Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 099 | Italy: Venice Food & Wine Tour

The Boozy Blondes are bringing you back to Italy in this episode, and they are letting you in on a little secret: if there’s one travel rule they swear by, it’s to book a food (preferably paired with booze) tour for early on in your trip, ideally on day one or two, especially when you’re visiting a new city.

Listen in as the Boozy Blondes break down why the Eat Like a Local: Venice 3-Hour Small-Group Food Tasting Tour through Viator ended up being one of the smartest (and tastiest) decisions of their entire Venetian adventure.

The DOE is a Bianco Spritz in this episode in honor of a valuable tip the girls learned during their tour. This spritz, a refreshing mix of Prosecco, white wine, and sparkling water, became the group’s go-to drink for the remainder of the trip. And bonus, learning a drink you can easily recreate at home makes it feel like the vacation keeps going!

Venice is magical! But it’s also overwhelming. Crowds, winding alleyways, and more than a few overpriced spritzes aimed squarely at tourists can make it tricky to know where to eat and drink well, and that’s where a local-led food tour comes in.

Instead of tourist traps and Tik-Tok bait, this tour focuses on authentic Venetian spots: tiny wine bars, standing-room-only cicchetti counters, and neighborhood restaurants that locals actually frequent. The kind of places travelers would likely walk right past without a guide pointing the way.

This tour covered a lot of ground! The girls definitely got their steps in and worked off some of the indulgences they enjoyed.

Tour details:

  • Price: Around $93 per person (September 2025)
  • Start time: 10:45 AM near the Rialto Bridge
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Stops: 7–8 local bars and restaurants
  • Tastings: About 15 food and drink tastings total
  • Group size: Small and intimate
  • Guide: An expert local who shares history, legends, and insider tips along the way

Those 15 tastings are spread across multiple stops, meaning guests sample a variety of cicchetti, pours, and bites without ever feeling rushed—or stuffed too early.

One standout moment for the Blondes was their first cicchetti stop, featuring a topping of tomato confit…slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic in olive oil. It was so good it inspired Chrissy to recreate homemade versions as Christmas gifts back home. Another great stop was for gelato at the conclusion of the tour. Everywhere you look in Venice, you’ll find gelato shops showcasing their variety of flavors towering high. But that’s not where to go. Find a smaller shop off the beaten path. You’ll find better ingredients and flavors!

By participating in the tour, the Boozy Blondes had:

  • A mental map of the neighborhood
  • A list of bars to revisit later in the trip
  • Trusted restaurant recommendations

They even ran into their guide, Anastasia, later in the week—proof that after a tour like this, Venice starts to feel a little less like a maze and a lot more like home.

Remember these key tips if you’re planning to book a food tour:

  • Book early in your trip. Don’t save food tours for your last day.
  • Bring cash. For tips, snacks, and impulse buys.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing A LOT.
  • Hydrate. Wine math works differently in Italy, but water still matters.
  • Communicate dietary restrictions early. Preferably when booking.
  • Use reputable booking platforms. Viator offered flexible payment, free cancellation, and peace of mind.
  • Use restrooms when you can. Bathrooms are different in Italy compared to the states. Just trust the girls on this one.
  • Take photos with location enabled. Future-you will want to find these places again.
  • Plan buffer time before and after. Don’t rush—leave room to linger or return to favorites.

And maybe bring a backpack. If you’re anything like the Boozy Blondes, you’re probably going to buy something. And remember. This tour is not a power walk. The pace is easy, with plenty of stops to sip, snack, and soak in the city.

By the end, Venice felt less intimidating, more approachable, and a whole lot tastier. And if blending in while slightly buzzed is the goal of every vacation… this tour absolutely delivers.

Have you booked a food tour in Venice or another city? Let the girls know what you think! Message them on Instagram or email them!

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