Private Secret Venice Tour; Rialto Market, San Polo & Food and Wine tasting

Venice , Italy

Private Secret Venice Tour; Rialto Market, San Polo & Food and Wine tasting

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the side of Venice that many visitors don’t see on a leisurely paced, 2 hours walking tour, packed with historical anecdotes, quirky stories and little-known facts. With a local guide, knowledgeable about Venice’s past, you'll explore the Rialto Market and San Polo neighborhoods and you'll enjoy a true taste of Italy with some Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of wine at a local osteria.

Available options

Private Tour

Private tour conducted exclusively for you, your family and friends. Tour in English, other languages on request.

What's included

Professional guide

Light taste of cicchetti and wine

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Learn all secrets of the Rialto Bridge, including those of the nearby buildings and listen to the fascinating history of mercantile Venice, when this area was one of the biggest Market places of the western world.

Stop 2

Visit the picturesque Rialto Fish and Vegetable Market and learn how since the ninth Century this area was the financial and commercial centre of Venice. Enjoy also the visit to a typical osteria where you will taste some venitian cicchetti (Tapas) and wine.

Stop 3

Enjoy views of the Grand Canal from various locations during the tour. Admire and learn about the Rialto Bridge and the fascinating history of the Mercantile Venice during the Medieval and Renaissance times.

Stop 4

Walk through one of the oldest part of Venice, having been settled since 9th Century.This district has been the site of Venice's main market since XI century. During the tour you will discover all secret corners of this enchanting area of Venice and revive the times when Venice was one of the most important commercial cities of the western world.

Learn about this historic building facing the Grand Canal, once the headquarters and living quarters of the German merchants.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

213 reviews

5★

115

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

7 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable footwear as this tour involves walking.

During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditions.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

Campo San Bartolomio near the statue in the middle of the square. The guide or our tour coordinator will be holding a sign with the name of the tour and the company name AVVENTURE BELLISSIME written on it

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A dress code is required to enter museums and places of worship, knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. This dress code is strictly enforced and you will be refused entry if you fail to comply with requirements
• Please note: Avventure Bellissime opening hours are Mon to Sat 8.30am - 5.30pm April to mid October. Other months: 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 9am - 3pm Sat, public holidays closed. When the office is closed and in case of emergencies, you can contact the following number: +39 340 0502444 (from 7am until 9am and from 5:30pm until 8pm)
• Tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly