Florence-Food-Tours

Authentic Florence Food Tours

Eating florence like a local.

Share the most iconic dishes and meet the wonderful artisans behind them at Florence’s favourite local hidden gems. Savor the delicacies Florence is famous for and immerse yourself in centuries of incredible history and lore. Experience Florence like a local as you explore the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods and local eateries.

Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour

Tuscan specialties, Stanley Tucci’s secret wine window, a Negroni demo and so much great wine!!

The Other Side of Florence Food Tour

Experience the side of Florence where locals go to eat, drink and shop away from the crowds

Florence Central Market Food Tour

A one-of-a-kind experience in the most famous Florence market, where tradition and taste come together!

San Lorenzo

Authentic Florence Pasta-Making Class

A hands-on cooking experience set in a local chef’s beautiful home. Shop your own ingredients, roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

Tuscany Truffle Hunt

A once-in-a-lifetime gourmet culinary adventure set in the Tuscan countryside. It begins with a truffle hunt and it ends with a truffle-based home-cooked meal on a spectacular farm.

Florence Countryside

Pizza & Gelato Making Class in Oltrarno

A fun and family-friendly cooking afternoon set in Florence’s easygoing Oltrarno neighbourhood. Source all your ingredients locally and learn handy new skills to impress your dinner guests back home.

Eating Europe Florence Gift Card

Eating Europe’s Gift Cards give you access to the most meaningful culinary experiences and food tours across all Europe!

Book a Private Tour

Looking for a special activity for your company, family or friends? Our private food tours will take you off the beaten path and immerse you in local history and culture. A friendly guide will take...

best cooking tour in florence

Meet Your Local Florence Tour Guides

Savour Florence like a local with our expert food tour guides.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

All of our food tours are vegetarian friendly. However, it may not always be possible to serve vegan, gluten-free, or kosher foods at many tour stops. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions upon booking so we can try to accommodate your needs.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks are included in the price you pay for the tour. Some tours may have the option to upgrade to a more luxurious drink package.

Do you tip in Florence?

A gratuity service charge is generally included in your bill. Additional tips are discretionary and not required, though a 5-10% tip is appreciated.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets or just group sales?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. 

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. See our complete cancellation policy here.

Is a food tour in Florence worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Florence and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

Customer Reviews

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A phenomenal experience as always from Eating Europe. Do NOT miss this tour. It'll be the best thing you do on holiday. Lisa our guide was absolutely phenomenal!! She made our evening.

Adam Penick

My only wish was we made this reservation on our first night in Florence instead of our last night. Each stop and owner made us feel like a welcome local. Lisa’s personal investment in the community peeled back the curtain for us where we felt a genuine welcome from an old friend we just met. That combination left an indelible mark on our memorable trip. Thank you for doing all the hard work to make us feel at home and welcome. We will forever love Florence.

Nina M. Perry

This was our second eating tour in Florence & our 4th tour in Italy (2 in Rome) & Francisco did not disappoint… he was friendly & knew the neighborhood well… we were a small group of 7 which was perfect & we walked away with new friends, having sampled great local foods & great wine & drinks. I highly recommend Eating Europe food tours to enhance your European experience.

France Lauzon

What a great introduction to Florence with this wine/food tour. Elie (Elisa) was a great guide with many stories, taking us to to quaint little spots and making sure we all have plenty of wine during our tour. Our group was filled with great people which made the tour that much more fun!

Maxwell Wasscher

and cheese shop, a full on restaurant, all the way to a gelateria. The walking wasnt too much either. Everything we had was delicious and authentic and we were given great detail what seasons the food was, any interesting history, etc. Antoneela was passionate about the places we stopped and the food we ate. She even provided ideas for other things to try in Florence, and we are looking forward to those suggestions.

Yi Suo

Great food and wine tour with Elly as our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about the history and lore of local Florentine cuisine and took us to multiple local spots including a cheese shop, a wine window, a Medieval wine cellar, many more and ended the tour with some authentic Gelato for everyone. Her sense of humor and energy was simply incredible!

Theo Moser

Francesco was an amazing tour guide and very knowledgeable of the local cuisine in Florence. Highlights were the biscotti, balsamic vinegar and cheese tasting. The indoor marketplace was a hit with the adults and kids on our tour.

Margaret Corio

Our first food and drink tour and will not be our last. A great opportunity to experience different locations and enjoy local cuisine. Our guide Lisa was fantastic. We travelled with our adult sons and they too wbjoyed the experience. So glad that we added this experience our trip.

Julie Ansley

We have done many tours in Italy and this was by far the most fun we have ever had. The truffle hunting was authentic, the wine tasting and cooking class was delicious and the farm was something out of Tuscan storybook. Our hosts Camilla and Fabrizio are genuinely warm and welcoming. We didn’t want to leave. This is going to be a treasured memory we take home from Italy. Don’t miss it!

Janice Parsons

We had a wonderful time . It was informative as well as fun. The wine and food were delicious and it was extremely well organized. Francesco Weber was our guide today . He was entertaining as well as considerate and knowledgeable .We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon and highly recommend it! Thank you

Penny Moore

Ahhhhmazing tour! Francesco gave us a personal introduction to each store/restaurant/street food vendor/ and bakery owner. He did a superb job of explaining the history and understanding of why the people of Florence eat what they eat! He kept the tour feeling very quaint and everything was local and had a neighborhood “vibe”. We truly loved every bit of this tour and especially his charming upbeat personality. What a treat to spend a morning experiencing these great finds in Florence up close and personal!! PS - come hungry ready to try new things, you won’t be disappointed!!

Emma Watkins

Fantastic food tour of ‘the other side of Florence’ away from the main tourist area and a joy to meet so many lovely locals. Elisa P was our guide and we were lucky enough to have her to ourselves! We got to meet amazing locals, learn so much from our guide, taste different and delicious food and wine and have some real fun. Elisa was delightful and we highly recommend doing this tour if you are in Florence. You won’t regret it.

We have been lucky to do tours with Eating Europe in Amsterdam (Jordaan), London (East End) & Rome (Testachio x 2) and it’s a company we know we can book with confidence wherever we travel. We’re from the UK and still learned plenty on our home turf! Perhaps Berlin next?

Bill Mauke

Our food tour with Eli was terrific! Very relaxed, fabulous food and wine shops in the Oltrarno. Eli was a great hostess with a good sense of humor and spoke excellent English. Enjoy!

Mercedes Alzaga

Amazing food tour around the local market, street food and Chianti wine! Thanks Francesco for all the info you gave us and to answer all the curiosities we had ( even about history!). This tour is a must!

The Tastiest Food Tours in Florence

Florence isn’t just the capital city of Tuscany or the birthplace of the Renaissance, rather it is a world class culinary destination. Full of family legacies and modern imaginings, Florence is a city to savor. If you’re lucky enough to travel here, pour yourself a glass of Chianti and start planning your food tour in Florence!

As easy as it is to get a great meal in Florence, it is just as easy to sit down in a crowded touristy restaurant and eat a pre-made or even frozen dish warmed in a microwave. Joining a Florence food tour gives you a deep dive into the food culture of Florence and the opportunity to taste some of the most iconic dishes of this one of a kind city. From the mouthwatering lampredotto sandwich to artisan breads, traditional cheeses, and a variety of seasonal specialties, our Florence food tours are designed to paint a full picture of Florence’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Our entertaining local food tour guides will regale you with stories, fascinating history, and a unique glimpse into the best part of Florentine life – the food of course! No visit to Florence is complete without tasting the iconic flavors of this Tuscan capital. Our Florence food tours have been designed for all those passionate food lovers who want to leave their comfort zone and taste the real local foods in real local places.

We’re confident that not only will you leave our Florence food tours stuffed, but also ready to explore the history and enjoy the architecture in Florence with the confidence of the locals.

Florence Food Tours

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11 Tasty Food Tours of Florence for Foodies

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The hidden delights of Florence , Italy , await travelers in its mouth-watering food tours. From fresh pasta to lip-smacking gelato, every taste bud will be tantalized on these food tours of Florence!

Join in and explore the hilltop Tuscan city on a guided tour, where you’ll sample some of the most delicious cuisines the region has to offer. The knowledgeable and passionate guides will take you to insider eateries for an unforgettable gastronomic experience in the birthplace of Renaissance art.

Get ready to eat your way through Florence and discover why it remains one of Europe’s top destinations! Here are the best food tours of Florence.

Table of Contents

Editor’s Pick: Best Florence Food Tour

best cooking tour in florence

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

Food tours of florence, tuscany day trip from florence: siena, san gimignano, pisa and lunch at a winery.

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 11 to 12 hours | ✅ Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, professional English-speaking tour guide, a guided walking tour of Siena with entrance fee to the cathedral | ⚡ Book now

Aerial view of of the tops of old brick buildings in a European city.

Calling all foodies and travel enthusiasts! Tuscany is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, the countryside, and most importantly, FOOD. Join in on an unforgettable day trip from Florence to explore this incredible region with a local guide.

Experience the magic of medieval Siena and its breathtaking cathedral, indulge in a mouth-watering 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine tasting in the hills of Chianti, stroll the picturesque streets of San Gimignano, and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa in Cathedral Square.

