Leo is a great guide. He was very accommodating especially given the rainy weather. Highly recommend!
Venice Food Tour: Aperitivo & Spritz
Ease into Venice’s aperitivo culture over spritz at golden hour
The Finer Details
Venice does aperitivo a little differently, and it all starts with Select, the city’s own vibrant answer to Aperol. On this expertly guided experience, you’ll step into the heart of Venetian cocktail culture, sampling iconic drinks like the Bellini, prosecco, and four distinct styles of spritz, each crafted with a different bitter liqueur. Alongside each sip, you’ll enjoy regional small plates, from creamy baccalà mantecato to delicate charcuterie, designed to match the mood and flavor of the moment.
Set against the postcard-perfect backdrop of Piazza San Marco and beyond, your guide will lead you through the traditions, flavors, and hidden etiquette of the aperitivo hour. You’ll skip the tourist traps, find the locals' favorite bars, and understand why this pre-dinner ritual means more than just a drink. It's a shared pause in the day, a moment to sit down after a busy day, relax and chat with friends and loved ones, and it might just become your favorite Venetian memory.
Choose this tour if…
- You prefer sweet sips while your companions lean toward bitter flavors: this tour caters to every palate, with your expert guide leading you through the diverse tastes of Venice.
- You believe the best souvenirs are the ones you can’t pack, like the memory of raising a glass during golden hour in St. Mark’s Square.
- You don’t want to be the only tourist at the bar: your guide will explain the traditions, gestures, and language, helping you feel at home and fully understand what you’re seeing and tasting.
- You’re tired of endless pre-trip research and overwhelming lists of questionable recommendations. Trust your local guide to lead you like a friend through the city, visiting authentic bars and sharing insider tips on the best local spots for food and drink.
What You’ll Taste
- Bellini – A cocktail first created in Venice, made with white peach purée and prosecco, light, elegant, and unmistakably Venetian.
- Spritz – You will sample multiple varieties of this iconic light drink, each made with a different amaro (bitter liqueur), including Select, Venice’s own vibrant, ruby-red version.
- Prosecco – Crisp and refreshing, this local sparkling wine is the heart of every spritz, and enjoyed on its own as an ombra, the classic Venetian pre-dinner pour.
- Baccalà mantecato – A signature cod dish whipped into a creamy spread, born from a legendary 15th-century shipwreck and beloved ever since.
- Charcuterie or Cicchetti – A rotating selection of small bites such as cured meats, cheeses, crostini, and seasonal specialties, perfectly paired to complement every sip.
- These tastings don’t full replace a meal (Aperitivo for Italians is only supposed to “open” your appetite). Depending on each other’s appetite, most clients find that this tour is best if followed by a light dinner.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run; hours and availability may vary.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour. We don’t recommend this tour for non-drinkers or children.
Route Details
Begin your aperitivo experience with the stunning backdrop of Piazza San Marco, then walk to the vibrant area surrounding the Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a Bellini served with a cicchetto of baccalà mantecato, as you taste your way through Venice with your expert guide.
Next, stop into a traditional Venetian bar, a local haunt brimming with atmosphere. Raise a glass of prosecco, known here as ombra, and nibble on some cicchetti, the Venetian answer to tapas. You will sample four different varieties of Spritz, each made with a different amaro, or bitter liqueur. You will learn about the nuances of flavors as you sample each alongside a delectable charcuterie plate.
Finally, take a seat and raise one last glass with your group. From here, the rest of your evening is wide open: you might continue with a sit-down dinner, or simply enjoy a relaxed stroll along the canals. With your guide’s insider tips and a new understanding of Venetian drinking culture, you’ll feel ready to enjoy Aperitivo like a local, long after the tour ends.
Sites Visited
- San Marco Neighborhood – Venice’s elegant heart, home to iconic architecture, open-air cafés, and the timeless charm of St. Mark’s Square.
- Rialto Bridge and San Polo Neighborhood – A lively local district known for its authentic bars, artisan shops, and a true taste of everyday Venetian life.
