Venice is one of the most unique places on earth. It is a breathtaking open-air museum full of exquisite beauty. With its misty lagoon and gothic palaces seemingly floating on water, Venice has an absolute fairy tale quality that, even for well-traveled visitors, never ceases to impress. Venice’s culinary history is fascinating, as well. Between the 9th and 15th centuries, Venice was the most important port in Europe and the key to the spice routes from the east. Many of the spices so popular in Italian cooking (like black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.) first entered Italy through Venice’s waterways via trade. Italian staples such as coffee also arrived in Venice first, never before seen in Italy!
For centuries, Venice was home to Arab traders, Spanish sailors, Indian spice merchants, and Jewish tradesmen. In the late 19th century, Venice was the last hub in Western Europe to Istanbul on the mythical Orient Express, the train ride that inspired authors such as Agatha Christie and Graham Greene. Venice truly is an unforgettable and unique destination, with countless treasures to discover.
The route has been designed specifically for the savvy traveler looking for a cultural food and wine vacation with a difference. This luxurious private tour of Venice will introduce you to the best gastronomy and wine the city has to offer. Enrica will teach you how to prepare local Venetian specialties in your Private Cooking Class in a beautiful palazzo. You will explore the markets of Venice, including the picturesque Rialto market on the Grand Canal. And after a full day’s sightseeing in Venice, which can feel like sensory overload, there is nothing better than getting cozy in a typical Venetian wine bar (called a “bacaro”) and tasting some of the local specialties. Come and explore Venice with Cellar Tours!
Signature journey
Highlights include Private Cooking Class in Historic Palazzo, Gourmet Walking Tour of Venice, Aperitif in Ancient Venetian Bacari, and Sleep in a Luxurious palatial hotel.
Day 1Venice
Michelin starred Quadri, Saint Marks's square
Upon arrival at Venice (airport/train station), you will receive a private transfer and check into your superb 5* historic hotel. ! Once a private palazzo, this beautiful hotel has been restored with the utmost taste and is an oasis of luxury and tranquility.
Today you will explore the best of Venice with your private guide. The main island is sectioned into different pedestrianized neighborhoods, called sestiere. These include San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio (where Marco Polo was born), and Castello. You will visit the stunning Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and majestic St Mark square and Basilica. Hop into a private motorboat and enjoy a cruise on the spectacular Grand Canal. The canal lined with intricately decorated palaces such as the Fondaco dei Turchi (now the Natural History Museum), Fondaco dei Tedeschi (from the terrace you have a fantastic view of Venice and Grand Canal), the Palazzo Contarini and Ca’ Pesaro (now the Gallery of Modern Art and Oriental Museum).
If you are an art lover, your guide will show you the most exciting corners of the “Accademia” (which houses the most extensive collection of Venetian art in existence). And the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. This superb art museum is home to over 50 priceless paintings by the Italian master, Tintoretto (who lived for over 20 years in Venice).
Before dinner, you will be delighted with a private wine tasting of terrific gems from the Veneto. The Veneto wine region is a large area that includes the vineyards of Soave, Valpolicella, Colli Euganei, Breganze, Colli Euganei, and Bardolino, only to name a few. Fresh, light whites are made in Soave, while full-bodied reds such as Amarone (a rich, delicious “Passito” style red wine) made in the Valpolicella sub-zones. You will also get to taste Prosecco from the Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene region just north of Venice.
Tonight, you’ll indulge in a truly exceptional dining experience! You will have a special table booked for you at Michelin starred Quadri, renovated in early 2018 by designer Philippe Starck and the only restaurant right in St Mark’s Square. Owned and run by the Alajmo family (who also own 3 Michelin starred Le Calandre close to Padua), it offers epicurean, gourmet cuisine in an opulent Venetian atmosphere. You will sample the complete eight courses tasting menu, including flagship dishes like cappuccino di Baccalà (Salt cod and potato cappuccino with tarragon), Risotto Rosso (Red risotto with oysters, cauliflower and caviar), and olive oil sponge cake with chocolate and sour cherries.
Day 2Venice
Delicious prepared Sarde in Saor in private cooking class
Today, you have a few culinary treats in store! Your chef will meet you in the reception of your hotel, and you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the Rialto market. You will learn how the Venetians select their fresh produce, and you will purchase the materials for your cooking class.
From the colorful canal-side market, you will carry on to a beautiful private palazzo for your private cooking lesson. You will prepare a magical three-course lunch under the guidance of your friendly host, sipping wine as you cook, and you will then all sit down to enjoy it.
After a great morning, the afternoon is at leisure for you to discover Venice on your own. Shopping in Venice is a fabulous experience. You can pick up handmade Venetian carnival masks, blown glass from the island of Murano, handmade marbled paper, velvet slippers, unique gold jewelry, and of course, gourmet goodies (wine, extra virgin olive oil, Amaretto cookies, artisan pasta). Not to mention high fashion and well-known designers- Ferragamo, Versace, Armani, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana.
In the early evening, you have one last treat today, a bacaro tour of Venice with your excellent wine guide Mauro. There are hundreds of charming “Bacari” – traditional Venetian wine bars – but you will visit only the most authentic ones, offering the best ombre (glass of wine) and cicheti (nibbles and savories). Drinking an ombra and eating a cicheto in Venice is a social ritual that will be explained to you by your guide, along with Venetian cuisine and wines.
After the tour, the rest of the evening is on your own. If you are still peckish, we recommend a dinner at the seafood restaurant Da Fiore or Vecio Fritolin. Enjoy!
Day 3Venice Lagoon
Traditional Venetian Carnival masks
Today is dedicated to the Venetian lagoon. The islands of the lagoon are incredibly charming! With your private boat and private guide, you will visit Murano and see how glass is made (blown), Burano and its colorful houses, and Torcello with its ancient 7th-century church, “Attila’s” throne and the famous “Devil’s Bridge.” According to the myth, it was built in one night only by the devil trying to win a bet.
The Bisol Prosecco wine family is well respected for having brought back to life a long lost local grape here: Dorona. Its name comes from “d’ Oro” (golden).
You will visit the vineyard, learn all about this grape, how it was rediscovered, and how the salty seawater is managed in this delicate environment. Then you will taste this unique Dorona grape-based wine, like the high society Venetian used to, 500 years ago. You will also taste the red wine produced on-site. Lunch will be at the estate Osteria Contemporanea (there is also a Michelin starred restaurant if you prefer).
Transfer back to the hotel in the late afternoon and free time at disposal. We suggest an aperitif and light dinner at Harry’s Bar (Ernest Hemingway’s home away from home). The Bellini is probably the most famous Venetian cocktail invented here in 1948. It is made of sparkling Prosecco and fresh white peach juice. In 1950 Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s bar, also invented Carpaccio. This dish was dedicated to the famous Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio, known for the red and whites tones of his works, the same colors you find in the dish. It is thinly sliced beef (red color), served with a special sauce (white color).
Day 4Venice – Venice airport/train station
Buon Viaggio!
This morning enjoy a full breakfast in your exquisite hotel with views of the Venetian Lagoon. Free time to enjoy the spa, relax in the garden or pool, or get in some last-minute shopping in Venice. Airport transfer at your desired time. This concludes your gourmet vacation in Venice. Alla prossima!
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
