Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Venetian Chef

Venice , Italy

Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Venetian Chef

Active

(312 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We will discover the historic Rialto market in a small group of people. We will choose the best seasonal ingredients to prepare an authentic 3-course meal (2 course for the evening class) in a fully equipped kitchen of a typical Venetian house. You will taste an original aperitif and an excellent local wine.

Available options

Evening Class No Market

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Campo San Tomà, Campo S. Tomà, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Morning Class With Market

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Campo Beccarie, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Venetian Chef

What's included

Excellent local wine

Aperitif -Starter (only for the morning class) -Fresh pasta or gnocchi -Homemade sauce - Tiramisù

Market tour with a local chef (only for the morning class)

Welcome Venetian cocktail or soft drinks

Aprons and kitchen tools

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Let's start the day by meeting at the historic Rialto Market* where local people from all Venice still buy fresh produce every day. We´ll start talking about the history of the market and choosing the best seasonal ingredients for the class, so get involved and feel the vibe. There are stalls selling fresh vegetables from the green gardens of Venice and spices from the Middle East. There is also a large Fish Market inside, the Pescheria** where the local fisherman brings fresh fish just after fishing in the local Laguna and the Adriatic Sea.

* Rialto Market is closed on national holidays. ** The Fish Market is closed on Mondays so we’ll focus more on meat and vegetables.

In my kitchen we'll have a lovely time cooking together the authentic recipes of Venetian and Italian cuisine, sharing laughs and cookings tips while we taste a local wine.
There is a lovely private courtyard where we can enjoy the meal on a sunny days.

You'll learn the recipes to prepare and cook homemade pasta or gnocchi with a delicious sauce made from scratch. A traditional Venetian starter or second course based on fish, meat or vegetables and my recipe for Tiramisù, the most famous Venetian dessert in the world.

Vegetarian options available.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

179 reviews

5★

176

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

133 reviews

5★

125

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

EVENING CLASS:
Please wait for the chef in the square next to the Crai supermarket. Once you’ve met the chef, you’ll be accompanied to the cooking school.

(You can reach the meeting point on foot or with line 1 by getting off at the San Tomà stop and walking for 2 minutes.)

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