There is nothing quite as romantic as a river cruise in Italy when it comes to traveling. There is nothing quite like it. Every day on board is all about indulging in good wine, wonderful cuisine, and magnificent views while you are floating on a floating hotel, which allows you to relax and enjoy the long days and warm nights that you have on board. There is always the possibility of getting off the boat and seeing the many ancient towns, attractive villages, and gorgeous cities that you are sure to come across on any river cruise in Italy that you decide to go on. This is something that you can do at any time. The lagoons, rivers, and islands that currently make up the various districts of Venice are largely responsible for the city’s very existence, which is one of the reasons why Venice is without a doubt one of the most popular destinations to visit while traveling by sea. People go in large numbers to the bustling city of Venice because of its breathtaking architecture, its romantic atmosphere, and, of course, its delicious cuisine. Getting to Know Venice’s Cicchetti When in Rome, it is recommended that you follow the Romans’ example, and the same adage applies to Venice as well. The residents go to a local pub for cicchetti, which is the Venetian equivalent of tapas. When they are hungry, they go there to get something to eat. Although there are a great number of visitors that come to this city, but seldom truly have a chance to experience its culinary core, you are in for a genuine treat if you make the effort to educate yourself before you arrive. Venice is home to its own “bacaro,” just as Spain is known for its tapas restaurants (although you will also find cicchetti in a cantina, cicchetteria, osteria or enoteca). The majority of the time, these quaint, lovely, and sometimes extremely busy small locales are tucked away, but if you seek hard enough, you will always find one. Not only do menus alter according to the seasons, but they also change on an hourly basis, as the chef continues to prepare an increasing number of these little plates (most costing just a couple of euros). The term cicchetti, which is pronounced chi-KET-tee, is said to have originated from the Latin word ciccus, which may be translated as “small” or “nothing.” Even though these plates are on the smaller side, they pack a significant amount of stuff! From polpette, which are crispy fried meatballs, to tramezzini, which are triangular sandwiches, and from crostini, which are open-faced sandwiches, to pickled, stuffed, and sauced meats and vegetables, there is something that will appeal to every taste. For breakfast, lunch, or a light supper, you may taste many of them, or you can have just one of them while you are on the road with a little glass of wine. Excellent Locations to Try Some Cicchetti This establishment, Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (Dorsoduro 992, Fondamenta Nani), offers a selection of twenty-five different wines that may be purchased by the glass. All’Arco is a bacaro that has been around for more than a century and offers the most delectable ham and caramelized onions on bread, topped with fresh horseradish. It is located in San Polo 436, Calle de l’Ochialer for those who are interested. The polpette di spianata calabra, which is a delicious meatball cooked with Calabrian sausage and smoked cheese and potatoes, is the dish that you really have to taste at Cantina Do Spade, which is located in San Polo 859 on Calle do Spade. The Venetians consume cicchetti at any time of the day, and you will have the opportunity to join them when you stop at one of the stops during your river cruise in Italy. The wonderful thing about dining in this manner is that all you have to do is look and point, and you will be served right away. There is no need to use sophisticated Italian terms, and there is no waiting at tables or formality involved. Enjoying the cuisine is the most important part of this event. If you are interested in booking a river cruise in Italy that includes a visit to Venice and the city’s mouthwatering culinary pleasures, you should do it with a cruise company that specializes in such kinds of trips. Your vacation fantasies will soon be on their way to becoming a reality. Publisher’s Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive at European Waterways, which is widely regarded as the most reputable supplier of luxury barge vacations that take care of everything for its customers. They are the professionals to consult if you are seeking for a river trip in Italy that is really unforgettable, or if you are interested in cruises to other wonderful places. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.