Private Tour

Rialto Market Tour & Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice

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Overview

Available languages

English
Italian
Spanish

4 hours

Mobile ticket

If you're looking to learn to cook traditional Italian food when in Venice, then look no further. Join your host Massimo on this 4-hour experience and explore Mercato di Rialto together while you'll shop for fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Walk to Massimo's home where you will learn to cook authentic Italian dishes before siting down at his dining table to share the meal you helped prepare. Learn to make homemade pasta from scratch and warm focaccia bread!

Massimo learned to cook from his family who owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna were influential in his appreciation for food. He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his city.

Massimo lives in a 600-year-old ancient building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking - Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals.

NOTE: Meeting location is different if you choose the cooking class only option (no market tour). Meet Massimo at Campo Santa Maria Formosa for the cooking + meal experience (no market tour).

Private, personalized experience

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Alcoholic Beverages

Guided tour of Mercato di Rialto (if market tour is selected)

Homecooked meal

Hands-on cooking class

Hotel pick up and drop off

What To Expect

1

Mercati di Rialto

Massimo is a fun and entertaining Venetian (and officer with the Merchant Navy) passionate about sharing his love for Venice and his family's recipes. If you choose the market tour option, begin your culinary experience with a guided tour of Mercato di Rialto, Venice's main market where the locals shop. Explore the market on foot and discover fresh and seasonal produce from Massimo's favorite vendors. Purchase fresh fish from a fishmonger before returning to Massimo's home on San Marco for your cooking class.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
2

San Marco

Join Massimo in his historical home kitchen to learn to cook regional Italian dishes. During your 1.5-2 hour cooking lesson, learn to make handmade pasta and focaccia using seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Venetian cuisine before enjoying the meal over laughter and stories with Massimo. Your meal includes prosecco and Ribolla Gialla from Massimo's family's vineyard or red wine. A truly off-the-eaten-path way to enjoy Venice with a local. Below is a sample menu: • Homemade rosemary and caramelized onion foccacia • Baked scallops or prosciutto and Alpine cheeses • Fresh salad in an Italian vinaigrette • Strozzapreti, hand-rolled pasta in a homemade sauce • Italian dessert served with liqueur If you choose the cooking class only option (no market tour), meet Massimo at Campo Sant Anzolo, on top of the Ponte dei frati bridge.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Cooking + dinner (no market)

Cooking class and dinner: This tour includes a private Venetian cooking class and dinner with your charming host Massimo in his home. No market tour.

Cooking + lunch (no market)

Cooking class and lunch: This tour includes a private Venetian cooking class and lunch with your charming host Massimo in his home. No market tour.

Market+cook+lunch w/ Massimo

Rialto market tour and cooking: This experience includes a Rialto market tour, cooking class and lunch with your charming host Massimo in his home.

Reviews

4.95

94 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

92
1
0
0
1
  • The best tour ever!

    Dave C,

    Aug 5, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This was absolutely the best tour we had in Italy. We felt that Massimo invited our family to his family meal. It will be a forever memory of our time in Venice.

  • This was an amazing...

    Denise,

    Aug 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This was an amazing interactive experience in Masimo’s home. Yum! We helped with pasta, drank amazing wine and felt like family.

  • Fun experience in a local home

    Courtney C,

    Jul 15, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We met Massimo & did a short walk to his home. We learned a lot about Venice & his background while we made pasta. He had prepared some delicious sides in advance and we enjoyed the conversation. Will be bringing these recipes home to enjoy!

  • Cooking with Massimo

    Debra G,

    Jul 2, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Massimo was a fantastic guide and a very gracious host. He gave us plenty of information about Venetian food. Massimo’s personality is warm and personable. The cooking and eating experience was absolutely incredible. We had a truly delightful experience!

  • Cooking class with a true local.

    Lauren S,

    Jun 19, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Massimo was a great chef and tour guide of the Rialto market. Definitely add that on to your activity!! I have a gluten allergy and Massimo went out of his way to ensure I was able to enjoy the dish that was being prepared and even made special bread so I would be able to have that as well. This was a highlight of our trip book. This experience now to have truly a memorable vacation.

From $149.00

4.95
94 reviews