Upgrade your experience with skip-the-line entry and make the most of your day in Tuscany. This is easily one of the longer best food tours of Florence.

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Florence Sunset Wine & Food Tour with Eating Europe

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 3.5 hours | ✅ Includes: 14 samples at 6 different tasting locations, Negroni cocktail demo, multiple fine wine tastings | ⚡ Book now

The sun shining through a small glass with a drink in it.

Discover Florence’s hidden gems and delectable cuisine! Embark on a culinary adventure and uncover exquisite Tuscan delicacies. Savor fresh pasta prepared by a passionate local chef, taste the traditional zero-waste soup, and explore Florence’s incredible nightlife while immersing yourself in all that the city has to offer.

And don’t miss the chance to experience a wine cellar that’s centuries old and enjoy innovative Super Tuscan wines. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate foodie paradise!

Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 3 to 3.5 hours | ✅ Includes: Professional local guide, food tastings, wine tastings | ⚡ Book now

A plate of truffle pasta.

Join in on a 3 to 3.5-hour walking food tour of Florence that includes tastings! Along the way, you’ll enjoy three different neighborhoods. Plus, your guide will even let you in on the well-kept secret of how to avoid the tourist traps that are popular in the city center.

Your trained foodie guide will train you to learn all about what makes Tuscan food so unique, how to eat like a local, and even get you off the beaten path. Enjoy the medieval city center, the Oltrarno district (which is fairly artistic), and even the local favorite Sant’Ambrogio.

Food and Wine Tour in Florence

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 4 hours | ✅ Includes: Dinner | ⚡ Book now

Tongs grabbing a cannoli off of a plate of cannolis.

This 4-hour food and wine tour in Florence is one of the best food tours in the city. Along the way, you’ll have a local guide who will bring you to favorite restaurants around the city.

Enjoy balsamic vinegar, classic cocktails, tasty cheese and meats, and even truffles. Plus, sample some street food like crostini and have a tasty dinner with classic homemade pasta. What could be better in Italy?

Conclude your tour while enjoying Cantucci con Vin Santo or taste a lovely gelato or cannoli. This is one of the most authentic food tours of Florence currently on offer.

Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Local guide, food and wine tasting | ⚡ Book now

Olive oil being poured into a small bowl.

This incredible food tour is only 3 hours long and is the perfect introduction into local food! It’s led by a local guide, and you’ll stop at places like the San Lorenzo Central Market. Plus, the tour size is fairly short at only 12 people maximum, so you’ll have an intimate experience.

You’ll try many treats along the way, including coffee, cheeses, Tuscan wine, olive oil, bread, gelato, and more. If you want to learn more about local food and Florence’s charm, this is the perfect tour for you.

Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 5 hours | ✅ Includes: Transport by air-conditioned minibus, professional chef, 3-course lunch or dinner | ⚡ Book now

Group of people standing around a table as someone makes homemade pasta.

This 5-hour tour is the perfect way to learn how to cook in traditional Italian style! You’ll travel to a Tuscan estate not far from Florence and learn from an Italian chef. What could be better?

You’ll enjoy a 3-course meal and learn how to make both pizza and Italian gelato. Plus, enjoy some tasty Italian wine or beer. The transportation, dinner, and class are all included in the fee.

At the end of the class, you’ll even get a recipe book that you can take home so you can take your teachings back to your home country.

The 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals: Private Food Tour

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Private tour, local guide, 10 food and drink tastings | ⚡ Book now

A close up view of a piece of bruschetta.

Experience Florence’s vibrant culinary scene like a local on a scenic tasting tour. Let your private foodie guide take you behind the scenes to sample authentic regional delicacies, including the mouth-watering coccolo ripieno and cantucci.

With multiple food stops, this Tuscan Renaissance city will leave your taste buds begging for more. Don’t miss out on this tantalizing adventure!

Florence Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 3.5 hours | ✅ Includes: Food tasting, lunch, wine tasting | ⚡ Book now

A small charcuterie board.

Indulge in the tastiest eats in Florence with a thrilling guided tour of Tuscan cuisine! Savor the delicious local meats and cheeses, paired perfectly with a glass of Chianti. The adventure doesn’t stop there!

You’ll also get to try some traditional dishes like ribollita (soup), coccoli (fried dough), and cantucci e vin santo (sweet biscuits and wine).

You’ll leave feeling satisfied and full, with a long list of amazing food spots to try for the remainder of your trip. Get ready to embark on a foodie journey like no other!

Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2-3 hours | ✅ Includes: Food tasting, local guide, homemade pasta | ⚡ Book now

A cooler filled with small bins of gelato.

Embark on a food adventure in Florence with a passionate local foodie! Get ready for a 2.5-hour culinary tour of the city where you’ll indulge in delicious tastings at markets, shops, and cafés.

From fresh pasta to truffles, and gelato to pastries, get ready to experience Florence’s mouth-watering cuisine. Plus, with a limited group of just 15 people, the guide will give you personalized attention and lead you past famous city landmarks and charming local areas. Food and fun await, come join in!

Florence Food, and Wine Walking Experience led by a Local Food Expert

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2.5 hours | ✅ Includes: Friendly English-speaking guide, 5 food and wine stops, local bread with savory toppings | ⚡ Book now

Two halves of a panini sandwich stacked on top of each other.

Are you ready to experience the indulgent flavors of Tuscany? Join in on this gourmet food tour in Florence and indulge in the region’s finest cuisine.

Your local guide will take you on a walking tour of the charming city, stopping at top food markets to sample regional delights like truffle panini, handmade chocolate, and authentic Tuscan olive oil.

Wash it all down with some prosecco and Chianti wine, and leave with a full stomach and a love for Tuscan cuisine. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure!

Wanna Be Italiano – The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 5 hours | ✅ Includes: Central food market guided visit, two glasses of Chianti with lunch, food tastings at school | ⚡ Book now

Yellow and green pasta.

Calling all foodie travelers! Immerse yourself in the flavors of Florence with this amazing cooking class. Join experienced chefs on a trip to the Central Market to pick up fresh local ingredients for your scrumptious lunch.

Then, learn how to cook Tuscan classics such as bruschetta, homemade pasta, and a heavenly dessert at the cooking school.

Finally, savor your delectable creations with a glass of Chianti wine. This is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss!

Final Thoughts: Food Tours of Florence

Florence food tours are a great way to sample the city’s cuisine and experience the culture in a unique setting. From pasta tastings to gelato-making classes, these tours offer an incredible opportunity to learn about Florence’s culinary traditions.

Exploring the city with an experienced guide is sure to be an unforgettable experience and create memories that will last far beyond your time there.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Florence food tour today!

Check out our vlog from our time in Florence!

More Italy Posts

A trip to Italy is truly unforgettable! We have tons more Italy posts to help you plan your trip. Check them out below!

  • 12 Best Views of Florence, Italy
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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Fearlessly Italy

12 Best Food Tours Of Florence

Italy is known for its various types of delicious cuisines . From the famous Sicilian arancini to the seafood of Venice, there are so many different foods and wines available in this beautiful country and so many Italian food tours to explore it all. What might shine above them all, however, is the region of Tuscany.

Florence is renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, which means that food often comes second in people’s minds. However, this should most certainly not be the case.

Food tours are one of the best ways to explore the local cuisine of a region, and Florence is no different. That’s why we’re going to go over some of the best food tours of Florence today.

Whether these are street food tours of Florence or some of the best wine tours, we’re going to check out just where the best places are where you can learn about and experience Tuscan cuisine.

These tours also mean that it’s much easier to find the food highlights of the area and great Florence restaurants , rather than trying to hunt them down yourself. So with all of that out of the way, let’s hop right into our list of the best food tours in Florence, Italy!

Table of Contents

Best Florence Food Tours – Explore The City And Its Delicious Cuisine

Dine around florence: an authentic evening wine & food tour by take walks.

Up first, we have a tour from Take Walks. It’s a lengthy name – Dine Around Florence: An Authentic Evening Wine & Food Tour. The good news about such a name is that it accurately describes as to why this is one of the best food tours in Florence. You will be part of a small group (of a maximum of 10 people) that travels around the city, tasting a variety of local meats, cheeses, olive oils, focaccia, and even Tuscan truffles.

This will be followed by a trip to the Piazza Santo Spirito to try out some of the region’s wines, all before traveling to a Florentine restaurant to finish the main courses. But even then you’re not done, as you finish off the evening with a round of gelato for dessert.

This is one of the best walking food tours in Florence because it exposes you to the history of the city while giving you a taste of that history. The guides are well-versed about how it evolved over time and what to expect from it. The tour cost includes all tastings and wine, so you won’t need to pay any extra for it. And obviously, this is only an evening affair, so no hotels or anything are needed.

Click here to book

Tastes and Traditions of Florence: Food Tour with Sant’Ambrogio Market Visit with Devour Tours

This Florence food tour takes you to explore the authentic Florentine life eating your way around the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your experience will begin with a proper Italian coffee and carry on at a local food market led by a local expert.

