Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Venice with an unforgettable culinary experience. Explore the bustling Rialto Market, selecting the finest local ingredients. Then, venture into a charming Venetian home to master the art of creating traditional cicchetti. From mozzarella in carrozza to baccalà mantecato, savor each mouthwatering creation alongside a refreshing spritz aperitif. This hands-on cooking class promises an authentic taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
- Key Points
- Overview of the Activity
- Exploring the Rialto Market
- Selecting the Best Ingredients
- Preparing Venetian Cicchetti
- Savoring the Handmade Appetizers
- Enjoying the Classic Spritz Aperitif
- Highlights of the Culinary Journey
- Important Information and Recommendations
- The Sum Up
- The Best Of Venice!
- More Markets in Venice
- More Shopping Tours in Venice
- More Tour Reviews in Venice
Key Points
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A guided tour of the iconic Rialto Market, where participants explore vibrant stalls and learn to select the finest local produce, seafood, and artisanal goods.
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Hands-on instruction on creating traditional Venetian cicchetti, including mozzarella in carrozza, baccalà mantecato, and savory meatballs, in a historic local home.
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Enjoyment of the handmade cicchetti creations alongside a classic spritz aperitif, providing an authentic Venetian culinary experience.
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Duration of 3.5 hours, with a starting price of $162.12 per person, and available in Italian and English languages.
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Flexible cancellation policy with full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and customer service available 7 days a week.
👉 See our pick of the Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
Overview of the Activity

This 3.5-hour experience combines a guided tour of the iconic Rialto Market with a hands-on cooking class in a historic Venetian venue.
Priced from $162.12 per person, the activity is available in both Italian and English. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
After booking, the meeting point details are provided. Guests should specify any dietary restrictions and bring comfortable shoes and a camera.
A customer service team is available 7 days a week to assist.
The culinary journey includes selecting fresh ingredients, preparing traditional Venetian cicchetti, and enjoying a classic spritz aperitif.
You can also read our reviews of more shopping tours in Venice
Exploring the Rialto Market

What better way to take in the bustling heart of Venetian culinary culture than with a guided tour of the iconic Rialto Market?
Participants embark on a sensory exploration, weaving through vibrant stalls overflowing with the freshest local produce, seafood, and artisanal goods. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local, they learn to select the finest ingredients for their upcoming cicchetti preparation.
The market’s sights, sounds, and aromas provide a tantalizing prelude to the hands-on cooking class, whetting participants’ appetites for the authentic flavors of Venice.
Selecting the Best Ingredients

After the guided tour of the Rialto Market, participants learn to carefully select the finest ingredients for their Venetian cicchetti.
They’ll inspect the fresh produce, scrutinizing the colors and textures to choose the ripest tomatoes, the crispest greens, and the plumpest olives.
For the seafood, they’ll investigate the sparkling eyes and firm flesh to ensure the highest quality.
With the expert guidance of the instructor, they’ll learn how to identify the most flavorful and authentic ingredients to create the authentic cicchetti dishes they’ll soon prepare.
Preparing Venetian Cicchetti
Once the market tour is complete, participants move to a historic local home to begin preparing the authentic Venetian cicchetti.
They’ll learn to create a selection of traditional appetizers, including:
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Mozzarella in carrozza: fried mozzarella sandwiches
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Baccalà mantecato: creamy salt cod spread
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Savory meatballs: flavorful bite-sized morsels
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Various other small plates bursting with local flavors
With guidance from the instructor, you will masterfully assemble these tasty cicchetti, then savor their handmade creations accompanied by a classic spritz aperitif.
More Great Tours NearbySavoring the Handmade Appetizers
At the conclusion of the cooking class, participants eagerly savor the handmade Venetian cicchetti they’ve prepared. Relishing bites of mozzarella in carrozza, a lightly fried sandwich of creamy mozzarella, and savory meatballs, the group appreciates the vibrant flavors.
The baccalà mantecato, a creamy salt cod spread, offers a delightful contrast on crisp crostini. As they sip on classic spritz aperitifs, the cicchetti are the perfect accompaniment, transporting them to the traditional bacari of Venice.
With each delectable morsel, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of the city.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice
Enjoying the Classic Spritz Aperitif

As participants savor the handmade Venetian cicchetti, they’re also presented with the classic spritz aperitif.
The spritz is a refreshing beverage made with:
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Prosecco
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Aperol or Campari
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Club soda
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A slice of orange
The crisp and slightly bitter spritz pairs perfectly with the savory cicchetti, providing a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
Sipping the spritz while enjoying the homemade appetizers allows participants to fully enjoy the authentic Venetian culinary experience and culture.
Highlights of the Culinary Journey
The culinary journey begins with a guided tour of the renowned Rialto Market, where participants explore the vibrant stalls brimming with fresh produce, seasonal ingredients, and an abundance of local seafood.
Afterward, the group moves to a historic local home for the cooking class. Here, they learn to prepare traditional Venetian appetizers, such as mozzarella in carrozza, baccalà mantecato, and savory meatballs.
The hands-on experience culminates in savoring the self-made cicchetti, accompanied by a classic spritz aperitif, as participants enjoy the flavors and traditions of Venice.
Important Information and Recommendations

After booking, you will receive details about the meeting point.
The customer operations team is available 7 days a week for any assistance.
Participants should bring the following items:
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Comfortable shoes
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Camera
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Notify the organizers of any food intolerances or allergies during booking or via email
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Be prepared to have an enjoyable culinary journey exploring the Rialto Market and learning to prepare traditional Venetian cicchetti.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the vibrant culinary scene of Venice by exploring the historic Rialto Market and mastering the art of Venetian cicchetti. This hands-on cooking class offers a unique opportunity to learn from local experts, select the finest ingredients, and savor the delicious fruits of your labor alongside a refreshing spritz aperitif. It’s an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Venetian cuisine and culture.
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