Florence: Walking Food Tour with Full Tuscan Meal & Wine

Summary

Florence flavors on foot with locals from aperitivo to gelato

You’ll taste your way through Florence on foot—starting with local cheeses and cured meats before moving on to hand-rolled pasta in a family trattoria. Expect street food stops for schiacciata and finish with real Florentine gelato or pastries by Ponte Santa Trinita. It’s less about ticking off dishes than sharing laughter (and maybe some wine) with locals who love their city.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a few bites in when I realized how much I’d underestimated Florence’s food scene. Our guide, Chiara, waved us into this tiny spot near Palazzo Medici Riccardi—she knew the owner by name and just sort of nodded at the plates coming out. The first thing I tasted was this salty-sweet pecorino with honey, and honestly, I could’ve stopped right there if it wasn’t for the smell of fresh focaccia drifting over from the counter. People around us chatted in that sing-songy Italian, hands moving everywhere, and I remember thinking—this is what a real Florence food tour should feel like.

After that came bowls of hand-rolled pici (I’m still not sure I said it right), tossed in a sauce so simple but somehow perfect. Chiara told us her nonna made it the same way, “with patience and no rush.” We squeezed into a trattoria where everyone seemed to know each other—someone’s grandma was arguing about soup thickness. The ribollita was thick and earthy; the pappa al pomodoro tasted like summer tomatoes even though it was barely spring. My friend tried to ask for seconds in Italian and got a round of applause from the kitchen staff (and a second helping).

I didn’t expect to love the schiacciata as much as I did—it’s just bread stuffed with whatever’s fresh that day, but the olive oil soaked my fingers and I didn’t care at all. We wandered past Ponte Santa Trinita for dessert, debating whether gelato or pastries were more “authentic” (the answer is both). The pistachio gelato melted faster than I could eat it, sun hitting the river just right. By then we were full but happy in that lazy way you get after good company and too much food. Honestly, if you want to understand Florence, start with what people here eat together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence food tasting walking tour

• Start with Florencian aperitivo
• Taste cured meats and local cheeses
• Try hand-kneaded potatoes tortelli or pici
• Eat traditional Pappa al pomodoro and Ribollita
• Enjoy Florentine schiacciata street food
• End with gelato or typical sweet dessert

Top questions

How long is the Florence walking food tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but plan for several hours including multiple food stops around central Florence.

Is wine included on this Florence food tour?

Yes, wine tasting is included along with water and coffee or tea during your meal.

Does this tour include vegetarian options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

Are children allowed on this Florence food tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Will we visit famous landmarks during the tour?

You’ll pass places like Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Ponte Santa Trinita while walking between tastings.

Is pickup included for this Florence food experience?

No hotel pickup; you meet your local guide in central Florence for the start of the tour.

Can infants join? Are strollers okay?

Infants can join and strollers are allowed throughout the route.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour runs in English and Italian; other languages may be available on request.

What’s included

Your day includes several generous tastings—cured meats, Tuscan cheeses, hand-made pasta dishes like tortelli or pici, hearty soups such as ribollita or pappa al pomodoro, Florentine street foods like schiacciata, plus dessert at either a historic pastry shop or top gelateria. You’ll have water throughout, one alcoholic drink (for adults), coffee or tea after lunch—and everything is led by a friendly local guide who keeps things relaxed but informative as you walk between stops.