Unveiling Venice's Culinary Secrets: Unforgettable Cicchetti & Wine Tour

With only a weekend to explore Venice, maximizing our culinary experience was paramount. Being a self-proclaimed foodie, the thought of mediocre meals amidst the tourist crowds was daunting. Limited time for pre-trip research left me feeling apprehensive. Thankfully, our decision to book Urban Adventures' Cicchetti & Wine Tour turned out to be the best decision of our trip!

As we knew that we will be tasting several dishes that day, we had a very light breakfast in the morning and went on a long walk to build up an appetite before the tour. 

Our guide assembled our group at 11 am, and we embarked on a delicious adventure. While navigating between hidden gems, Sylvia surprised us with historical tidbits and lesser-known facts about Venice, transforming our journey into an enriching cultural experience – a fantastic bonus I hadn't anticipated!

We visited several Bacaros, the heart and soul of Venetian cuisine. These authentic, local haunts provided the perfect setting to indulge in the city's culinary treasures. Our taste buds were totally satisfied – seven delectable Cicchetti dishes, a variety of regional wines, the iconic Venetian Spritz, and finally, a slice of heavenly pistachio tiramisu. Every bite was an explosion of flavor!

The tour exceeded a simple culinary exploration. By the end of the three-hour tour, we were not only full but also armed with a personalized list of must-visit local spots, courtesy of our Venetian guide.

This tour wasn't just about food; it was a very local experience, going to local places with a local guide was definitely something different. 

After we parted with the entire group, we decided to continue further exploration of the stunning city center. We walked towards Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and decided to climb up the stairs to burn some calories and to enjoy the lovely view of Venice. To my surprise, the famous staircase wasn't very crowded so we had plenty of space and time to take pictures and enjoy the panorama. Later we continued on to one of the local Bararo that made it to our Urban Adventure's guide recommendation list. We spent a delightful afternoon immersed in the local tradition of aperitivo, enjoying a selection of small bites and refreshing drinks alongside friendly conversations with fellow patrons. This authentic experience provided a perfect taste of Venetian social culture.

Burano Island, a captivating gem nestled in the Venetian Lagoon, beckons travelers seeking a colorful escape from the bustling streets of Venice. This charming island, a mere hour away by Vaporetto number 12, is renowned for its vibrant houses that paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. However, be prepared for a lively journey – the Vaporetto ride can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

Burano serves as a perfect launching point for exploring other Venetian Lagoon islands. If your itinerary allows, consider island hopping and discovering the unique treasures of Murano, famed for its glassblowing artistry, Torcello steeped in historical significance, or the tranquil agricultural island of Mazzorbo. For us, time constraints due to a same-day flight limited our exploration to Burano's captivating beauty.

Upon disembarking from the Vaporetto, we sought a caffeine fix at Eceocoro Bistro. This charming little bar, boasting tables right by the canal, provided the perfect setting for people-watching and indulging in frothy cappuccinos. Later we went on a walking tour to explore the heart of Burano. The island's compact size allows for exploration on foot – you can traverse most of its charming streets within an hour.

Here's a local's tip: venture beyond the main streets, which can get quite crowded with tourists. The hidden side streets offer a glimpse into Burano's authentic soul. Here, the pastel-painted houses retain their charm, and the tranquility allows you to truly appreciate the island's peaceful atmosphere.

Before our return to Venice, we had a delicious lunch at Restaurant Galuppi. The recommendation from our Urban Adventures tour guide in Venice proved to be spot-on. They promised an authentic dining experience, and Restaurant Galuppi truly delivered. The excellent food provided a perfect finale to our day trip to Burano.