- Rialto Neighborhood – The historic commercial hub of Venice, with markets, bars, canal views, and a buzzing atmosphere.
Logistics
General Information
- You are pre-paid for this tour and several tastings. During this tour, we will sample a good variety of foods.
- These tastings can serve as a light meal for some, but traditionally, the Italian aperitivo is meant to whet the appetite rather than replace dinner entirely. Most guests find the tour ideal as a delicious start to their evening, best enjoyed before a lighter dinner or leisurely stroll.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run; hours and availability may vary.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour. We don’t recommend this tour for non-drinkers or children.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- A few things that pair well with this tour:
- A little pre-trip prep: Food in Venice: Top Tips of Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Order
- A pre-cocktail dive into the art, architecture, and character of the neighborhood on the Cannaregio Neighborhood Tour.
- Light, linen pants, and a carefree approach to la dolce vita
- Your best group of friends or family
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
This tour has a light to moderate amount of walking, and we will be crossing many bridges along our route. Some of our stops are located along narrow cobblestone streets, which can be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. Not all bars and restaurants have accessible entrances or facilities. Please notify us of any accessibility issues so we can adapt our tour stops accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have dietary restrictions. Can I take this tour?
We will do our best to accommodate you if you are on a group tour by ordering appropriate items. Please note that if you have severe allergies, we cannot guarantee that the foods prepared in restaurant kitchens will not be subject to cross-contamination. Additionally, because this tour centers on alcoholic tastings, it’s not recommended for non-drinkers or families with children. If you prefer to avoid alcohol or are traveling with little ones, we suggest our Rialto Market Food Tour, which is better suited to those needs.
What does my tasting fee cover?
Your tasting fee covers drinks and snacks at three venues. This usually consists of a Bellini cocktail, a glass of prosecco or local wine, and a spritz with tastings of varieties of amari liqueur. There will also be small snacks to accompany your drinks and mineral water to cleanse your palate.
This walk takes place around dinner time. Will the tastings be enough for dinner?
The tastings along this Aperitivo walk are designed to complement the drinks and can be quite satisfying. Many guests find them filling enough, while others may choose to stop for a small bite or gelato afterward. Traditionally, aperitivo in Italy is meant to stimulate the appetite and start the evening, rather than replace a full meal. Most guests enjoy this tour best when followed by a light dinner.
I'll be going to Milan after my time in Venice. Do you have any cocktail tours there?
In Milan, you may like our tour Navigli by Night: Milan Aperitivo Tour
Will I be expected to try things even if I don’t like them? Not at all. Tastings are not pre-selected or pre-ordered, and your guide will make choices based on what's available and suited to your preferences. You're welcome to share any dislikes or hesitations with your guide at the time of booking—they’re there to make the experience enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Can we bring our kids on the tour?
This tour is not specifically recommended for families with children, as it focuses on drinks and cocktail tastings, which can be challenging to replace with suitable alternatives for kids. If you’re traveling with little ones or prefer a non-alcoholic experience, we suggest our Rialto Market Food Tour, which is more family-friendly.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Traveler Testimonials
Insider Access
Our guide shared the authentic side of Venice that can only be imparted by someone whose family has lived in the area for generations. We were able to access delicious establishments that only someone with inside access would frequent.
-Debra F.
-Debra F.
Inside the Culture
Our guide was knowledgeable about the food and drink, but also full of interesting Venetian history, including the quirks of local customs, language, and dialects. She was funny, fun, and very personable.
-Andrea L.
-Andrea L.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Rialto Bridge
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Rialto Neighborhood
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San Marco Neighborhood
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San Polo Neighborhood
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Like all Context Travel tours, this one rates 5 stars. And, as always, it's because of the passion and engagement of your experts, in this case Cecilia.
Leo was wonderful. He took his job seriously, yet at the same time he made himself very comfortable within our family environment. He was very knowledgeable, proud of his Venetian heritage and an absolute pleasure as our guide. You would be lucky to spend the afternoon with Leo.
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