While witnessing how local butchers prepare the famous Florentine steak and how residents go about doing their daily grocery shopping, you will also enjoy plenty of food tastings and 3 glasses of wine.

You will discover lesser-known restaurants where locals eat regional delicacies such as pici pasta and lampredotto and, as a plus, you will be shown where to find traditional desserts and sweets such as cantucci biscuits and obviously gelato.

Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour

With this Florence evening food tour, you will savor an important aspect of the Italian and Florentine way of life: how to enjoy dinner as a social occasion.

By visiting five family-run small businesses in the Oltrarno neighborhood, you will enjoy plenty of food tastings including cold cuts, cheese, bruschette toasted bread, and obviously the Florentine steak, as well as local wines.

From start to end, you will have gone through aperitif, dinner, and delicious dessert.

Florence Food Walking Tour By Get Your Guide

Another interesting experience is the Florence Food Walking Tour from Get Your Guide. In this tour, you will see how Italians start their day in local bars, with a cup of coffee and experience the roasting process. Then you’ll experience a true panino tartufato from Florentine tradition.

This will be followed by a trip to an Enoteca to taste wines, cheeses and cold cuts before finishing out once more with some delicious gelato. All the while, your tour guide will be informing you about the history of the food in Florence, like where people would gather to buy it and how it evolved.

Once again, a small group is used for this food tour in Florence, with a max of 14 people available for each. You will have an English-speaking guide that will take you out, rain or shine, so it’s important to account for the weather. For those that want to see the market open, they need to book the morning tour, as the market closes at night. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, so it certainly won’t take the whole day.

Florence Sunset Food Tour By Eating Europe

Another experience that is focused on the evening experience in Florence, the Florence Sunset Food Tour by Eating Europe is one of the best food tours you’re going to find in Florence. Begin with an experience of aperitivo before meeting local deli owners and trying their meats and cheeses.

You will see how the Tuscan Negroni cocktail is made before experiencing some chianti wine and some starters. Then watch as Florentine beefsteak is made before trying it and another glass of wine, as you finish with some biscotti and vin santo.

While the tour is going on, your tour guide will explain the differences between Tuscan food and the rest of Italian culture, while the Oltrarno neighborhood will be your experience of the region.

The food tour starts in the Piazza Santo, and you can get there any way you want. Transport is not included in the cost, and the tour guides will give instructions on how to get back to where you desire. If you want a mature experience of Florentine cuisine, you should seriously consider this Florence food tour.

Authentic Florence Home-Cooking Class By Eating Europe

For those who are more interested in taking the secrets of Florence home with them rather than simply tasting it all, the Authentic Florence Home-Cooking Class by Eating Europe might just be for them. This is more of a cooking tour than an eating tour, though there is still plenty to taste. You’ll pick out your own ingredients at local shops and stalls before making a variety of pasta dishes from scratch.

Enjoy some antipasti before the meal, while you learn how to make some Florentine dessert after the main course is done. All the while, enjoy some of the best-paired wines that Tuscany has to offer with your dishes.

Perhaps the most valuable part of this Florence cooking tour is the tips and tricks that you’ll get from a veteran chef. They’ll let you know just what separates their food from the rest, which gives you the secret to making these delicious delicacies at your own home. For those who want to know the secrets of Florentine cooking as well as taste their own foods, this is going to be the tour for them.

The Other Side of Florence Food Tour By Eating Europe

Midway through our list of the best food and wine tours in Florence, we have The Other Side of Florence Food Tour by Eating Europe. This tour is focused on getting away from the pasta focus that so many tours take in order to focus on what Florentines really eat.

Wander around the Oltrarno neighborhood in order to see cantucci freshly made (right before you eat it) and try other Tuscan cheeses and salami. Taste traditional stews and soups before trying the legendary Florentine lampredotto sandwich. Once again, finish it all off with another taste of sweet gelato.

This tour does include an extra Premium Drink Package option that will allow 3 extra drinks on the tour: one local house wine with the lampredotto, one Vin Santo, and a taste of the difference between Chianti and Super Tuscan wine. Once again, the tour guide will be giving bits of history about the city and cuisine as you pass by and try each piece. The tour can make accommodations for vegans, vegetarians or those who are gluten-free, which is always nice to see.

Florence: Street Food Tour By Get Your Guide

The Florence: Street Food Tour by Get Your Guide is one of the best street food tours in Florence (in case you couldn’t judge from the name). It is focused quite a bit more on the food aspect than any drinks, as there are no drinks included in the package. However, they make up for this by including plenty of local foods.

You will have the opportunity to try out local delicacies like schiacciata with balsamic vinegar, cantuccini, fresh homemade pasta, traditional pappa al pomodoro, and even more. Over the 2.5 hours you’re out and about, your tour guide will be giving you the history of the foods, how they rose to fame and their own thoughts on the best foods in town. You will also visit a market in order to see where the locals pick up their own foods and ingredients.

The tours are limited to a maximum of 14 people, so it will be a fairly small experience. Since it is so short of a tour, don’t expect a huge amount of sitting down or waiting around, so you’ll want to make sure the shoes you are wearing are comfortable enough for such a movement.

Florence: San Lorenzo Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour By Get Your Guide

Another tour from Get Your Guide, this Florence food and wine tour includes exploring some of the most iconic parts of the city along with the local delicacies you’ll experience. You’ll taste street foods like panini and more sophisticated foods like truffles. Then there will be everything from salty hams, to sweet fried breads, from fresh made raviolis to the traditional peasant soups ribollita and pappa al pomodoro.

All of these will be paired with the appropriate wines in order to get the full experience of Florence in all its glory. Once the eating is done, your tour guide shall take you to the magnificent Santa Croce Square, the resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile, and the composer Rossini.

It is a longer tour, lasting 4 hours. Your English-speaking tour guide will explain the foods that you’ll be consuming, as well as some facts about the famous Medici family who controlled Florence for so long. Experience both the sights and tastes of Florence with one of the best food tours in Florence.

Tuscany Truffle Hunt By Eating Europe

This is a more focused tour than some of the other Florence food tours. As you might be able to tell, the focus is on the mighty truffle. Instead of exploring the streets of Florence, you shall travel outside the city and into the Tuscan countryside. There, you will follow along with a pack of dogs that will sniff out the truffles you are looking for.

Once you find them, you’ll head off for a meal at a local Tuscan fattoria (or farm). Here, you’ll experience local meats, cheeses and marmalade, all with the appropriate wines alongside. Of course, the main meal will be a dish of pasta fixed with the same truffles that you were hunting for earlier. Once that meal is done, you shall be sent off after enjoying a delicious Tuscan dessert.

Travel is included in this tour, as you need to get out to the countryside somehow. However, travel to the meeting point is not. There is a guarantee to find truffles on this tour, so even if you don’t find them yourself, the dogs will be able to acquire them for your meal. For a look outside of Florence and into the Tuscan countryside, you won’t find a better food tour.

Florence: 5.5-Hour Italian Food Market & Cooking Experience By Get Your Guide

A 5.5-hour-long cooking and eating experience awaits you with this tour By Get Your Guide. You start off by going to a local market in order to get the ingredients for your cooking adventure. The chefs will guide you on how to pick out the best ingredients before you head to a professional kitchen in order to start your creation.

You’ll learn how to prepare Tuscan-style bruschetta, fresh pasta and whatever the seasonal main course happens to be at the time. All of these will be accompanied by the appropriate Chianti wine. It’s one of the best Florence cooking tours, as it takes the time to allow you to learn about what you are doing as you experience the taste of the food.

The only real thing that this tour doesn’t include is pickups and dropoffs to and from your Florence hotel . Otherwise, you get a market tour, tastings, wine with lunch, a cooking class and even a graduation certificate upon completion. Once again, if you are one of those people who want to take a piece of concrete knowledge about Tuscany and Florence home with you, this tour aims for that.

From Florence: Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse By Get Your Guide

We’re going to end with another cooking class from Get Your Guide. This time, the journey takes you outside of Florence proper to a local farmhouse. Before you leave, however, you will hunt down the best ingredients from the local markets and stalls. Once you are out at the farmhouse, your cooking instruction will start.

You will help make pasta and meat sauce by hand. Prepare traditional bruschetta and enjoy it with a glass of Chianti wine alongside. But you’re not done, as you prepare Tuscan pork and roast potatoes before finishing with some of the region’s famous tiramisù.

It is a longer tour, taking 6 hours. However, with every moment dedicated to preparing, producing and enjoying the delicious fruits (as well as pasta and meats) of your own labor, it feels like it’s gone by in a flash. You get a walking tour, transport to the farm, a cooking lesson and wines with lunch and round it all off with a certificate letting you show off your new skills.

And that rounds out our list of the best food tours of Florence. It’s truly hard to pick out a winner or loser here, as they all offer terrific choices of the Tuscan region. It really just depends on how long a tour you want and what sort of food experience you are looking for. You cannot go wrong with one of these tours, whether you are in Florence for a day or more, and also if you are joining any other cultural Florence tours .

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Food Guides & Cooking Tips

The Best Food Tours in Florence

Everyone craves delicious food when traveling but how do you know you’re trying the most authentic foods when in Florence? The foreign restaurant names and abundant amount can be extremely overwhelming. But that is no problem at all.

