Florence: Central Market Food Tour & Wine Pairing Walk

Summary

Florence food tour through San Lorenzo market with wine stop and gelato

You’ll taste your way through Florence’s Central Market with a local guide—sampling cheeses, cured meats, truffle olive oil, and even the famous lampredotto sandwich. There’s an intimate wine pairing in one of the city’s oldest shops before finishing with real gelato (and tips for spotting the good stuff). It’s lively, sometimes messy, always genuine—a day you’ll remember by flavor.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a warm cantuccio before I’ve even figured out where to stand in the market. Our guide, Giulia, just grins and says “Eat first, ask later.” The air inside San Lorenzo Market is this mix of roasted coffee and something earthy—truffles maybe? We’re weaving past stalls where people are shouting in Italian (not at us, just at each other), and I’m trying to keep up without knocking over a pyramid of pecorino. When Giulia points out the lampredotto stand, I hesitate—cow stomach isn’t my usual breakfast—but she laughs and says it’s tradition. So yeah, I tried it. Chewy but somehow comforting? The bread soaks up the sauce; it’s messy but worth it.

There’s a moment when we’re squeezed around a wooden table in one of Florence’s oldest wine shops. The walls are lined with bottles older than my dad, and the owner pours us Chianti like he’s sharing a family secret. He tells us about his grandfather pressing olives outside the city. We dip crusty bread into peppery olive oil and aged balsamic that smells almost sweet. I try to say “grazie” with the right accent—Giulia corrects me gently (I’m still not sure I got it). The whole thing feels less like a tour and more like being let in on some local ritual.

After all that, we wander past the Basilica of San Lorenzo—the stone is cool if you run your hand along it—and end up debating gelato flavors under a striped awning. Giulia shows us how to spot fake gelato (hint: neon colors are bad news). My pistachio is nutty and not too sweet; someone else gets lemon and makes that face you make when something is both tart and perfect for hot afternoons. I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence Market Food and Wine Tour

• View Basilica of San Lorenzo
• Explore San Lorenzo Market stalls
• Taste Tuscan cantucci and panino
• Visit historic wine shop
• Enjoy VIP wine and food pairing
• Drink coffee and Amaro
• Learn to spot real gelato
• See Medici Chapels by Michelangelo

Top questions

How long does the Florence Central Market Food Tour last?

The experience typically takes around 3 hours including tastings and stops.

Is there a wine tasting included on this Florence food tour?

Yes, there is a private wine tasting with food pairing at one of Florence's oldest wine shops.

Are vegetarian options available during the tour?

The main focus is on Tuscan specialties including cheeses and cured meats; vegetarian options may be limited.

Does this day trip include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the designated starting point near San Lorenzo Market.

Is the Florence food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and the activity is suitable for all fitness levels.

Can children join this Florence market tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What foods will I try during this Florence market experience?

You’ll sample aged balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, four kinds of cheese, truffle olive oil, lampredotto sandwich, cantucci biscuits, plus gelato.

Is coffee included on this Florence food walking tour?

Coffee is included after the main tastings along with Amaro liqueur at the end of the route.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings through San Lorenzo Market with cheeses, prosciutto, truffle olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar; sampling Florence’s iconic lampredotto sandwich; private wine tasting with food pairing inside one of Florence’s oldest wine shops; plus coffee, Amaro liqueur digestivo and real artisan gelato before you finish wandering back out into those busy Florentine streets.