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There really is nothing quite as romantic when it comes to travelling than a river cruise in Italy. Whiling away long days and balmy evenings aboard a floating hotel, indulging in fine wine, fabulous food and incredible scenery is what every day on board is all about. Of course, there is always the option to get off the boat and explore the many historic towns, charming villages and beautiful cities that you are bound to encounter on whatever river cruise in Italy you choose to go on. Venice is undoubtedly one of the most popular stop off cities when exploring by water, not least because its very existence came about thanks to the lagoons, waterways and islands that now make up the city’s different areas. People flock to vibrant Venice for its spectacular architecture, romantic atmosphere and, of course, for its wonderful food. Discovering Venice’s Cicchetti When in Rome, you should do what the Romans do, and the same adage goes for Venice. When the locals fancy a bite, they head to a local bar for ‘cicchetti’, which is the Venetian take on tapas. There are so many tourists who visit this city and never actually touch its culinary heart, but if you wise up before you go, you’re in for a real treat. Just as Spain has its tapas bars, Venice has its ‘bacaro’ (although you will also find cicchetti in a cantina, cicchetteria, osteria or enoteca). These quaint, charming and often very busy little spots are usually hidden away, but look hard enough and you will always find one. Menus change all the time and not just seasonally, but hourly, as the chef produces more and more of these little plates (most costing just a couple of euros). The name cicchetti, which is pronounced chi-KET-tee, is believed to have come from the Latin word which means ‘little’ or ‘nothing’ - ‘ciccus’. These plates might be little, but they are a whole lot of something! From polpette (crunchy fried meatballs) to tramezzini (triangular sandwiches), and from crostini (open faced sandwiches) to pickled, stuffed and sauced meats and vegetables, there is something to suit every palate. You can enjoy just one on the go with a little glass of vino or sample several for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner. Great Spots to Sample Cicchetti Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (Dorsoduro 992, Fondamenta Nani) - This one serves 25 different wines by the glass as well. All’Arco (San Polo 436, Calle de l’Ochialer) - More than 100 years old, this bacaro serves the most delicious ham and caramelized onions on bread topped with fresh horseradish. Cantina Do Spade (San Polo 859, Calle do Spade) - The must try here is the polpette di spianata calabra, which is a tasty meatball made with Calabrian sausage and smoked cheese and potatoes. Venetians eat cicchetti at any time of the day and, when you stop off on your river cruise in Italy, you can join them. The great thing about eating this way is that you just look and point and you are served; no need for complicated Italian phrases and there is no waiting at tables or formality. This experience is all about enjoying the food. If you’re inspired to book a river cruise in Italy that takes in Venice and its delectable culinary delights, book with a specialist cruise company and your holiday dreams will soon be on the way to coming true. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic river cruise in Italy, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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