We’ve created a list of the best food tours and market tours to visit when in Florence to taste the most authentic food in Florence while learning with others. Here are just five popular food tours and market tours in Florence that will expose you to local culture and provides you with new recipes to share with friends and family at home.

1. Central Market Tour with 4 Course Lunch

best cooking tour in florence

If you want to see the local markets to learn about popular seasonal ingredients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, juicy meat and fresh fish, be sure to go on this tour to see the Florentine market. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to use those ingredients to cook an authentic Tuscan meal for a reasonable price.

2. Master Cooking Class & Florence Historic Bottega Food Tour with a Small Group

best cooking tour in florence

Learn from a professional chef about the authentic historic Bottegas and taste some of the most gourmet typical Tuscan products. You will also have the chance to buy some of the freshest ingredients, such as potatoes and eggplants, to later cook with the chef and make a delicious lunch. This ensures a personalized experience that is truly one-of-a-kind and will teach you so much while still having fun.

3. Cooking Class in Noble Villa & Farmers' Market Tour

best cooking tour in florence

Enjoy a tour of the city center and the Farmers’ Market and meet locals along the way! You will have different tastings and buy some of the freshest ingredients needed for this cooking class. You will get to make different types of homemade pasta from scratch as well as a dessert. You will also learn from a chef while enjoying the friendly company of others who are learning with you.

4. Wanna Be Italiano Cooking Class & Market Tour

best cooking tour in florence

Get a tour of the Central Market and meet butchers, bakers, and farmers to buy ingredients that you will need for your lunch. You will also get to enjoy a delicious tasting of products in season and gain more exposure to the freshest vegetables. You will make bruschetta, homemade pasta, sauce, and a dessert all accompanied by a professional chef.

5. Market Tour and Tuscan Cooking Class at MaMa Florence

best cooking tour in florence

A tour guide will bring you around the market to expose you to the local food and culture. You will then have the opportunity to cook with a professional chef and make an appetizer, first and second course, and dessert while tasting two fine wines which are selected by an expert. This short tour will get you familiar with locals and provide you with a new meal to cook at home.

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Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito

Get an authentic taste of florence’s exquisite food and wine in a lively local neighborhood.

Florence is famous across Italy for its wine, steak, and biscotti, but do you know where to taste the best of the city? This walking food tour takes you off the tourist trail to visit some of Florence’s finest and most authentic eateries with your foodie guide who knows all about the city’s culinary highlights. With a small group and a relaxed pace, it’s a perfect way to experience Florence’s Santo Spirito district like a local.

Join your expert guide

  • Join your expert guide
  • Traditional anitpasti and aperitivos
  • Wine tasting at a local enoteca
  • Local Tuscan specialties
  • Florentine steak dinner
  • Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio
  • Tuscan biscotti dessert
  • Explore Santo Spirito
  • Relaxed, small-group food tour

You’ll meet your local foodie guide in Florence’s famous Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll learn a little about the area before crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge into the city’s most exciting food district—Santo Spirito. Along with a small group, you’ll stroll through lively streets visiting three authentic local spots, and treat your taste buds with wine, meat, cheese, bruschetta, ribollita, and the finest olive oil, before indulging on traditional Florentine steak—and biscotti for dessert!

Florence Food Tour Description

Your 3-hour food tour includes:

Small-group walking tour

Thrree wonderful tasting stops with Tuscan wine included

A traditional dinner with Florentine steak and ribollita

Florentine biscotti and more wine for dessert

A passionate, English-speaking foodie guide

Maximum of 12 people

Tuscan Antipasti and Aperitivo

On your first stop of the night, try out some aperitivo favorites. From the piazza, you'll walk to a street lined by panino shops, specializing in delicious local meats and cheeses. At an authentic local spot, try out some Tuscan cuisine such as bruschetta al pomodoro, ribollita, prosciutto, salame , and a glass of wine.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Ponte Vecchio means “old bridge” in Italian, and it's appropriately named. Merchant shops have lined this famed bridge since the 13th century. Originally, the shops included fishmongers, butchers, and tanners, however these particular goods caused such a stench in the area that Ferdinand I proclaimed in 1593 that only jewelers were allowed to sell on the bridge. It's the perfect bridge to cross from central Florence to the neighborhood of Santo Spirito.

A Wine Cellar Older Than the Renaissance

Wine lovers will truly appreciate the next stop on this Florence food tour. Your guide will lead you to a historic wine shop (or enoteca ) that is said to date back to the 13th century! You’ll sample some unforgettable local wines, unusually paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar produced by the family. It’s an absolute gem that has thrived for centuries in Florence, and our visit will feel like a step back in time.

Ribollita and Florentine Steak Dinner

Ready for your main course? You’ll follow your guide to an authentic local tavern for a sit-down dinner, starting with a hearty Tuscan soup, ribollita . But don't fill up too fast. The real star of the night is the local delicacy bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak).

Florence is famous for this rare cut of meat that many will swear is the best steak in the world. Florentine steaks are cooked to perfection—tender and red in the middle. It’s nirvana for meat lovers!

Wine for Dessert? Yes, Please!

You can't end a food tour without a great dessert, but what might surprise you is that it won't be gelato. Instead, you'll enjoy cantucci and vin santo from our favorite place in the city.

Cantucci is a more specific word than biscotti, which is the Italian word for cookies. You'll be surprised at how their flavor is elevated when dipped in vin santo or “holy wine.” These cookies are made by a wonderful nonna (grandmother) who has been baking them for over 60 years! It's the perfect way to end your evening food tour in Florence.

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What you get with this tour

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140 total reviews

Eleanora was a fabulous guide, great food, drink and company.

Florence Local Food Tour FUN!

Eleonora made the experience extremely enjoyable. Her personality is awesome and easygoing. We would have never discovered the food stops she had us experience. We were a small group from different parts of the globe and Eleonora created a comfortable setting at each separate location. Recommend this tour for an evening of new friends and good food.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This is a leisurely walking tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Come hungry!

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Kids are welcome on our food tours, but we understand that sometimes young children won’t be interested in what’s offered. You won’t have to pay for children who are under 6 years old and won’t be eating the food. You're welcome to bring some food for them to enjoy. Otherwise, if they will be eating food at any of the stops, please choose the “Child” option when booking.

What if I have food allergies, intolerances or other requirements?

Please contact us in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Most importantly, how much wine do we actually get?

We promise at least 3 glasses, but in many places it is served by the carafe, which is the typical way in Italy. In this case, you might enjoy more than three glasses of wine, but we recommend not overdoing it so you can enjoy your evening (and the following morning).

Do the tasting stops on this tour ever change?

Stops and tastings on this tour are subject to change due to seasonal/holiday venue closures. As the places we frequent on this Florence Food Tour are local institutions and family-run businesses, they can close at any time with little notice. In this situation, your guide will take you to another nearby eatery and the exact dishes served may change. Rest assured, our local guides know plenty of fantastic options in the Santo Spirito district!

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

This is a gently paced walking tour with frequent stops, but the streets can be uneven and stairs may be involved. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we recommend you take a Wine Day in the Chianti Hills from Florence , or a Private Florence Walking Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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The BEST Food Tour Florence, Italy: Is It Worth It? Review 2024

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If you’re looking for the best street food tour in Florence, Italy, we found it! Jack and I had the best experience in Florence on a Street Food Tour, which was filled with delicious local tastings and tons of interesting historical insights. 

Italy is known for its food, and Florence ranks high as one of the best places for Italian food. Since we’re huge foodies, there was no way we were leaving Florence without learning more about the food culture. So, we set out to find the perfect foodie tour. 

From homemade pasta to local cheeses, truffle-infused oil, focaccia, wine, gelato and the not-so-popular lampredotto, this food tour in Italy was fantastic and a must-do if you’re looking for a unique experience in Florence!

We Found The Best Food Tour In Florence, Italy: Find Out Below

A food tour guide speaking in Florence, Italy

In this post, I’m sharing our experience and providing a quick review of the food tour we did in Florence, Italy. I’m also covering topics including:

  • Why we think this is the best food tour and how you can book it.
  • 11 of the most popular food tours in Florence (so you can choose from the creme de la creme).

🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.

The Best Food Tour In Florence!

1. street food tour with local expert guide.

⭐RATING: 4.9/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: SMALL | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Holding my delicious Coccoli

This was actually a combination of a walking tour and a food tour , so we killed two birds with one stone, so to speak. After spending weeks exploring Tuscany and eight weeks in Italy, we were really excited to visit Florence. 

By the end, we had mixed feelings about the city, but overall, it was a beautiful place to visit, rich in culture thanks to its art, architecture, and impressive history. It’s also one of the top foodie destinations in Italy!

Jack stands with group down small street in Florence

When we were searching for a food tour, we wanted one which would incorporate local delicacies as well as some of the more traditional dishes . We wanted to visit the central market but also learn about the city and its history, so a knowledgeable guide was essential.

Jack taking a tasting of Cantucci and vin santo during a street food tour in Florence, Italy

Before we decided on a food tour, we considered cooking classes to learn pasta making or gelato making; even a day trip to a local wine tasting could have been a good alternative. However, we finally settled on the Street Food Tour , and I’m so glad we did!

🌟 My top pick >> Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide . It’s a small group tour led by a local guide and includes a journey through traditional Tuscan food.

Why Is The Street Food Tour In Florence The Best?

After reading tons of reviews trying to find the perfect food tour , the Street Food Tour was the most cost-effective and had the highest reviews . It was just over £30 for a morning (2.5 hours) of tastings. 

A traditional Florence ragu

In actuality, the tour went on for well over 3 hours (we were asked beforehand if it would be okay to overrun). It was a small group, twelve in total, led by the very enthusiastic Dilara. She shared her outstanding knowledge of Florentine history, showing us images and walking us around to attractions between tastings, including the Florence wine windows, which we would have never noticed without her.

Abi taking a tasting of bread and truffle sauce on a street food tour in Florence, Italy

As for the tastings, we got a lot more than we were expecting and visited a variety of locations, from bakeries and markets to restaurants and gelato shops. In truth, we were quite full by the end. 

Each food tour changes slightly and incorporates different tastings of traditional Tuscan foods; ours had the following:

  • Cantucci and vin santo (sweet wine)
  • Coccoli (balls of fried bread, alias cuddles)
  • Pappa al Pomodoro (breaded tomato soup)
  • Lampredotto sandwich (tripe)
  • (the above could be switched with Salumi)
  • Olive oil and balsamic tastings 
  • Truffle tastings

⭐ Pro tip >> I recommend booking at the start of your trip as you’ll visit a lot of unique places and learn a lot which you can use throughout your trip. We went back to the market the following day!

tasting real gelato in Florence makes it worth visiting

Popular Food Tours From Florence, Italy

The Street Food Tour aside, there are other top-rated food tours in Florence, and I wanted to provide you with some alternatives if, for some reason, you can’t do the above tour. Below are the best food tours in Florence, Italy.

Jack sits at a restaurant enjoying a glass of wine in Tuscany

2. Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting

⭐RATING: 5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: MAX 12 | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Experience Florence’s rich culinary heritage and secrets with a range of local delicacies, including fresh pasta, zero-waste soup, and artisanal cheese, on this sunset walking tour . You’ll get to enjoy Florence’s vibrant nightlife and learn to make the famous Negroni cocktail . Discover the hidden gems, indulge in real gelato and visit historic wine cellars and wine windows while sipping on Tuscan wines.

3. Val D’Orcia Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour

A stack of Pecorini cheesees

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 11.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Escape the busy city life of Florence and enjoy a peaceful day trip to the heart of Tuscany at Val D’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit local wineries and the quaint towns of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano, and try some local cheese. 

Join this tour to explore the cellars and museum of a wine estate that once belonged to the powerful Piccolomini family. In Montalcino, you’ll get to try some world-renowned Brunello wine, and in Pienza and Montepulciano, you’ll sample some wine and cheese before returning to Florence by bus.

⭐ Pro tip >> Are you short on time? Alternatively, try this 1-hour cheese and wine tasting in Florence .

4. Italian Food Market Tour and Cooking Experience

Italian market stall of fresh fruit and veg

⭐RATING: 4.9/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Join local renowned chefs for a fun day of cooking and shopping , the two things that Italians are best known for. Start your day by visiting the local market and selecting the freshest ingredients to prepare a Tuscan feast under the guidance of your chefs. 

You’ll meet the butchers, bakers, and farmers selling their produce and taste the local food and wines. On this tour, learn how to identify the best quality ingredients . Afterwards, head to the kitchen to make fresh Tuscan-style bruschetta, homemade pasta, and a seasonal main course, all paired with Chianti wines.

5. Food and Wine Walking Tour with Dinner

A tray of bread and truffle sauce tasting, Italy.

⭐RATING: 4.9/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 4 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Discover the culinary gems of Florence in this 4-hour food and wine dinner tour . Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll try some of the city’s iconic dishes and traditional Tuscan treats at local restaurants. 

The tour begins with an aperitivo while taking in stunning views of the city. Savour the finest cheese, cured meats, truffles, and aged balsamic vinegar paired with wine or a Negroni cocktail. On this tour you’ll get to taste Florentine street food and enjoy a sit-down dinner at a local restaurant, and finish with an expert lesson on gelato.

6. Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide

⭐RATING: 4.9/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 8 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Join a guided day trip from Florence and explore the wine-producing region of Tuscany . During the tour, you’ll visit three organic wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and taste local wines, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. 

The tour includes a visit to the medieval town of Greve in Chianti, where you can check out the main square and enjoy some free time before heading to the final stop. At the historical family-owned villa and winery, you’ll taste the winery’s local products and compare the philosophies of the three different local winemakers.

7. Florentine Steak Experience

⭐RATING: 5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: MAX 8 | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience in Tuscany , consider trying the iconic bistecca Fiorentina, made with Chianina beef, at a traditional trattoria in central Florence.

With this tour, you’ll learn the secrets of selecting the best cut and cooking it to perfection with the guidance of a chef instructor. After grilling your steak, you’ll enjoy a full three-course Tuscan meal with wine.

Top Private Food Tour, Florence

8. walking food tour of florence: 10 tastings including wine.

A guide pointing to dried leg of pork during a food tour in Florence, Italy.

⭐RATING: 5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: PRIVATE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Discover Florence’s vibrant food scene with a private foodie guide on a scenic tasting tour through the Tuscan Renaissance city . You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to the city’s best food favourites, as well as sample regional delicacies such as coccolo ripieno and cantucci during multiple food stops. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the city on foot and see landmarks while moving between locations. The tour includes 10 high-quality local food and drink tastings, ranging from sweet to savoury Tuscan specialities – It will be similar to the Street Food Tour we did but PRIVATE!

Favourite Cooking Classes In Florence, Italy

9. pizza and gelato preparation class.

Birdseye of two pizzaz on table

⭐RATING: 4.8/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Learn to prepare pizza and gelato like Italians do with a professional chef in a late afternoon class. Discover the history of these delicious creations and make Pizzaiolo, a pizza with tender, flexible yeast dough and a flavourful tomato sauce. 

Your chef will also introduce you to the world of gelato, teaching you about raw ingredients and selecting the best products. You’ll get to taste gelato chocolate and learn about natural colours, heating and freezing techniques, and their effects on ingredients. This experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of Italian culture.

10. Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Drinks

⭐RATING: 4.7/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: SMALL | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

If you’re looking to improve your cooking skills and learn to make authentic, fresh pasta using traditional Italian recipes, join this cooking course led by an expert chef. You’ll learn to make high-quality fresh pasta using both a rolling pin and a pasta machine, as well as classic recipes and methods.

During the course, you’ll make three different types of pasta with three different sauces, along with a typical Italian dessert. After the class, you’ll enjoy lunch or dinner in a fun and friendly atmosphere with the dishes you’ve prepared and a glass of Tuscan wine.

11. Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour

The views over the Tuscan countryside, Italy.

⭐RATING: 5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 7 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: MAX 26 | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

Join a full-day Tuscan cooking experience that includes a market visit and cooking class, followed by a 4-course lunch . Begin by shopping for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before heading out to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. 

You’ll l earn how to create classic Italian dishes from scratch with this tour under the guidance of an expert chef, including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. Enjoy your creations complemented by Tuscan wine. You’ll also receive a cooking certificate and recipes to take home.

Best Tuscan Tour With Lunch & Wine

12. tuscany day trip: siena, san gimignano, pisa and lunch at a winery.

⭐RATING: 5/5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 11-12 HOURS |🧍 GROUP SIZE: LARGE | 🏛️ BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for a memorable day trip from Florence, you have to visit the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Siena and its cathedral, dine on a delicious 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine in the Chianti hills, stroll through the charming streets of San Gimignano , and witness the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Square of Miracles. This tour offers a great way to discover the highlights of Tuscany in just one day.

Abi holds up the leaning tower of Pisa, Italy.

What Food Must You Eat In Florence?

Here are the top 10 foods you should try while in Florence!

  • Pappa al Pomodoro: A tomato base, garlic, oil, and basil thickened with leftover bread and topped with freshly grated parmesan. 
  • Coccoli with Prosciutto and Stracchino: Pillowy fried balls filled with salty prosciutto Toscano and creamy stracchino cheese. 
  • Crostini con Fegatini: chicken liver pâté on well-toasted pieces of Tuscan bread. 
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A massive, classic, thick-cut T-bone steak. Sourced from the local Chianina cattle breed, it is grilled and seasoned with just olive oil, salt, and pepper and served bloody.
  • Il Peposo: A traditional Tuscan stew, with pieces of beef seasoned with black pepper, garlic, and salt, and then stewed all day in a Chianti red wine.
  • Panino al Lampredotto: A quintessential Tuscan street food made from the abomasum – the fourth and final stomach of the cow.
  • Schiacciata Bread: Tuscany’s chewier, flatter version of Liguria’s focaccia.
  • Ribollita: A flavorful soup of cavolo nero, cannellini beans, carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and garlic that gets thickened with chunks of stale bread.
  • Cantucci with Vin Santo: Unleavened cookies; almond is the most traditional and the best to pair with vin santo, an amber-coloured, honey-flavoured dessert wine
  • Schiacciata Alla Fiorentina: Soft, fluffy, orange-flavoured cake filled with a layer of vanilla cream. 

