La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better

If you’re planning to visit La Spezia and want more than just pretty streets and waterfront views, a food tour like this one from Do Eat Better could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally done this tour, the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest it’s a genuinely worthwhile experience, especially for those who love to eat and explore like locals do.

What really catches the eye is the small-group setting and the diverse food stops—we’re talking about 45 tastings across the historic city. Plus, the chance to learn about local cuisine from a friendly, knowledgeable guide makes the whole experience engaging and educational. That said, it’s a three-hour walk, which means some effort is involved—so if you’re not into walking or have mobility concerns, that’s worth considering.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic food experiences and want to get a feel for La Spezia beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s especially ideal if you’re a foodie or someone curious about regional specialties, and even better if you enjoy small-group adventures with personalized touches.

Key Points

• Intimate group size enhances the experience and allows for personalized attention.
• Plentiful tastings at 45 food stops, offering a comprehensive taste of local Ligurian cuisine.
• Knowledgeable guides provide great context and stories, making the tour both delicious and informative.
• Seasonal menus ensure you’re eating the freshest ingredients.
• Walking tour through the historic center, discovering hidden gems along the waterfront.
• Value for money is high, given the wide variety of food and drinks included, plus the local insights.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This is primarily a food-focused walking tour that takes you through La Spezia’s historic neighborhoods, giving you a taste of both the city’s culinary traditions and its hidden corners. The tour is designed to be relaxed, with a friendly guide leading the way, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and savoring.

Starting Point and Meeting

The adventure kicks off at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where your guide will be waiting. From that moment, the focus is on discovering local flavors, with each stop offering something new. The tour is capped at 12 travelers, ensuring a cozy, engaging atmosphere—no feeling lost in a crowd here.

The First Stops: Simple, Delicious Flavors

You’ll start with farinata, a chickpea flour cake that’s as simple as it is tasty. This is a Ligurian staple, and your guide will take you to a historic spot where locals love to gather. It’s a great way to set the tone—something humble but full of flavor, showcasing the region’s culinary roots.

Next, you’ll try focaccia, a snack that’s everywhere in Liguria, but the tour ensures you taste it at the town’s best bakery. The focus here is on quality and tradition, so expect a piece of bread that’s crispy on the outside but soft inside, perfect for snacking or a quick lunch.

Pesto and Pasta Delights

No Ligurian experience is complete without tasting pesto, and the tour makes sure you do. You’ll sample it with testaroli, a traditional pasta, or panigacci, a baked pancake served with cheese or cold cuts. Visiting a local restaurant frequented by residents, you’ll get a sense of the authentic ways locals enjoy their meals.

According to reviews, the food here is plentiful and flavorful, with many guests remarking on the quality of the dishes. One reviewer shared that “the focaccia and the Franatta were amazing,” and another said, “the pesto pasta salad was amazing.”

The Waterfront and Seaside Flavors

As the tour moves toward the harbor, it’s time to indulge in seafood. Freshly fried anchovies and calamari are on the menu—highlighting that La Spezia’s waterfront is still very much a working port and fishing town. The taste of fried seafood, straight from local fishermen, is a highlight for many and a testament to the region’s maritime roots.

Sweet Endings and Final Indulgences

To finish, you’ll have the chance to enjoy gelato or a regional dessert. It’s a sweet, satisfying end to a day filled with flavor and stories. Guests have described the desserts as a perfect way to close out the tour, especially after a good walk and lots of tasting.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour offers quite a lot for the price of $103.50 per person. Included are bottled water, a guided experience, multiple food tastings, and even an alcoholic beverage (for guests over 18). This makes it good value considering the extensive number of tastings and the insider knowledge you get from your guide.

However, it’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. The tour’s duration is about three hours, making it manageable even for those with moderate physical fitness, but be prepared to walk and stand quite a bit.

The Group and Tour Dynamics

With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s easy to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. Many reviews praise the guides—one called Beatrice “phenomenal,” another said Gaia was “very knowledgeable.” From what we gather, the guides are often bilingual, which helps international travelers feel comfortable.

Timing and Flexibility

You can choose between a 11:30 am or 6:30 pm start, allowing you to fit this experience into your day. Confirming your preferred time in advance is straightforward, and the tour is operated by a reputable company with a flexible cancellation policy—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At just over a hundred dollars, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s packed with food variety, local stories, and insider access. Guests consistently mention generous portions, interesting local spots, and a friendly guide as highlights.

Some reviews note that the tour could be considered pricey compared to similar food experiences in other cities, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget or have dietary restrictions. But, if you’re after a curated, authentic taste of La Spezia with the convenience of guided insider knowledge, most find it well worth the cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys food, culture, and walking, and want to explore La Spezia for its culinary charm, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially worthwhile if you prefer small-group experiences where you can ask questions and get personalized attention.

Travelers interested in regional specialties like pesto, focaccia, seafood, and regional desserts will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s also suitable for those who want a leisurely way to combine sightseeing with tasting, without the hassle of researching restaurants on your own.

However, if you’re on a very tight schedule or not into walking and tasting, you might find some parts of this tour less appealing. Keep in mind, it’s about enjoying local food in a relaxed, friendly setting.

FAQs About the La Spezia Food Tour

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour includes seafood and meat options, but you should specify any dietary requirements when booking. You might find some options are adaptable, but the main menu focuses on regional specialties that often include fish and local ingredients.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, walking through La Spezia’s historic center and harbor.

What is the group size?
Up to 12 travelers—small enough for an intimate experience and the opportunity to ask questions.

Are drinks included?
Yes, one alcoholic beverage is included for guests over 18, along with bottled water.

What kind of food will I taste?
You’ll sample dishes like farinata, focaccia, pesto with testaroli or panigacci, fried anchovies and calamari, and regional desserts or gelato.

What’s the starting point?
The tour starts at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in La Spezia.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour starts, for a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the food and walk are generally suitable for most ages, but check with the provider if traveling with young children.

Do guides speak multiple languages?
Yes, the tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide who can speak English and Italian.

Final Thoughts

This La Spezia food tour by Do Eat Better offers a delightful way to experience local Ligurian cuisine in a relaxed, personable setting. You’ll visit 45 stops, tasting everything from chickpea pancakes to fresh seafood, all while learning about the city’s culinary traditions from knowledgeable guides. It’s a great choice for foodies, small groups, and anyone wanting to get a true taste of La Spezia beyond the usual sights.

While it does require some walking and isn’t the cheapest option out there, most reviews highlight excellent food, generous portions, and a friendly, engaging guide. If you’re after an authentic, insider’s view of La Spezia’s flavors, this tour is likely to leave you satisfied and with plenty of stories to tell.

In short, it’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, especially if you love good food, local culture, and small-group adventures. Just come hungry!