Tasty Turin: food walking tour with tastings

If you’re thinking about exploring Turin beyond its beautiful architecture and historic streets, a food-focused walking tour could be just the thing. This particular experience, called Tasty Turin, promises a two-hour journey into Piedmont’s beloved flavors, from decadent chocolates to traditional drinks. While we haven’t taken this specific tour ourselves, the reviews, details, and structure suggest it’s a practical and tasty way to get to know the city’s culinary soul.

What immediately catches our attention is how well this tour balances delicious tastings with cultural insights. The chance to try iconic chocolates like Gianduiotto and Cri-Cri, sip on historic drinks such as Zabaglione, and visit a centuries-old cafe for ice cream or Bicerin is quite appealing. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, which is more important than many realize if you travel with your furry friends.

A small caveat to keep in mind is that the program might not be as exciting as some would expect—reviewers mention that it’s “more in Italian than English” and that the overall experience felt mediocre, especially for English speakers in a mostly Italian-speaking group. That’s something to consider if you’re expecting a lively, highly engaging guide or a more dynamic itinerary.

Ultimately, this tour seems well-suited for food lovers curious about Piedmontese sweets and drinks, or anyone wanting a gentle, cultural introduction to Turin’s culinary highlights. If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys tasting local specialties and learning their stories, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Tastings: You’ll sample regional chocolates, ice cream, and drinks, giving you a sweet and flavorful introduction to Piedmont.
• Cultural Insight: Learn some fun facts and anecdotes about Turin’s and Piedmont’s culinary traditions.
• Historic Locations: The tour includes visits to a historic cafe, adding a layer of history and ambiance.
• Dog Friendly: It’s accessible for travelers with pets, a nice plus for dog owners.
• Price and Duration: At around $44.41 per person for 2 hours, it’s a reasonable way to indulge and explore without a big time commitment.
• Language Note: The guide speaks both English and Italian, but some parts might lean more towards Italian, which could affect the experience for non-Italian speakers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and Stops

This tour is crafted as a walking experience through Turin’s streets, focusing on tastings that showcase Piedmont’s sweet and drink specialties. The exact starting point might vary depending on your booking, but the goal is to give you an immersive, flavorful peek into the city’s culinary scene.

What makes this tour particularly enjoyable is the variety of food and drink samples. You’ll get to taste Gianduiotto, the iconic Piedmontese chocolate known for its smooth, hazelnut-infused flavor. This chocolate is a regional treasure, and trying it fresh from a local shop offers a real treat.

Next, you’ll sample Cri-Cri chocolates, which are pralines filled with delicious fillings, giving you a sense of Piedmont’s craftsmanship in confectionery. The guide will share stories about these treats’ history, adding context to the flavors.

A highlight is the chance to sip on Zabaglione, an ancient Italian dessert drink made from wine and egg yolks. It’s a cozy, historic beverage that reflects the local love of good, simple ingredients turned into something memorable.

The tour also visits a historic cafe—an atmospheric spot where you can indulge in traditional ice cream and perhaps enjoy a glass of Vermouth or Bicerin. The cafe’s longstanding history adds a layer of charm, making your tastings feel more authentic and connected to Turin’s past.

What to Expect from the Tastings

The tastings are the core of this experience. They’re designed to highlight regional specialties rather than large, filling portions. Think of it as a curated snack menu that provides an overview of Piedmont’s sweet side.

While the food and drink are the star attractions, the tour’s guide shares stories and anecdotes about each item—things like how the legend of Piedmont’s breadsticks came to be or the origins of the chocolate recipes. That storytelling element helps deepen your appreciation beyond just eating.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The reviews hint at a small and intimate group size, which makes for a relaxed and personal experience. However, one review mentions it being more in Italian than English, so if you’re an English speaker, you might find some parts less accessible unless the guide makes an extra effort.

The group environment is generally friendly, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it open to a variety of travelers.

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Pricing and Overall Value

At $44.41 per person, for two hours, this experience offers a pretty good value for those interested in local sweets and drinks. It’s not a full-fledged culinary course or a gourmet tasting, but rather a curated walk with tastings included, perfect for a leisurely exploration of Turin’s sugary delights.

The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide and the chance to taste regional specialties makes it a nice introduction, especially if you’re short on time but want to get a flavor of Piedmont’s culinary identity.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What travelers love is the chance to try authentic Piedmont chocolates like Gianduiotto and Cri-Cri, and the opportunity to learn about Turin’s culinary legends. The visit to a historic cafe for ice cream and drinks adds a cozy, authentic touch. The dog-friendly aspect is also appreciated, making it accessible for pet travelers.

However, some point out that the program could be more exciting. The fact that the tour was mainly in Italian, despite being marketed as English, was a disappointment for some, who expected a more lively or detailed guide experience. If your priority is a highly engaging, all-English tour, you might find this a bit lacking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys tasting regional sweets, learning stories behind local foods, and exploring a city on foot, this tour fits the bill. It is perfect for foodies, culture enthusiasts, or travelers wanting a relaxed, flavorful overview of Turin.

It’s also suitable for those traveling with pets, thanks to its dog-friendly policy. If you’re seeking a more dynamic or in-depth culinary experience, or if your group prefers tours entirely in English with a lively guide, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour is not suitable for vegetarians, as indicated in the additional info. It’s best to check food specifics if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I take this tour if I have gluten intolerance?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with gluten intolerance, so if gluten is an issue, consider other options.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable way to enjoy a taste of Turin without too much time commitment.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers a tour guide and food and drink tastings, giving you a guided walk with plenty of regional treats.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included—this is a walking tour, so be prepared to walk between stops.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for those with mobility needs.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in both English and Italian, but some parts may be mainly in Italian, depending on the guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, but it’s suitable for anyone with an interest in food and culture, including older children who enjoy tasting.

Final Thoughts

The Tasty Turin food walking tour offers a relaxed, flavorful way to explore Turin’s sweet side. It’s a good pick if you’re eager to sample authentic Piedmont chocolates, sip on historic drinks, and learn a little about local culinary stories. The inclusion of a historic cafe visit adds charm, and the modest price makes it accessible.

While it might not satisfy those looking for a high-energy or entirely English-guided experience, it’s a straightforward way to enjoy Turin’s gastronomic treasures at a gentle pace. It’s especially suited for food lovers or travelers wanting a taste of local tradition without a large time investment.

If you’re after a laid-back, tasty introduction to Piedmont, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just keep in mind the language aspect and that it’s more about sampling than a deep-dive into the city’s culinary scene.

Note: Always check current availability and confirm the tour details before booking, as times and offerings can change.

You can check availability for your dates here: