Top Florence Food Tours - page 8

Food tours are very popular in Florence. According to previous ratings and reviews, these are some of the best options:

• Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Food & Wine Tasting
• Florence Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings
• Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour
• Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings
• Florence Food and Wine Walking Tour with a Local Food Expert

Yes, taking a food tour in Florence is worth it—especially for first-time or short-term visitors. While the city’s best-known sips and bites are easily accessible at bars and restaurants, tasting them with an expert guide means you’ll get a deeper understanding of Florentine food culture and history—and perhaps learn about dishes you may not have discovered on your own.

Florence food tour costs vary depending on group size, time of year, and the number of stops. Some tours hover in the US$50 range, but most run for US$90–US$140 per person. The fee usually covers snacks, wine, dessert, and heartier dishes like pasta and steak. However, be sure to read descriptions closely, as some tours may not include alcoholic drinks.

Most Florence food tours run for 2.5–4 hours, giving you enough time to stop at multiple bars, restaurants, and markets and explore a couple of different neighborhoods while you’re at it. Tours typically start in the late morning or early evening, meaning your lunch or dinner will be covered for the day.

Since many food tour guides work on behalf of a tour company, it’s nice to leave a cash tip if you have a positive experience. Plan to give them a 10- to 20-percent tip, such as €10–€20 for a tour that costs €100.

Besides the city’s famous bistecca alla Fiorentina, pasta with wild boar ragu and platters of pecorino and salumi, Florence is known for dishes stemming back to cucina povera, or peasant cooking. These include chicken liver crostini, a bread and tomato soup called pappa al pomodoro, and saucy lampredotto sandwiches stuffed with stewed cow stomach.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Florence aside from food tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Wine Tasting

• Cooking Classes

• Private Drivers

• Vespa Rentals

• Art Classes

Florence food tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Grocery Market Food Tour with Tastings led by a local Chef

• Florence: Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours

• Florence Street Food Tour: Central Market & Duomo Area

• Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide

• Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market

Look for Florence food tours in the neighborhoods you’d most like to explore—some tours take place in and around the Florence Central Market, while others focus on the Oltrarno district. If you have dietary restrictions, find out if they can be accommodated before booking. Check the timing of your tour, as market tours typically take place in the morning before the vendors close, while evening tours tend to visit more restaurants and wine bars.

Tips for enjoying your Florence food tour include bringing cash if you’d like to tip your guide—around €5–€10 is appreciated for half-day tours in Italy—and for buying souvenirs during the tour. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as you’re likely to do a fair amount of walking and standing. Finally, come hungry, as most Florence food tours make several different stops for samples.

Florence food tours are a great activity year-round. Seasonal delicacies are available throughout the year, from Carnival treats in February to truffle dishes in the fall. However, it may be best to avoid food tours in the thick of summer, as you’ll have to do some walking in the intense Italian heat.