Sweet Venice: A Food Tour of Pastries, Chocolate & Gelato
Taste your way through Venice’s sweetest traditions. From zabaione-filled pastries to handmade chocolates and artisanal gelato, this family-friendly tour is a delicious introduction to local flavors — topped off with a gondola traghetto ride across the Grand Canal
Sweet Venice Highlights
- Taste traditional pastries in a historic Venetian bakery
- Visit a women-owned chocolate workshop and sample handmade treats
- Cross the Grand Canal on a scenic gondola traghetto ride
- Enjoy artisanal gelato at a family-run gelateria
- Discover hidden corners and sweet stories with a licensed local guide
Meeting Point
For private tours:
Personalized pick-up is available anywhere within the historical center of Venice. If you’ve booked a private tour, feel free to request pick-up at your hotel or any other central location — just let me know in advance.
For small-group tours in English:
The meeting point is:
Campo San Pantalon, in front of the church
Description
Discover Venice through its most delightful treats on this two-hour walking tour, perfect for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.
We’ll begin at a historic pastry shop to sample classic Venetian specialties, like pastries filled with zabaione cream — a favorite of generations of locals. Then we’ll visit a women-owned chocolate workshop where handmade confections are crafted with passion and creativity.
After indulging in chocolate, we’ll hop on a traditional gondola traghetto for a short ride across the Grand Canal — a fun and scenic way to experience the city from the water.
Our journey ends at a beloved family-run gelateria, where you’ll taste creamy, all-natural gelato made with the finest ingredients — including pistachios from Bronte.
As we walk, your guide will share stories and hidden corners of Venice, blending history, daily life, and culinary traditions into one sweet experience. A delicious way to connect with authentic, family-run businesses in the heart of the city.
Itinerary
Campo San Pantalon: Where the Tour Begins
Our sweet adventure starts in Campo San Pantalon, one of Venice’s most authentic corners. You’ll meet your guide in front of the Church of San Pantalon, home to the world’s largest canvas painting. If you’ve booked a private tour, pick-up from your accommodation in Venice’s historic center can be arranged upon request.
A Taste of History: Pastry Shop Since 1742
Indulge in the flavors of Venetian tradition at a pastry shop that has delighted locals since 1742. Here, you’ll savor treats like the iconic “zabaione”-filled pastries, a creamy delight lightly infused with Marsala liqueur. Famous for its cream puffs, strudels, and Venetian donuts, this bakery has withstood the test of time—and even the challenges of Venice’s “acqua alta” (high tides).
In the rare case this pastry shop is closed, we’ll visit another historic gem, active since 1886, where generations of Venetians have stopped for a sweet treat.
Crossing the Grand Canal: A Local Gondola Ride
Next, we’ll board a traditional gondola traghetto to cross the Grand Canal — a local experience few tourists try. Instead of heading to the crowded Cannaregio district, we’ll land in a quiet and elegant corner of San Marco, far from the usual tourist trails. The short ride offers a magical view of the canal and cityscape.
Venetian Chocolate: Women-Owned Workshop
Our journey continues to a charming chocolate workshop run by talented women who combine tradition and innovation to create their artisanal delights. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their craft and indulge in a tasting of rich, hand-made chocolates. From velvety ganache to bold cacao flavors, this stop promises to delight every chocolate lover’s palate.
Final Stop: Artisanal Gelato by a Local Family
Our tour ends on the sweetest note at a beloved, family-run gelateria. This third-generation shop is famous for its pistachio gelato made with Bronte pistachios, among other seasonal delights. It’s a must-try — a delicious way to wrap up your exploration of Venice through its most iconic sweets.
What is included
Food & drinks included in the Tour
Top-rated local guide
A pastry with coffee or cappuccino at a historical pastry shop.
A chocolate tasting at a women-owned chocolate workshop.
A gelato at a family-run gelato shop.
Gondola ferry on Canal Grande
Pickup from your hotel or any location in Venice’s historic center (private tours only)
Exclusions
Food & drinks
Gratuities at your discretion
What’s not included
Additional Food & drinks
Gratuities at your discretion
Please Note
The shared small-group tour is available only in English and limited to 10 participants max.
For English, Italian, Spanish, or German, you can book a private tour.
Private tours are fully customizable and reserved exclusively for your group.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a smooth and high-quality experience.
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes
Accessibility
I strive to make this experience as inclusive and accessible as possible.
If you have motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, please inform me in advance — I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs.
The shared group tour is not wheelchair accessible, but a wheelchair-friendly private version is available upon request.
FAQs
1. In which languages is the tour available?
The shared small-group tour is available in English.
Private tours can be conducted in English, German, Italian, or Spanish upon request.
2. How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2 hours.
3. Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is Campo San Pantalon, in front of the Church of San Pantalon.
If you book a private tour, a hotel pick-up can be arranged, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
4. Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely! This is a family-friendly tour, and kids will love the variety of sweets.
5. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The shared group tour is not wheelchair accessible due to bridges and uneven streets.
A private tour can be customized to ensure a more accessible route.
6. How much walking is involved?
The tour involves a leisurely walk through Venice with several stops for tastings. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
7. What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. Most stops are indoors, so weather will not affect the experience. Please bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
8. Is it possible to customize the tour?
Yes! Private tours can be fully customized, including additional stops or alternative tastings based on dietary preferences.
9. Are the tastings included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes:
• A baked good of your choice and a coffee or cappuccino at the first stop
• A small tasting of artisanal chocolate at the chocolate workshop
• One gelato (cone or cup) with your choice of flavor
Additional food and drinks can be purchased separately.
10. What kind of sweets will we try?
At the pastry shop, you can choose from a variety of baked goods, including zabaione-filled cream puffs, krapfen, or other Venetian treats.
At the artisanal chocolate workshop, you will sample a selection of handcrafted chocolates of your choice.
At the gelateria, you can pick your favorite gelato flavor. Additional sweets can be purchased if desired.
11. Will we take a gondola ride?
Yes! The tour includes a short gondola traghetto ride across the Grand Canal, just like locals use for daily transport.
12. Can I take photos during the tour?
Of course! Feel free to capture the sweet moments and don’t forget to tag your photos on social media.
13. What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please inform me in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies, and I’ll do my best to accommodate alternative options.
14. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or no-shows will be fully charged.
15. Can I book other tours or experiences?
Yes! Many guests combine this sweet experience with other Venice tours such as island visits, city walks, or private boat rides.
Ask for special offers and tailor-made itineraries.
15. How can I contact you for more information?
📩 Email: valerio@detourist.it
📲 WhatsApp: +39 340 671 1267
Booking Experience
No availability? Fully booked? Custom request? Contact me via WhatsApp or email — I might still make it happen!
