Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta, Steak & Free Flowing Wine

Exploring Florence through Food and Wine: A Closer Look at the Popular Food Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Florence and want to experience its renowned cuisine without the hassle of figuring out where to go, a guided food tour like this one might just be your best bet. We haven’t personally taken it, but from the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it’s clear that this experience offers a tasty and authentic way to get to know the city’s culinary side.

What we love about this tour is how it combines multiple stops into a compact 4-hour experience, ensuring you taste a variety of local flavors without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of free-flowing wine and a sit-down lunch makes it feel more like a leisurely culinary adventure than just a tasting.

One potential consideration is that the tour covers quite a bit of food—so it’s best to eat a light lunch beforehand. And, because it’s a small group with a maximum of 15 people, the tour fosters a cozy, personalized atmosphere but does fill up fairly early—on average, travelers book it about 44 days in advance.

This tour should suit foodies, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of Florence’s best—especially those who appreciate good wine, engaging guides, and local insights.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 15 people for a more personalized feel
• Diverse Food Stops: From cheese and prosciutto to handmade pasta and gelato
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts enhance the experience with stories and tips
• Well-Reviewed: Consistently rated 5 stars with glowing traveler feedback
• Value for Money: Includes multiple tastings, wine, and a sit-down lunch at the price
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

A Deep Dive into the Florence Food Tour

Why choose this tour?

Florence isn’t just about stunning architecture and art; its food scene is equally captivating. This tour offers a chance to explore the city’s local trattorias and hidden foodie gems without the need for prior research. As many reviews point out, the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and the history of Florence, making each stop more meaningful.

The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention and chances to ask questions—something many travelers appreciate after dealing with large, noisy tours. The price of around $149 per person seems justified considering the wide array of tastings, the inclusion of wine, and the sit-down meal.

What’s on the itinerary?

Stop 1: Osteria Ponte Vecchio

Your evening begins at Osteria Ponte Vecchio, right by the famous bridge. Here, you start with a tasting of cheese, prosciutto, and 30-year aged balsamic. The guide explains the history and production methods, enriching the tasting with storytelling. This initial stop sets the tone, offering both flavor and cultural insight, and it’s a hit among travelers who rave about the great food and atmospheres at each stop.

Authenticity and quality are key here – the prosciutto is said to be quite tasty, and the balsamic aging process fascinates many guests. The one-hour stop feels just right to warm up your palate.

Stop 2: Trattoria Bordino

Next, you move to Trattoria Bordino for a handmade pasta dish featuring fresh truffles and local wine. This is a highlight for many, especially if you love pasta. The fresh truffles elevate the dish and showcase Florence’s penchant for simple yet luxurious ingredients.

Guests frequently mention how the pasta at this stop is delicious, and the guide’s explanations about the ingredients and preparation add a layer of appreciation. The inclusion of wine with this meal ensures a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

Stop 3: Palazzo Tempi Ristorante Pizzeria

Here, you’ll sample Florentine street food — crostini — paired with fine wines. This stop offers a more casual taste of local flavors, and the wines help elevate the experience. It’s a good chance to see a different side of Florence’s food scene, and many travelers appreciate the variety.

The 45-minute duration means you’ll have enough time to savor your food without feeling rushed, although some may find it quick if they’re eager to linger.

Stop 4: Mancuso Gelati Italiani 1920

Your sweet ending is at Mancuso Gelati, a place with a long-standing reputation, where you’ll taste artisanal gelato and fresh cannoli. The guide makes sure to teach you how to spot authentic gelato, which many find both fun and educational.

Guests are often impressed by the quality of the gelato; many mention that it’s still on their minds long after the tour ends. The final stop is a delightful way to wrap up a culinary journey through Florence.

What makes this tour stand out?

The combination of food, wine, and local stories gives this tour a rich, immersive feel. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides—some say their guides are born and raised in Florence, bringing authentic insights that you wouldn’t get elsewhere.

The quality of the food is consistently praised. From the aged balsamic to the handmade pasta, the focus is on authentic, high-quality ingredients prepared with care.

The wine tastings are plentiful and well-selected, with many reviewers noting the generous pours and good variety. One review describes the guide as fun and engaging, making the experience more like an evening with friends than a standard tour.

How’s the value for the price?

At $149.46, the tour offers a lot of value—multiple tastings, a sit-down lunch, and expert guidance all bundled into four hours. Many reviewers say they feel they’ve had the best meals of their trips, often mentioning the generous portions and knowledgeable hosts.

While it is an investment, most agree it’s worth it for the quality and variety, especially considering how special the wine and food experience in Florence can be.

Practical considerations

• Timing: Starting at 5:00 pm makes it perfect for an evening outing, especially if you’re exploring Florence during the day.
• Group size: Limited to 15, so it’s intimate but popular enough to fill up quickly.
• Booking: It’s recommended to book about 44 days in advance, indicating it’s a well-loved option.
• Eating beforehand: Since the tour offers a substantial amount of food, it’s best to have a light lunch or plan to come hungry.
• Age restrictions: You need to be 18+ to enjoy the wine portions.

Review insights and traveler impressions

Travelers consistently praise the guide’s personality—many describe guides as friendly, fun, and full of local knowledge. Quotes like “Katarina was a phenomenal host” and “Jamie was such a delight” show how much guides can make or break the experience.

The quality of the food and wine is a recurring theme—delicious, authentic, and plentiful. Guests mention that the gelato and pasta are unforgettable, and many say they returned to the same spots after the tour for more.

However, a few reviews mention that the Florentine steak was somewhat disappointing—tough and not quite warm enough. So, if steak is your main focus, keep in mind that it might not match your highest expectations.

Final thoughts

This Florence food tour offers an excellent way to combine sightseeing, cultural education, and culinary delights. It’s ideal for food lovers eager to taste authentic local dishes, wine enthusiasts, and travelers who want an insider’s look at Florence’s foodie scene.

Its small group format creates a cozy, engaging atmosphere, and the high-quality food and drinks make every euro worth it. While it’s a substantial experience, the reviews show that most find it worth every penny.

If you’re looking for an evening of good food, great wine, and wonderful company, this tour will suit you perfectly. Just remember to come hungry, book early, and be ready to enjoy a memorable culinary journey through Florence.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses heavily on meats, cheeses, and pasta, so vegetarians might find limited options, especially since the menu includes prosciutto and steak. It’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 5:00 pm and ending near the Florence Duomo. The stops are well-paced, with each lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The tour involves alcohol, so the minimum age for wine consumption is 18. The overall tour is suitable for most travelers, but kids under 18 can still join for the food and sightseeing part, excluding wine tasting.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes multiple food tastings at four stops, free-flowing wine, and a sit-down lunch. It’s a comprehensive package designed for a full evening of tasting.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Just come hungry! Since the tour involves a lot of food, it’s recommended to eat a light lunch beforehand. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking between stops.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from different parts of Florence.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, giving you flexibility if needed.

Is the wine tasting extensive?
Guests report that the wine pours are generous, and the selection is good, adding a relaxed, fun element to the evening.

This food tour in Florence looks like a fantastic way to enjoy the city’s culinary gems in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking to experience local flavors in a lively atmosphere, it’s an experience worth considering.