Many people have visited Venice, but few have the opportunity to explore her culinary secrets. From baccala montecato (stockfish with garlic, parsley and olive oil) and moleche (tiny, sautéed soft shell crabs) to pasta e fagioli and risi e bisi (rice and peas), Venice has much to offer the gastronomic traveler. The key ingredients to Venetian cuisine are local: seafood from the lagoon, cornmeal and risotto from the plains, and fresh produce grown on the mainland. You will find an astonishing display at the Rialto market, which is one of the greatest markets in the world. You will then use those ingredients for your private, hands-on cooking lesson in a Venetian villa, where you will prepare a complete meal featuring local specialties. In the evenings, visit local bacari and trattorie, tasting local dishes and wine.

This is an opportunity to live like a Venetian for a week. Your accommodations are in a beautiful apartment set in the heart of Venice, just a short walk from the Rialto market.

Day One

Afternoon arrival on your own in Venice. Check into Casa San Boldo, a private palazzetto located in a quiet residential area just minutes from the Rialto bridge. Your apartment features an equipped kitchen, spacious living room, bedroom and private bathroom. It is air conditioned and situated close to charming food shops for anything you might need.

Tonight meet your hostess for a welcome aperitif and dinner in a typical trattoria..

Day Two

Morning on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a private walking tour with a guide to begin your week long discovery of the city.

Day Three

This morning, go with your hostess to the Rialto market to taste, see and learn all about local products that you will be using in your lesson. The market offers a cornucopia of seafood and vegetables. Experience the Venetian joy to meet people at the market and at Bacari, local eateries you might never exerience on your own.

Day Four

Morning cooking lesson with Alessandra and Francesca, two fantastic chefs who have great enthusiasm for their beloved Venetian cuisine. Alessandra studied with culinary luminaries such as Gualtiero Marchesi and Enzo De Pra. She recently won three first prizes at the Cooking Cup of Venice has been leading private cooking lessons for the last five years. Francesca is a passionate chef who specializes in catering local events. Lunch follows the lesson. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day Five

Morning cooking lesson followed by lunch

Day Six

Time on your own to explore.Venice. Additional cooking lessons or private tours can be arranged for your free time.

Day Seven

Third cooking lesson followed by lunch.

Day Eight

Check out.