Venice Islands Food & Boat Tour

Venice Islands Food & Boat Tour

Sail your way into the true heart of Venice
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Featured on National Geographic, Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

Because everything tastes better after a cruise

Ages

4+

Duration

4 hours

Departs

Daily 5:30 pm

Highlights

Sail through the lesser-known islands of the Venetian archipelago 🚤 where tourism hasn’t yet discovered what locals have treasured for centuries.

Taste vegetables grown in lagoon soil and prosecco made by families who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations 🥂

Glide past the haunting beauty of San Michele Cemetery, where Venice’s most illustrious rest on their own private island.

Enjoy artisanal pizza 🍕 at Ape Verde Pistacchio—because even premium experiences need moments of perfect simplicity.

End with a signature primi piatti, tiramisu, and of course, wine. We never forget the wine.

Tour Description

Venice wasn’t built for walking—it was built for sailing. This exclusive boat tour takes you beyond the postcard clichés to explore the Venetian archipelago as it was meant to be experienced: from the water, in small groups, with access to places that most visitors will never discover.

Over four carefully curated hours, you’ll journey through islands that each tell a different chapter of Venice’s story. From witnessing firsthand the agricultural marvel of Sant’Erasmo (yes, Venice grows its own vegetables) to getting a glimpse of the island where Venice’s most famous are laid to rest, you’ll witness traditions that have survived centuries of change.

This isn’t about collecting Instagram moments, though you’ll certainly have them. It’s about understanding Venice as a living, breathing archipelago where real people create extraordinary things, away from the crowds.


Note: This private tour operates with a maximum of 5 guests, ensuring an intimate experience worthy of Venice’s most exclusive secrets.

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies, including celiac disease, cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Venice locals.

Venice’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.

Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.

Cultural Immersion: See Venice through the eyes of a local.

Established Expertise: Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Italy!

Tripadvisor Awards
"What a luxurious afternoon we just had with Gioele. Sailing around was of course a highlight, but best of all were getting to talk and interact with the beautiful people of the islands. An unforgettable experience that is more than worth it. "
— Eileen S | Google
  • (Ages 4+) From €189 per guest

Book Now

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via
World Central Kitchen.

Free cancellation

7 days in advance for a full refund

Lowest Price Guarantee

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Creamed codfish on toasted bread
  • Locally-grown produce
  • Pizza
  • Seasonal primi piatti (first course)
  • Tiramisu
  • Italian white wine
  • Local prosecco
  • Italian beer or soft drink
  • Your choice of local wine
  • Water

Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Meeting Point

Algiubagio
Fondamente Nove, 5039, 30121 Venezia

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!

What Makes Cannaregio, Le Vignole, and Sant'Erasmo Special

Cannaregio is where everyday Venice lives and breathes. Its long, sunlit fondamente and quiet canals lead past local bacari pouring ombre of wine and serving cicchetti — baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor, creamy polenta — on tiny plates at the bar. Away from the tourist crowds, neighbours chat over spritzes, fishmongers sell the morning catch, and family-run trattorias serve bigoli in salsa with a carafe of house wine. Cannaregio is Venice without the performance, feeding you simply and well in a part of the city that still belongs to its people.

Le Vignole is Venice’s secret garden — a small, barely visited island where a handful of families tend vegetable plots, vineyards, and orchards surrounded by wild lagoon landscape. There are no monuments here, no crowds, just rich soil and salt air producing some of the most prized artichokes and seasonal produce that end up on the best tables in Venice. A visit feels like discovering a hidden world that most visitors never know exists.

Sant’Erasmo, the lagoon’s largest island, is known as Venice’s kitchen garden. Its flat, fertile fields supply the city’s markets and restaurants with legendary castraure artichokes, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Cycling its quiet paths, stopping at a small osteria for a plate of whatever was picked that morning, you understand that Venetian cuisine was never just about the sea — it was equally shaped by these islands, their soil, and the families who have worked them for generations.

What people are saying

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Vince’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Dining with Purpose

We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

Meet Your Local Venice Tour Guides

Our Venice food tours are led by locals who know a different city entirely — not the one on postcards, but the one where fishermen unload the morning catch, bacaro owners pour ombre for their regulars, and grandmothers argue about the proper way to make sarde in saor. They take you into the Venice that visitors rarely find, where the food is simple, the stories are real, and every cicchetto comes with a piece of the city's soul.

Cecilia
Cecilia
Born on the banks of the Po, today my heart beats for the magic of the Venetian lagoon.
I live on bread and pasta, with my soul steeped in a glass of good wine.
Don’t miss a glass of crisp Prosecco with a cicchetto of creamy baccalà mantecato! Never along the main street, always lost in the back alleys.
Daniela
Daniela
Born in Milan and adopted by Venice in 2012. Travelled everywhere and I decided to settle here!
I love the bubbles of Prosecco which I pair with a cicchetto with creamy Baccala mantecato.
I recommend a spritz along the Zattere at sunset with a view of the Giudecca island.
Anna
Anna
Born and raised in Venice, I spent nearly 15 years abroad before returning to my hometown and now I love it even more.
I love all kinds of food and discovering flavors from around the world. My favorite Venetian dish is creamy baccalà mantecato served on warm polenta.
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover it! Wander through the narrow alleys of Castello district and get a real taste of local life.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in Venice worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Venice and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

What food is Venice famous for?

Risotto or Baccala Mantecato is frequently cited as the most famous food to oriinate from Venice.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our Venice tours range in length from 3 to 4 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. You might explore Cannaregio or Sant’Erasmo!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacities of between 5-10 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Venice.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will enjoy a range of Venetian and Italian foods, tasting the city’s rich seafood heritage, cicchetti, and classic Italian dishes. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our Venice tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in Venice?

Yes, absolutely. There’s an Italian concept, la serenissima, meaning “the most serene,” the historical nickname for the city itself. It speaks to the unique, magical calm that can be found here, a feeling we believe every visitor should experience.

You’ll find the spirit of la serenissima from locals when you connect with the city respectfully. It’s found when you support the local artisans in Cannaregio, keep to the right on narrow streets and bridges, and never swim in the canals. This is the authentic Venice experience.

It’s this connection we create on our Eating Europe tours. We step away from the crowds and take you to the places locals truly love, introducing you to the people behind the food and the stories that make this city one of a kind.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Venice tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Venice tour to suit your specific needs.

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