Florence: Sant’Ambrogio Food Tour with Wine Tastings

Summary

Florence flavors come alive in Sant’Ambrogio’s bustling streets

You’ll wander Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio district with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste cecina fresh from the oven, sample wines you can’t pronounce yet, and swap smiles with real Florentines along the way. Expect laughter, drizzle on cobblestones, and flavors that linger longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked off the main drag near Piazza Santa Croce, following our guide Claudia into Sant’Ambrogio — not the postcard Florence you see everywhere, but something quieter. The air smelled of coffee and focaccia, and I kept catching bits of laughter from shopkeepers chatting in Italian. Claudia waved at a butcher who grinned back and handed her a slice of finocchiona for us to try. I’m not sure what I expected, but biting into that first piece — peppery, soft, almost sweet — felt like someone turning up the color on the city.

Walking between stops, Claudia told stories about Tuscan food traditions (I tried to repeat “lampredotto” and she laughed — apparently my accent is hopeless). We squeezed into a tiny bakery for cecina, warm and earthy under my fingers, then stood outside because there wasn’t space inside. The street was busy but not rushed; locals with shopping bags, an old man reading his newspaper at a café table. At one point it started drizzling and everyone just pulled their jackets tighter and kept talking. Something about that felt honest.

The wine tasting part surprised me — not just Chianti but some lighter reds I’d never heard of. One glass tasted almost floral. Claudia explained which vineyard each came from; she seemed to know half the producers personally. By then I’d stopped worrying about looking like a tourist or getting the words right. There was this moment when we all just stood together under an awning, glasses in hand, listening to rain on stone — I still think about that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence food tour and tastings

• Start tasty walking food tour
• Explore Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood
• Taste ancient specialties like cecina and lampredotto
• Enjoy excellent wines in local wineries
• Visit small restaurants favored by locals
• Pass by Piazza Santa Croce

Top questions

How long is the Florence food tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but it’s a walking tour covering several stops in Sant’Ambrogio near central Florence.

Are wine tastings included in this Florence food tour?

Yes, wine tastings are included along with various food samples during the tour.

Is this walking food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; mention dietary needs ahead of time.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or sun.

Where does the Florence food tour take place?

The tour focuses on Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood in central Florence, away from big crowds.

Are children allowed on this Florence food tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; minimum drinking age for wine is 18 years.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood with generous food tastings (like cecina and lampredotto), local wine samples at small wineries or restaurants, plus stories from your professional guide — all wrapped up in authentic places where locals actually go.