start your morning at the historic Rialto Market, a lively spot where local vendors sell fresh seafood, vegetables, and regional specialties. Food lovers appreciate the chance to see where locals shop, offering a glimpse into the city’s everyday rhythm. Plus, the guide will fill you in on the stories behind the produce and the market’s long-standing traditions.

The food tastings are thoughtfully curated to reflect Venice’s culinary identity. Past participants rave about the variety and quality—they mention “delicious food,” “interesting stories,” and “a lot of food.” An added bonus is the wine and prosecco tastings, which complement the bites and make the experience feel more indulgent and festive. The inclusion of a traditional lunch adds to the value—after all, four hours of tasting and sightseeing can really work up an appetite.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your adventure begins at the meeting point, near the historic San Giacomo di Rialto church, at 10:45 am. From there, the guide will lead you through the bustling Rialto Market. Expect to sample small bites at several stops—think local cheeses, cured meats, fresh seafood, and regional specialties—and learn about the different ingredients that define Venetian cuisine.

While the tour doesn’t specify every single stop, reviews suggest it covers at least five different places, each offering authentic flavors and stories that help bring Venice’s food culture to life. The guides, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, will share insights about Venice’s history, culture, and food traditions. One reviewer even mentioned, “Our guide Ana was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging!” which highlights how personal and engaging the experience can be.

Following the market visits, you’ll indulge in wine and prosecco tastings—these are well-regarded for their quality and variety, making the experience feel lively and celebratory. As one reviewer put it, “The wine tasting selections were great,” and “Denys provided a wide variety of tasting experiences among many establishments.”

The tour wraps up with a lunch—a hearty, traditional meal that ensures you leave satisfied. Importantly, the experience is designed for travelers who enjoy good walking shoes and a moderate physical activity level, as Venice’s cobbled streets and frequent stops require a bit of stamina.

Guides and Reviews

The majority of reviews are glowing, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 55 travelers. Many praise the knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm of the guides, who make the experience memorable. “Denys was an excellent guide,” one review mentions, highlighting how guides not only share stories but also make the tasting experience fun.

Guests also appreciate the value for money, especially considering all the food, wine, and lunch included. A reviewer remarked, “This is my favorite tour in Italy,” emphasizing how satisfying and well-rounded the experience feels. Conversely, there was a mention of a guide not showing up, which reminds us that, as with any tour, check recent reviews and confirm details before booking.

Practical Considerations

The tour operates at a fixed start time, and tickets can be booked nearly 50 days in advance—a good idea in Venice’s busy season. It’s priced at $116.12 per person, which, given the inclusions, is fair for a culinary experience of this depth.

It’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets, with vegetarian options only available if advised in advance. Also, if you’re traveling with children, they are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness due to walking and standing.

If you’re a foodie who loves tasting authentic local dishes and enjoys hearing stories behind the food, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, wish to see Venice’s markets, and enjoy wine tasting along the way. It’s less ideal if you’re on a strict budget, or if you prefer a more structured sightseeing tour with less focus on food.

The tour’s focus on local life and authentic flavors makes it a particularly good fit for those who want to get off the beaten path, at least for a few hours, and really connect with Venice’s culinary soul. If you’re traveling with a partner or friends who love food and wine, you’ll find this tour both enjoyable and insightful.

This Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour offers a solid, authentic taste of Venice that’s hard to match in a typical restaurant setting. With knowledgeable guides, a curated selection of local bites, and generous wine tastings, it’s a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Venice through its food and markets. The small group size means you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the intimate vibe allows for good questions and stories.

While it doesn’t include transportation or hotel pickup, that’s a small trade-off for the quality of the experience. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who love tasting new things, learning about local traditions, and enjoying a lively, flavorful walk through Venice’s historic streets and markets.

If you’re okay with walking, appreciate good wine, and want to taste Venice’s best bites, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to come hungry and ready to savor every moment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. It’s best suited for kids who enjoy eating and walking, but keep in mind that the pace might be more suited to older children and teens.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it doesn’t. You’ll need to meet at the designated location near San Giacomo di Rialto at 10:45 am.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers food and wine tastings, a traditional lunch, an English-speaking guide, and alcoholic beverages such as wine and prosecco.

Are there vegetarian options?
Vegetarian options can be accommodated if advised in advance. Unfortunately, the tour does not cater to vegans or those with gluten or dairy allergies.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to Venice’s cobbled streets. Dress for the weather, as most of the tour is outdoors.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately four hours, from 10:45 am to around 2:45 pm.

What if it rains?
The reviews mention that the tour was still enjoyable despite heavy rain, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella. The tour goes on rain or shine.

How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 14 travelers ensures a cozy, personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours ahead, you’ll forfeit the fee.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Venice’s culinary culture, perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike. With its friendly guides, authentic bites, and lively atmosphere, it’s one experience worth considering for your Venetian adventure.