Food and gastronomy have always played an integral part in Florentine culture and identity. On this two and a half hour Florence food tour we will join a local chef or food writer to explore Florence's great contribution to Italian cuisine. Along the way we'll taste a little wine, sample gelato, and sink our teeth into some amazing cheeses.

We will begin our tour in the heart of the historical center, home to many traditional bakeries, shops and cafes. Our guide will lead us to some of their favorite places to sample the city's best snacks and sweets. The group will have the opportunity to sample several specialties including truffle sandwiches, Tuscan salamis, focaccia, coffee, pastries and, if the season is right, gelato. All the while, we will discuss local agricultural products, their origin, and how they differ from foods in other parts of Italy. We'll also touch on the current restaurant scene in Florence for those interested in deepening their culinary experience while in town.

As we wind our way through the markets of this historic city, our guide will craft a tale about the integral role that food has played in Florence in the past. The history of Florentines is represented in the foods they consume today. The Tuscan region is famous for its ample farm lands, which produce much more than the characteristic wines they are known for. Wild truffles grow on the hills and in the forests, while the rich soil produces not only fine grapes, but all manner of produce representative of Florentine cuisine. This rich history produces even richer food, all of which can be found in the markets of Florence.

Looking to learn more about Florentine cuisine? Check out our Florence Cooking Class. 

Though the focus of this walk is on the food, the group will quickly learn how Florence's gastronomy is deeply intertwined with its social and political history. The walk will celebrate and delve into multiple facets of Florentine life.

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. Most of our small group tours require at least three (3) participants to run, although there is some variation from walk to walk. As you sign up for a tentative walk we display the minimum number required in order to confirm.

While we don't cover a large distance on the tour, nor do we take a fast pace, some streets in the city center of Florence are cobbled. Please contact us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if this walk will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.