Venice Food Tour

You have arrived in the tranquility of the lagoon. We hope you had a pleasant journey.

The lagoon of Venice is a special place—this is where it all began and where there are still real people, culinary traditions, and space. We would like to discover this side of Venice with you on a culinary discovery tour far away from mass tourism.

Your tour guide will be happy to take you on a first excursion to the gardens of Venissa at 6.00 pm. These gardens are tended by nine elderly residents of the island of Mazzorbo, and serve to provide for the local inhabitants.

Afterwards, you can get to know your fellow travellers a little better at the welcome dinner and enjoy the tranquility of original Venice.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that our tour guide will assist you at every moment.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet the experienced fishermen Damiano and Stefano, with whom you will go out into the lagoon. On the way, you will learn about their special catching and breeding methods and learn more about the breeding of the moeche, a special type of crab that can only be found here in Venice's lagoon and is at its best in May and September.

Today's lunch is served directly on board, prepared by Damiano and Stefano's colleagues from the fishermen's cooperative. Enjoy the fresh fish and the relaxed atmosphere with the fishermen up close.

In the afternoon, visit the workshop of a small pastry shop and learn from Carmelina how the tradition of bussolà biscuits came about on Burano. Afterwards, you'll also put on an apron and bake some bussolà for the island's fishermen.

You will end the day in typical Venetian style with ombra and cicchetti (wine and small appetisers) at the fishermen's cooperative.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that our tour guide will assist you at every moment.

Today, you will be taken by water taxi to the island of Sant'Erasmo, known as the "garden of the lagoon" because of its vegetable production. There, you will meet an organic vegetable farmer who will not only show you his fields but also introduce you to the typical and special local artichoke Carciofo violetto di Sant'Erasmo. This delicacy is so special that it has even been recognised as a presidio by Slow Food. Enjoy tastings of the fresh vegetables on site before the water taxi takes you further to Michele. Michele is one of the few wine growers in the lagoon and will surely surprise you with his wines.

For lunch, you will head to the fishermen of Sant'Erasmo Island on Punta Sabbioni, where you will have a breathtaking view of the Dolomites, Venice, and the lagoon.

In the afternoon, you will be picked up again by the water taxi, as a surprise awaits you, both cultural and culinary.

Towards the evening, you'll return to your accommodation in Burano, where you'll have some time to relax before dinner.

Tonight, feel free to explore and dine wherever you'd like.

Today, you will visit a valle della pesca, an area separated from the open lagoon by a solid fence, where valliculture, or extensive fish farming, is practised. The name derives from the Latin vallum, meaning dam or shelter.

Afterwards, you will go to a farm on the island of Lio Piccolo, where you can taste many interesting products and also have lunch.

Back on your home island in the afternoon, you will go on an exciting discovery tour of Burano lace, one of the most famous laces in the world, with a centuries-old tradition. There are various theories on the origin of this tradition, the most likely being that it is related to the seafaring of the inhabitants of the small island and the need to repair of nets locally.

In the evening, enjoy once again the wonderful tradition of ombra and cicchetti, a ritual for Venetians to end the day in good company.

Today, you will go to the neighbouring island of Mazzorbetto, in the middle of the surreal silence of the lagoon, with lush and wild vegetation. Here, some volunteers have set up a fattoria didattica (educational farm) in an effort to protect the original flora of the lagoon and show it to interested guests before it disappears.

Only a few minutes away by boat is the neighbouring island of Torcello. The former "capital" of the northern lagoon, and the heart of the economic and social life of Venetian civilisation, its inhabitants can now be counted on one hand. The contrast between the refined splendour of the Byzantine architecture and the slow and steady progress of nature enhances the feeling of being on a museum island. Take the chance to climb the bell tower of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta—an ideal vantage point to catch a glimpse of the lagoon landscape in all its complexity.

In Torcello, lunch is served in a typical Venetian taverna before heading back to Burano.

In the afternoon, you will be warmly welcomed by Barbara in her kitchen. This charming hostess will teach you how to prepare traditional Venetian fish dishes, including sarde in saor, risotto al nero di seppia (a seasonal fish dish), and, of course, tiramisu. Together with Barbara, you will prepare the delicious creations and then enjoy them in convivial company during your farewell evening. A truly enjoyable end to your trip, where you will experience the flavours of Venetian cuisine to the fullest.

You have experienced the original Venice this week, yet it is natural to also want to discover the atmosphere and architecture of the city of Venice. We recommend you do this individually with a self-guided tour, as it is less stressful and less complicated than in a group. Or would you like to do something sporty after all that feasting? There are wonderful canoe tours through Venice as well as in the lagoon, which you can book directly with us. Cosy or sporty, we are at your disposal for any suggestions for extensions.