Resources For Europe

Is it your first time visiting Italy?  We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our  Italy Page here ,  but below are some of our most popular articles:

  • Do you know where the best botanical garden in Italy is? We do! Find out why we think Villa Taranto is the prettiest.
  • Read this post to find out the pros and cons of visiting Florence and decide if you should visit!
  • Are you heading north? Visit the hidden gem of Orta San Giulio .
  • Find out the reasons behind why we think Pisa is worth visiting.
  • Is the Boboli Gardens in Florence worth your time ?

Florence Food Tour FAQs

If you’re a foodie and want to learn more about Italian cuisine, food tours are totally worth it.

The best food tours in Florence depend on what you’re after; however, I think the best food tours are: Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tasting Italian Food Market Tour and Cooking Experience

The best private food tour in Florence is: Walking Food Tour of Florence: 10 Tastings Including Wine

The top-rated cooking class from Florence is: Cooking Class & Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with a Local Market Tour

It’s up to you if you want to tip; it is not expected.

The best nighttime Florence food tours are: Florentine Steak Experience Food and Wine Walking Tour with Dinner

In Summary: Best Food Tours Florence, Italy

As always, I would like to leave you with some final thoughts about a food tour in Florence and why I think it makes a great activity while visiting Italy. We visited many places and did a lot of activities while travelling around Italy, and I can honestly say the Street Food Tour was one of the highlights.

We liked the small size of the group and our guide’s enthusiasm to share her knowledge of Florence with us. The tastings were quite large and enough to keep us full; if anything, there may have been too much food, but I won’t complain about being overfed!

The tour was well-planned and thoughtful , and all those involved were welcoming and friendly. We had enough breaks and visited bakeries, restaurants and the central market, which was what we wanted. For us, the Street Food Tour checked all the boxes.

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Florence Food Tours

Florence Food Tour

Voted the best food tour in florence.

Recommended By

best cooking tour in florence

Voted Best In Florence For Food Tours

Our Florence food tour takes you to the locally loved Tuscan restaurants, to experience the real taste of Italian cuisine. Enjoy one of Italy’s most pleasurable passions and let all your senses come alive with a food tour in Florence.

During your food tour in Florence, receive an insight into the culture and customs, which define the Tuscan capital. Group sizes are limited, so book now to reserve your tour. (All food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated)

Whether during the day touring the beautiful Florence food market or our evening food tour you will leave satisfied with the finest food and wine.

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Dana Devore

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  • Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 5, 50122 Firenze FI
  • Food Tour in Florence with Market experience
  • Tripadvisor

Florence for foodies – 12 Great food experiences in Florence

Florence is a haven for foodies. A place blessed with everything from cheap and cheerful trattorias to high-end Michelin starred restaurants and everything in between. Discover where you can find the perfect scoop of artisan gelato or a friendly cooking class. And how about a perfectly cooked Bistecca alla Fiorentin a? Buon appetito…!

=> Florence’s Travel Guide

Florence for Foodies – Top Florence Food experiences

1. san lorenzo market.

An obligatory stop for anyone who loves food.  San Lorenzo Food Market  was once the ‘popular’ market of the city, a couple of years ago it has been completely redesigned to become one of Italy’s top food markets . Downstairs you have all sorts of food stalls , from veggies to salumi to fish, cheeses and bakeries. Some prepare sandwiches and have a few informal seating areas when you can eat cheaply, Florentine style fast-food . The second floor is altogether different with trendy design and lighting, big communal tables, and plenty of food offerings , from traditional dishes to pizza and gelato, and some restaurants where you can sit down for a primo piatto .

=> Check out this popular Florence Cooking Class and market Tour in Florence . You’ll choose the freshest ingredients in San Lorenzo Market , choosing fresh ingredient, then learn how to prepare (and eat!) a 4-course Tuscan meal under the guidance of a chef. The lesson is divided into two groups, with a maximum of 15 people per chef for a more personal experience.

san lorenzo food market florence

2. Lampredotto – Only for the daring

Lampredotto is one of Florence’s culinary symbols . It’s ingredients might not sound appetising, but it’s truly delicious if you are prepared to give it a go. It’ s made from cow’s stomach boiled with herbs and vegetables , and served on its own or in a bun (‘ sèmelle ’, the quintessential Florentine panino) soaked in hot broth and with pungent salsa verde . Soft, tender and with a similar taste to Trippa alla fiorentina  – Florence’s other offal speciality. Simply irresistible.

=> Top Tuscan food: 14 traditional dishes you must try !

3. Join a Walking Tour for Foodies in Florence

Eat your way around the city with a local guide who will lead you to discover the most delicious morsels. Try a truffle patè sandwitch at a historic delicatessen, learn about the roasting process of Italian coffee, see how Italians do their shopping at San Lorenzo Market, try local salumi and cheeses, and finish it off with some local wine.

Discover the gourmet delights of Florence on a Small-Group Food Walking Tour => try some authentic Tuscan cuisine in the city center, the arty Oltrarno district, and the Sant’Ambrogio market area — a favorite among locals . From gourmet places to street vendors and wine bars, eat and drink like a true Florentine!

best food town in tuscany

4. Find your favourite gelateria

Gelato is an institution in Italy and Florence shares this passion with conviction. We’ve tried many gelaterie around town , talked to locals, and made a list for you that is the embodiment of delight for every sweet tooth=>  Where to find the Best ice cream in Florence .

Insider’s Tasty Tip:  you must try the  crema Buontalenti , also called ‘cream fiorentina’, the most Florentine of all flavours , made with fresh eggs and sugar.

best ice cream florence

5. Fine dining at a Michelin starred restaurant

Looking for the VIP’s of restaurants ? The high-end  “Enoteca Pinchiorri”  has yet again been awarded with 3 stars – the highest accolade – by the Michelin food guide. This restaurant is an institution in Florence , and blends local tradition with innovation to offer the customers a unique culinary experience.

Other Michelin-starred restaurants in towns include: the refined Borgo San Jacopo near the Ponte Vecchio, the Bottega del Buon Caffè, La Leggenda dei Frati that has an impressive location up on the hills of Bardini Gardens, and the luxurious Il Palagio (Hotel Four Seasons).

=> Best towns to visit in Tuscany for food lovers .

You can also book your Personal Michelin-starred chef in Tuscany that can come to your home or rented Villa to cook a tailor-made meal for you!

6. Pasta Cooking Class

Learning to make pasta might be just what you need to make your gastronomic experience complete. With this  Small Group Pasta Class  you’ll learn a few tricks and tips from a from a professional chef . Learn to make a few different kinds of pasta – ravioli, tagliatelle, and spaghetti. Then, try your hand at some authentic Italian sauces and taste some wines for the perfect pairings. Class size is limited to eight for personalised attention from the instructor.

7. Dinner with view of the Ponte Vecchio

Food with a view In Florence. There’s a special location that matches the view with good taste. Signorvino is a friendly restaurant-enoteca with lovely food and an extensive wine list. Excellent ‘taglieri’ (platters) with salumi misti and cheese, not pricey. In Summer they have a terrace overlooking the Ponte Vecchio , go there at sunset and… it’ll melt your heart.

=> Discover Florence’s Best attractions & sights , and the most beautiful churches to visit in the city.

unmissable things to do in florence

8. Try coccoli – Fried heaven

There’s a magic word that every food lover must learn when in Florence:  coccoli . You find this rounded delicacy – little balls of deep fried bread dough – in the city’s friggitorie (another word for your vocabulary meaning a place where they sell fried food), served piping hot and with plenty of salt or in restaurants, as a starter with stracchino cheese and Tuscan ham. Heavenly and sinful.

Insider’s Tip:  ‘Il Coccolo’ is the traditional place to try coccoli – follow the scent to Via Palmieri, near the Arch of San Pierino.

florence hidden gems

9. Wine & Cheese Tasting in Florence

Take a break from sightseeing in Florence with a Wine and Cheese Tasting at a family-run wine bar in the heart of the city. Relax in a Florentine “enoteca” and sample three Tuscan wines served with local cheeses, olive oil , and other regional specialties. Learn about each wine and its pairing from a professional sommelier, and get some tips on how to choose and serve Tuscan wines.

=> Unmissable Experiences for Wine Lovers in Tuscany !

10. Eat the real Bistecca alla fiorentina

The fiorentina steak is a  T-bone steak , 6 cm high,  cooked on a grill  (wood) by expert hands and left bloody/rare inside. Just add a bit of  salt and a dash of extra virgin olive oil  at the end and it’s ready. Some favourite restaurants for the authentic bistecca are: Buca Lapi, Latini, Trattoria 13 gobbi, Buca dell’orafo, Trattoria Gozzi Sergio.

=> If you don’t eat meat , check out some delicious vegetarian dishes that you can try in Florence .

best cooking tour in florence

11. Try everything at a bakery

Any Florentine bakery is a dream come true for those who love food but don’t love to part with their money.

