Florence: Food & Wine Walking Tour with 8 Tastings

Summary

Florence flavors come alive with coffee, truffles, wine and laughter

You’ll taste your way through Florence with a local guide — from rich Italian coffee to truffle sandwiches in an old deli, bustling market stalls full of fresh flavors, Tuscan wine & cheese pairings, and finally sweet gelato near Piazza della Repubblica. Expect laughter, real stories behind every bite, and an easy pace that lets you feel part of city life for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our second espresso when I realized how much louder Florence sounds in the morning — the clatter of cups, a barista’s quick “prego!” over the hum. Our guide, Giulia, handed me a tiny biscotto and explained the roasting process like she’d grown up behind the counter. I tried to repeat the name of the blend (failed miserably), but she just grinned and told me not to worry — “Italians never expect you to get it right the first time.”

We ducked into a deli that looked unchanged since 1885 — old wooden shelves stacked with jars, truffle scent thick in the air. The panino tartufato was richer than I expected; creamy truffle spread on bread that crackled at the edges. Someone from our group tried to guess what was in it (Giulia just winked — apparently recipes here are family secrets). We wandered past Medici Chapels and along narrow streets where locals barely glanced at us, everyone so focused on their own errands.

The San Lorenzo Central Market was chaos in the best way: vendors shouting prices, baskets of tomatoes so red they looked fake, olive oil samples on rough crostini. I got balsamic vinegar on my fingers and didn’t even care. By the time we reached the enoteca for our Tuscan wine tasting, I’d stopped trying to keep track of everything we’d eaten. The cheese was sharp, salty; someone said it tasted “like a farm smells” but honestly that made sense. We finished with gelato near Piazza della Repubblica — pistachio for me, cold and nutty under that soft evening light.

I still think about that walk back through Florence’s streets, half-full and a little sleepy from all the food. There’s something about sharing those little bites with strangers (and Giulia’s offhand jokes) that sticks with you longer than any recipe ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence gourmet walking tour

• Meet local guide in central Florence
• Try two types of Italian coffee
• Visit old delicatessen for truffle sandwich
• Learn history of Florence food squares
• Pass by Piazza della Repubblica
• Walk along fashionable city street
• Visit Medici Chapels burial site
• Pass by San Lorenzo Central Market
• Taste balsamic vinegar and olive oil with crostini
• Enjoy two Tuscan wines with cheeses and meats
• Indulge in freshly made gelato

Top questions

How long is the Florence food & wine walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

How many food tasting stops are included?

The tour includes 8 food tasting stops throughout Florence.

Is wine included on this Florence walking tour?

Yes, Tuscan wine tasting is included at a local enoteca along with regional cheeses and meats.

Does this day trip start in central Florence?

Yes, you meet your local guide in central Florence to begin the tour.

What markets or attractions do we visit?

You’ll visit San Lorenzo Central Market (Mercato Centrale), Medici Chapels area, and Piazza della Repubblica among other stops.

Is gelato included in this Florence food tour?

Yes, freshly made gelato is included as your final tasting stop.

Are there age restrictions for wine tasting?

Only guests aged 18 or older will be served alcohol according to Italian law.

How many people are in each group?

The small-group tour is limited to twelve people for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes eight tastings across Florence: Italian coffee at a local bar, truffle sandwich at a historic deli, market samples of olive oil and balsamic vinegar with crostini at San Lorenzo Central Market, Tuscan wines paired with regional cheeses and meats at an enoteca, plus freshly made gelato before you finish — all guided by a friendly local who keeps things lively along the way.