Florence: Food Tour with Market Tastings & Tuscan Wines

Summary

Florence flavors come alive on foot with market bites and local stories

You’ll wander Florence’s markets with a local guide who knows everyone by name, tasting fresh cheeses, salamis, rustic soups, handmade pasta, and regional wines along the way. Expect laughter over lampredotto sandwiches and sweet gelato to end your walk. This isn’t just eating — it’s feeling Florence from inside out.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was late because I got lost in those tiny Florence streets (Google Maps just gave up). When I finally found the group near San Lorenzo, our guide Matteo just grinned and handed me a warm coccolo. “You made it! Hungry?” It was still early but the city already smelled like espresso and bread. I’d signed up for this Florence food tour because I wanted to eat like locals do — not just stare at paintings all day.

We ducked into the market where everyone seemed to know Matteo. He pointed out wild-looking mushrooms I’d never seen, and a butcher waved us over to sample fennel salami — honestly, that first bite was so peppery it woke me up more than my coffee. There was this moment when an old lady scolded her grandson for touching the pecorino; Matteo translated her words and we all laughed. The market air was thick with cheese and herbs, but somehow not overwhelming — just kind of comforting. We tried ribollita too, all thick and earthy, which I didn’t expect to like but ended up scraping my bowl clean.

Later we sat outside with glasses of Chianti and a board of Tuscan cheeses, bread, olive oil — the works. The sun came out for maybe ten minutes (it had threatened rain all morning) so everyone squinted and clinked glasses. Someone asked about lampredotto sandwiches; Matteo told us how his dad used to eat them after football matches, then took us to try one from a cart that looked older than me. I probably made a face at first bite (tripe is tripe), but it kind of grew on me? Still thinking about that texture.

By the time we reached gelato — real gelato, not the neon stuff — my feet hurt in a good way. We’d wandered through backstreets most tourists miss, heard stories about why Florentines argue about ragù recipes, even tasted something called “our secret dish” (I promised not to spoil it). Walking back toward the Duomo felt different after seeing how people actually live here. Not sure if it was the wine or just feeling full in every sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Florence's authentic food scene

• Visit local market
• Taste local olive oil
• Sample traditional salamis and cheeses
• Pair cheeses with local wines
• Enjoy homemade pasta
• Learn about Florence's culture and history

Top questions

How many tastings are included on the Florence food tour?

The tour includes 10+ tastings such as cheeses, salamis, olive oil, pasta dishes, lampredotto sandwiches, gelato, and a secret dish.

Does the Florence food tour include wine?

Yes, several local wines are included alongside cheese and meat tastings during the tour.

Is there vegetarian or dietary accommodation?

You should contact the tour provider in advance for dietary requirements so they can do their best to accommodate you.

How much walking is involved on this Florence food tour?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through Florence’s markets and neighborhoods; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are pickups included for this food tour in Florence?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a central location in Florence.

What neighborhoods does this food tour visit?

The tour explores areas like San Lorenzo or Sant Ambrogio depending on your chosen option.

Is lunch included on this Florence food experience?

The tastings add up to a full meal including soup or pasta dishes plus dessert.

What’s included

Your day includes 10+ authentic tastings from local markets—think ribollita or pappa al pomodoro soup, coccoli bread snacks, lampredotto sandwiches if you’re brave enough, boards of Tuscan cheeses and cured meats with fine wines poured generously throughout. You’ll finish with real gelato plus one surprise secret dish before wandering back into central Florence on full stomachs.