Wine bars are popular in many parts of Italy but in Venice has a unique tradition, and snacking is almost a way of life. During this gourmet discovery tour you will wander from place to place stopping to sip wine and eat “cicheti” –Venetian snacks at the local “Bacari”. These wine-bars which offer finger food traditionally washed down with a glass of wine derive their name from Bacchus, the god of wines. You will stop for an “ombra” (shadow), a small special glass of wine. Someone says it is called an “ombra” because it is a mere shadow of a drink; according to a legend the term “ombra” sees its origin around the turn of the century by a man used to sell drinks from a stall in the shade of San Marco. Either ways, the “bacari” are firmly entrenched in the popular culture. Some examples of the Venetian ‘cicheti’ in the typical spoken language: Polenta e Bacalà Yellow polenta made of corn meal to enjoy with cod cooked according to the typical Venetian tradition. An unforgettable experience for any palate. Bovoleti e folpeti: Small snails and baby octopus marinated with salt and parsley... just to be enjoyed while sipping a glass of wine. Moleche Crabs: caught as they shed their shells, fried and eaten whole in a single mouthful, claws, legs and all. Fegato venexiana: The most famous Venetian dish made of delicious fried liver cooked with finely chopped onions. Polpetine: Cold delicious meatballs, which are, according to tradition, the ideal introduction for an appetizing dinner. Vovi: Hard-boiled eggs split into two and simply dressed with salt and pepper. Pan con l’aciugheta: Small slice of toasted and spiced bread with a little anchovy on it. A perfect reason to order another glass of wine... Fritoin misto: A mix of different delicious fried fishes (calamary, shrimps, octopus) to the right compensation after a day spent walking around. Sarde in saor: fried sardines marinated in vinegar and onion, with pine kernels, bay and raisins swollen in white wine according to the traditional recipe.