Enter one and you’ll” be swept away by the inviting scent of freshly baked bread , the salty schiacciata glistening with olive oil, handmade cakes and buttery biscuits, the traditional cantuccini with almond, small pizzette (as Italians say “ una tira l’altra “). The perfect stop for a snack at any time of day.

=> What’s so special about Tuscan bread?

‘ Florence for foodies ‘ Insider’s Tip => If you’re visiting Florence during the Carnival period in February you’ll have the privilege to try the unique Schiacciata alla Fiorentina . Not to be mistaken with the salty ‘schiacciata’, this is a flat cake covered in iced sugar , delicate, soft, divine. In the same period cenci and frittelle make their appearance in the pasticcerie, could be a good reasons to visit Florence in the February ?

12. Procacci in via Tornabuoni – truffle sandwiches and plenty of style

Procacci i s an historic and refined delicatessen that has been in this spot on luxurious Via Tornabuoni since 1885 . Famous for its small soft sandwiches that come in various fillings, particularly the ones with truffle patè. Grab a quick morsel at the pedestal table and a glass of Prosecco or wine. You find sweet temptations too.

=> Best time to visit Florence

=> 8 Great Day Trips from Florence

=> Florence in 2 days: the perfect itinerary

=> 12 Cool and Fun Things to do in Florence

florence walking tours

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9 BEST Cooking Classes in Florence, Italy, by a Local [2024]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy , Travel & Food

Looking to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine? Oh, yum! Check out this list of the very best cooking classes in Florence selected by a local.

Imagine walking through the cobblestone streets of Florence, the Tuscan sun casting a warm glow on the terracotta rooftops, as the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese wafts through the air… can you see yourself there? And what if you became the chef for one day?

If there’s anything better tasting than Italian pasta, it has to be Italian pasta that you made from scratch! Italy is world-renowned for many things, but its delicious cuisine is in a league of its own. And yes, I might be biased as I’m Italian, but you agree with me, don’t you? 😉

There’s no better way to savor it (and learn all of its tricks and tips to keep savoring at home) than by joining a class with a professional Italian chef and cooking in Florence your own lunch or dinner. 

A cooking class is definitely something that should be on your Florence itinerary if you’re spending at least a couple of days in town. 

I was born and raised in Bologna , just one hour north of Florence. Clichè enough, I grew up watching my nonna and my great grandma making fresh pasta and cooking all sorts of delicious things in the kitchen – lasagna, tortellini, tortelloni… you name it!

Hand sof a man making fresh pasta during one of the best cooking classes in Florence.

Yet, I never learned how to make fresh pasta until I took one of these Florence cooking classes below with my Argentinian partner. I thought the cooking class was going to be too touristy for me, but I loved it!

And now I tell everyone that they should join a class at one of the best cooking schools in Florence, Bologna or Rome, even if they’re Italians.

In this article, we’ll explore the best cooking classes in Florence , where you can learn to create mouthwatering dishes and take home some unforgettable culinary experiences. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Italian cooking in the heart of Tuscany!

I personally use (and trust)  Get Your Guide  and  Viator  to book tours and activities around the world. Both companies offer a  24-hour cancellation policy , meaning you will receive a full refund if you cancel most tours at least 24 hours in advance.

Table of Contents

The VERY Best Cooking Class in Florence, Italy

Discover the secrets of Florentine cuisine on the Wanna Be Italiano – The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour . Explore the Central Market with expert chefs, and gather fresh ingredients. Then, learn to make tasty Italian dishes like bruschetta, homemade fresh pasta (ravioli and tagliatelle), and tiramisu in a cozy kitchen.

The chefs will guide you as you prepare your dishes and sauces, and you’ll then sit to enjoy your homemade meal with some Chianti wine. The menu can be adapted for vegetarians.  

👉  Why this cooking class? With hundreds of 5-star reviews, this is the top-rated cooking class on Viator. We believe it’s the most comprehensive class on this list, as you get to whip up multiple dishes and also visit the local market with the chef. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience but don’t want to travel outside Florence, choose this class.

Wanna Be Italiano - the original cooking class & market tour in Florence

📝 This Florence cooking class includes : All the ingredients, Central Market visit, two glasses of Chianti wine, recipe booklet, and a diploma. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Top Cooking Classes in Tuscany: A Day Trip from Florence

But why stay in Florence when you can travel to the Tuscan countryside and learn there? The picturesque countryside provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for your culinary adventure , allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany.

If you have the time, these classes below offer an unforgettable experience.

▶️ Embark on a Tuscan culinary escapade, starting with a market tour in Florence to gather fresh ingredients. Then, on this Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Visit to a Local Market , you’ll whisk away to a charming Tuscan farmhouse for a hands-on cooking class led by an expert chef.

Prepare a scrumptious 4-course feast featuring bruschetta, fresh tagliatelle pasta, roast pork with potatoes, and tiramisù, all accompanied by delightful Tuscan wine. It’s a day of shopping, chopping, and laughter—plus, you’ll leave with a diploma, recipes, and memories to cherish!

Cooking class and lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse wth local market tour from Florence

📝 This cooking class includes : Market visit, cooking class, 4-course lunch, wine, recipe booklet and diploma, and transportation by minibus. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Pizza is more of your thing? Then join this Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse . You’ll visit a wonderful farmhouse in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you’ll indulge in a tasting of focaccia and wine before getting your hands dirty on the creation of pizza dough.

You’ll learn about Italy’s two most famous foods, and prepare a creamy gelato to enjoy as dessert. And when the class is over, the best part is coming. Enjoy the delicious food you’ve made accompanied by wine or beer, with scenery that truly beats any restaurant in town.

Pizza and gelato cooking class in Tuscan Framhouse from Florence

📝 This class includes : Cooking class, 3-course lunch or dinner, wine, beer, recipe booklet, cooking diploma, and transportation by minibus. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Join a Pasta Making Class in Florence

▶️ If pasta is all you can think about when in Italy (we don’t blame you!), you should join a Small-Group Pasta Class in Florence . You’ll learn all the secrets behind authentic Italian pasta as you prepare ravioli, tagliatelle, and spaghetti from scratch, following the instructions of your chef. 

Needless to say, at the end of the lesson you’ll get to sample your homemade dishes with a delicious glass of wine!  

Woman showing pasta dough during a Florence cooking class.

👉 The pasta-making class I joined (and loved) is unfortunately not available anymore. This class, though, offers the same exact program and looks like a great alternative! It’s one of the top-rated cooking classes in Florence, Tuscany.

Small group pasta cooking class in Florence

📝 This Florence pasta making class includes : Pasta and sauce cooking class, lunch or dinner, bottled water, recipes, and Italian wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ If you’d rather choose a private experience, check out Pastamania – Pasta Making Class . Under the watchful eye of a local chef, you’ll master the art of crafting ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortelli, along with a delectable tomato sauce during this pasta class in Florence.

Once the hard work is done, sit back and relish your creations, paired with fine Tuscan wine.

Pastamania - Pasta Making Class

📝 This private cooking class in Florence includes : Pasta making class, dinner, wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Gelato and Pizza Cooking Class: The Best Combo!

Truly, though: is there a better combo than pizza and gelato?! Learn how to prepare Italy’s iconic food in this Pizza & Gelato Making Class in Florence , where you’ll be introduced to the history of the dishes and let in all the tricks to make a truly authentic and mouthwatering pizza.

When you’re done, move on to prepare your own gelato, which you’ll enjoy for dessert.

Pizza and gelato class in Florence

📝 This class includes : Cooking class, dinner, and a glass of wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Ultimate Florentine Steak Experience

You can’t leave Florence without having enjoyed a true Florentine Steak Experience . One of the Tuscan cuisine’s staples, you’ll be in charge of grilling your own Florentine steak under the careful watch of an expert chef.

Learn all about this traditional dish, from the adequate cut and the cooking to the best wines to pair it with. You’ll then indulge in your 3-course meal in a beautiful trattoria, with, bruschetta, dessert and wine included.

Florentine steak experience

📝 This class includes : Steak cooking class, dinner, and alcoholic beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Family-Friendly Cooking Class in Florence, Italy

If you’re traveling with your kids, this Family-Friendly Cooking Class in Florence with Organic Ingredients is a great option to enjoy some quality and delicious time with them.

Under a pro chef’s watchful eye, whip up mouthwatering Italian dishes like mini focaccias, tagliatelle pasta with a double dose of sauces, and a fruity twist on tiramisu. Then you’ll eat it all, of course!

With laughter on the menu and a “Little Chef” certificate for the kiddos, this class is a recipe for non-stop fun and unforgettable memories.

Family-friendly cooking class in Florence with organic ingredients

📝 This class includes : Group lesson of max 15 participants, recipes, dinner with drinks, and Little Chef diploma. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Gluten-Free Cooking Class in Florence

If you’re celiac or following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy a Firenze cooking class with this Semi-Private Gluten-Free Experience . You’ll embark on a hands-on lesson and learn how to adapt the glorious Tuscan flavors to your lifestyle, so you can continue to savor them after your trip. 

