Rialto Market Tour & Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice

Venice , Italy

Rialto Market Tour & Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice

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(103 reviews)

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

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About this experience

If you're looking to learn to cook traditional Italian food when in Venice, then look no further. Join your host Massimo on this 4-hour experience and explore Mercato di Rialto together while you'll shop for fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Walk to Massimo's home where you will learn to cook authentic Italian dishes before siting down at his dining table to share the meal you helped prepare. Learn to make homemade pasta from scratch and warm focaccia bread!

Massimo learned to cook from his family who owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna were influential in his appreciation for food. He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his city.

Massimo lives in a 600-year-old ancient building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills.

Available options

Market+cook+lunch w/ Massimo

Rialto market tour and cooking: This experience includes a Rialto market tour, cooking class and lunch with your charming host Massimo in his home.

Cooking + lunch (no market)

Cooking class and lunch: This tour includes a private Venetian cooking class and lunch with your charming host Massimo in his home. No market tour.

Cooking + dinner (no market)

Cooking class and dinner: This tour includes a private Venetian cooking class and dinner with your charming host Massimo in his home. No market tour.

What's included

Alcoholic Beverages

Guided tour of Mercato di Rialto (if market tour is selected)

Homecooked meal

Hands-on cooking class

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Massimo is a fun and entertaining Venetian (and officer with the Merchant Navy) passionate about sharing his love for Venice and his family's recipes. If you choose the market tour option, begin your culinary experience with a guided tour of Mercato di Rialto, Venice's main market where the locals shop. Explore the market on foot and discover fresh and seasonal produce from Massimo's favorite vendors. Purchase fresh fish from a fishmonger before returning to Massimo's home on San Marco for your cooking class.

Join Massimo in his historical home kitchen to learn to cook regional Italian dishes. During your 1.5-2 hour cooking lesson, learn to make handmade pasta and focaccia using seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Venetian cuisine before enjoying the meal over laughter and stories with Massimo. Your meal includes prosecco and Ribolla Gialla from Massimo's family's vineyard or red wine. A truly off-the-eaten-path way to enjoy Venice with a local.
Below is a sample menu:
• Homemade rosemary and caramelized onion foccacia
• Baked scallops or prosciutto and Alpine cheeses
• Fresh salad in an Italian vinaigrette
• Strozzapreti, hand-rolled pasta in a homemade sauce
• Italian dessert served with liqueur

If you choose the cooking class only option (no market tour), meet Massimo at Campo Sant Anzolo, on top of the Ponte dei frati bridge.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

26 reviews

5★

4★

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Tripadvisor 4.9

77 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking - Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals.

NOTE: Meeting location is different if you choose the cooking class only option (no market tour). Meet Massimo at Campo Santa Maria Formosa for the cooking + meal experience (no market tour).

Private, personalized experience

Meeting point

For market tour, meet Massimo at Caffe Vergnano 1882, a cafe close to the Rialto bridge. Massimo will be waiting for you outside the cafe. If you choose the cooking class only (no market tour), meet Massimo at Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Please check the "Before you go" section in your confirmation.

Important notes

IMPORTANT!!! There are two different meeting locations depending on the experience you choose:

For cooking + meal experience: Meet your host Massimo at Campo Santa Maria Formosa [Address: Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy], near the well. Here is a Google Maps link to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/gHV8qtBo6o1Uq2cz7

For market + cooking + meal experience: Please meet Massimo at Caffe Vergnano 1882 located at Rialto San Polo, 129, 30125 Venezia VE. It is a cafe close to the Rialto bridge and is really easy to find. Massimo will be waiting for you outside the cafe. Here is a Google Maps link to the location: https://goo.gl/maps/1sjfLrU1fUE2

For assistance, contact Massimo Belletti at +39 347 268 9157 or massimobelletti4@gmail.com
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

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