Florence: Private Food Tour with Tastings & Market Walk

Summary

Florence flavors market strolls Chianti sips private tastings

You’ll eat your way through Florence alongside a local guide—sampling Chianti wine, cantucci biscuits, cheeses and more as you wander markets and famous squares. Expect laughter over new flavors, stories behind every bite, and moments that feel less like touring and more like being welcomed into Florentine life.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a tiny glass of Chianti before I’d even finished my first bite of pecorino. Our guide, Giulia, grinned like she knew exactly what she was doing—she does this every day, I guess. We started at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, which isn’t the sort of place you wander into by accident. It’s loud in a friendly way: clattering crates, the smell of tomatoes that actually smell like tomatoes. There was this old man slicing finocchiona who winked when I tried to say “buongiorno” (I definitely said it wrong). I liked that nobody rushed us; Giulia just let us linger by the cheese counter until we felt ready to move on.

We zigzagged through little streets—past laundry flapping from windows and scooters parked at impossible angles—toward Piazza della Signoria. The stone underfoot was warm from the sun. Giulia pointed out a statue I’d never noticed before, something about Medici family drama (I forgot the details but remember her laugh). She kept surprising us with small bites: a salty schiacciata here, a sweet cantucci there. At one point she stopped mid-story to buy us fresh figs from a vendor who greeted her by name. That moment stuck with me for some reason—maybe because it felt like being let in on something locals don’t usually share.

I didn’t expect to care much about Ponte Vecchio—I mean, it’s on every postcard—but standing there with sticky fingers from honey drizzled over ricotta, watching the Arno shimmer in late afternoon light…well, it hit different than I thought it would. We ended somewhere quiet with espresso so strong it made me blink twice. Six tastings felt like plenty but if you’re greedy (like me), there’s an option for ten. Either way, you leave full—in more ways than one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence food and city highlights tour

• Visit Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio market
• Explore local morning market square
• Walk across Ponte Vecchio bridge
• See Palazzo Vecchio and sculptures

Top questions

How many tastings are included in the Florence private food tour?

You can choose between 6 or 10 tastings depending on your booking option.

Is the Florence food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available—just message your host in advance about dietary needs.

Does the tour include visits to Florence landmarks?

Yes, you’ll see city highlights like Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio between food stops.

Where does the Florence private food tour start?

The tour begins at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio in Florence.

Is this a private or group food tour?

This is a private tour—only you and your local foodie guide will join.

Are children allowed on the Florence food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

What foods might be tasted during the tour?

You’ll try items like Chianti wine, cantucci biscuits, cheeses, schiacciata bread, fresh produce and more local specialties.

What’s included

Your day includes a private walk through Florence with a local guide who knows everyone at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio; 6 or 10 curated tastings of regional foods and drinks (depending on your choice); vegetarian options if needed; stops at city highlights like Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio; plus all those little stories you only get from someone who lives here.