You’ll discover the secrets of gluten-free pasta making in Florence, and also make some other dishes such as meatballs and focaccia, which you’ll enjoy with some tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and wine. 

Gluten-free cooking class in Florence

📝 This class includes : Cooking class, lunch or dinner, alcoholic beverages, recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

👉 Interested in other foodie experiences in Florence? I mean, there’s never such a thing as too much when it comes to food in Italy! Check out my other posts about the best wine tours from Florence and the top Florence food tours .

Cooking Classes in Florence, Italy FAQs

You can learn to cook anywhere in Italy, but dishes might differ as Italian cuisine is very regional. A good place to learn for first timers is Florence. You can’t really go wrong when it comes to cooking classes in Florence, but these are the best ones in our opinion: • Wanna Be Italiano – The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Visit to a Local Market • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse • Small-Group Pasta Class in Florence

The price for a shared cooking class in Florence usually goes from $60 to $100.

Italian cuisine is worldwide known for a reason, and Florence offers astounding cooking classes that will provide insights into the secrets of the most famous dishes, so I’d say it’s definitely worth it! We personally recommend these classes:   • Wanna Be Italiano – The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Visit to a Local Market • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse • Small-Group Pasta Class in Florence

Stefania Guglielmi

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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15 Best Cooking Classes in Florence for Authentic Italian Cuisine

best cooking classes in Florence

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With the Tuscan countryside on your doorstep and some of Italy’s finest produce at your fingertips, don’t pass up the opportunity to experience the best cooking classes in Florence , led by professional chefs or local foodies!

Learn the art of pasta-making, master your pizza skills and visit farm-fresh markets for an added authentic moment! Join lessons at an official cooking school, at a local’s home in Florence , or in the hillsides of Chianti.

Walking away with a new set of skills, recipes and even friends, this is one of the most bona fide Florentinian and most memorable things to do in Florence !

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

  • cooking classes in Florence

1 – Shape your own pizza, then gelato with Towns of Italy Cooking Schools

Towns of Italy Cooking Schools

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 751 reviews )

“We loved the class. I felt like I learned a lot and can’t cant wait to try to make our own at home. Chef Roberta was very nice and informative. The pizza was great and the gelato was the best we have ever had!” Tikia, Getyourguide

Fun fact: Each region across Italy has its own style of pizza, and the flat dough dish traces back centuries to the Romans.

Learn first-hand how to roll, spin and craft your own — during this Towns of Italy Cooking Schools class, you’ll make Florentine-style pizza known for its thin, crispy base!

With an expert pizzaiolo (a professional pizza maker in Italy) leading the way, you’re shown how to season and flavor your base.

As if you couldn’t get more authentic, next up, it’s onto the gelato. Hear more of the history of traditional ice cream making, then get to make your own and taste artisan-made gelato.

  • check offer
  • All ingredients and cooking utensils are included in the price
  • Inclusive of wine and/or soft drinks
  • Receive a class certificate at the end

Learning how to make two of Italy’s most iconic foods is something else and an unparalleled experience.

Walk away with new skills. These two foods are simple to replicate back home … now that you know the real secrets behind a proper pizza and gelato. It’s time to blow the socks off your family and friends next dinner party!

  • see price and reviews

2 – Eat like a true local during a Cesarine Cooking Class

Cesarine Cooking Class

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 42 reviews )

“Definitely the highlight of our trip. Ivana’s expertise in cooking was excellent and she shared her personal tips that made the food exceptional. Both her and her husband made us feel welcome in their home and we had a lovely evening. I could not recommend the class more highly.” Natalie, Headout

Did you know that the term Cesarine in Italy is held in high regard and refers to a nationwide network of official local home cooks?

Operating since 2004, it’s time for a culinary experience you won’t find in any restaurant (or even cooking school) as you join a Cesarine in their home in Florence.

In the best hands, your Italian mama or nonna will show you how to make three different regional dishes using secret family recipes passed down generations.

Become proficient with pukka cooking techniques, tips and tricks employed in the kitchen, and enjoy the conversations that flow when good food, wine and company are involved.

  • From 30 March 2022 to 31 December 2029
  • Classes run daily between 10 AM and 5 PM
  • This private cooking class is family-friendly
  • All beverages and meals included
  • There is a cloakroom and room for luggage
  • Cancel up to 24 hours before the class with a full refund
  • Photos are allowed

This is undoubtedly one of the most authentic cooking classes you can get! Plus, the bona fide experience extends beyond the kitchen, filtering into shared conversations over a bottle of vino.

You’re lucky; it’s not often that family recipes are shared, but with a Cesarine cooking class, it’s all part and parcel of the experience.

3 – Learn how to hand-roll pasta with Chefactory

Chefactory

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 439 reviews )

“Wonderful experience, literally hands-on. Great to meet other people, and very attentive teachers.” Davi, Headout

Forget everything you know about the typical kinds of pasta we’ve popularized in the West, and become educated on how Italians really eat pasta with Chefactory ! (You won’t find spag bog on any menus here, folks!)

Putting some elbow grease into it, it’s time to see first-hand why nonnas have such strong arms — it takes work hand-rolling pasta dough.

Learning everything from scratch, from what flour to use to how to make the perfect well, you create three different types of pasta accompanied by three sauces (each suitable for the various pasta shapes and styles).

Add the final cherry and concoct a traditional Italian dessert, all coupled with a glass of Tuscan wine.

  • Jan 1 and 6-9
  • Easter Monday
  • Dec 8, 25, 26 and from 28 to 31
  • Group sizes are limited to 15 pax
  • No prior cooking experience is required
  • Drinks are included
  • Receive recipes to take home
  • No latecomers will be allowed to join the class, so it’s advised to be on time. No refund will be given

Once you’ve rolled out your dough using a hand-rolling pin, learn how to use an old-school pasta machine. You’re shown how to thread the dough through here and set the dial to get the perfect thickness (this varies with the different types of pasta).

If you love making handmade pasta but have only used recipe books or YouTube videos as guidance, don’t miss out on this one!

4 – Enjoy gluten-free options thanks to Chef Vary

Chef Vary

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 40 reviews )

“We had the most amazing time in our class!!! Chef Vary was absolutely amazing and a wonderful teacher. We made the most amazing gluten free pasta I have ever had and I cannot wait to make these recipes at home!” Sarah, Viator

For anyone who has ever said you can’t enjoy the land of pasta and pizza with dietary restrictions, you’re wrong!

Chef Vary offers gluten-free recipes for Italian staples that are ordinarily packed with a gluten punch, such as pizza, gnocchi, pasta and even dessert (think tiramisu).

Adapting classic recipes and swapping typical ingredients, the semi-private lesson demonstrates how to make these tummy-happy versions.

Expect the likes of focaccia , ravioli and crostata (an Italian baked tart/pie) on the menu — all gluten-free, of course!

  • English and Italian
  • This is a private cooking lesson for your group only
  • This class is limited to 10 pax
  • No participants under 16 years old
  • Opt for a lunch or dinner experience
  • After the class, get access to an online cookbook
  • Participants with dietary requirements to inform the operator when booking
  • A vegetarian option is available, request at booking essential
  • No vegan options
  • Includes drinks

Work comfortably in a beautiful, open-spaced kitchen.

As this is a private class, the personalized attention is much appreciated. If there’s a technique you don’t understand, feel free to let your instructor know and enjoy the hands-on demonstrations.

Walk away feeling like you’ve truly gained new cooking skills!

5 – Whip up a 4-course feast with InTavola

InTavola

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 72 reviews )

“From the time we got there till the time we left we felt so welcomed. We cooked a four course meal and then sat down to eat it with the other people on the tour. The recipes were very easy and instructions we were given by the chef Matteo were really great tools I will take away and use in my own kitchen.” Samantha, Viator

Join InTavola Cooking Academy in preparing a four-course dinner extravaganza, including appetizers, starters, mains and dessert!

The dishes you create during this cooking lesson are the traditional kind, typical of what you’d find on the table of a local famiglia .

Classes begin before sunset and end in the evening, fitting the theme of this dinner affair. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labor and relish in your 4-course supper in the wine cellar — how romantic is that?

A sample menu includes the likes of eggplant caprese, ricotta and spinach ravioli, chicken marsala and panna cotta.

  • English, Italian, Spanish
  • Vegetarian and vegan options are available
  • Please advise of any dietary restrictions beforehand
  • Bottled water and red wine included
  • No children under seven years old
  • Stipulate any dietary requirements at the time of booking
  • Classes are limited to 12 pax

Get to work in a professional kitchen environment for this one!

Menus vary daily, but on some, you will make gnocchi (a tricky dish to master, speaking from experience here).

This one is also great for couples and the small class sizes ensure an intimate time.

6 – Sample the tastes of Tuscany with a SiChef Cooking Experience

SiChef Cooking Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 39 reviews )

“We first cooked the pasta making class and we enjoyed it so much we booked the pizza and tiramisu class the following week. Both classes were wonderful, we learned a lot and the food was amazing. Extremely personalized service and a stunning location, kitchen, and view.” Dave, Google review

As the capital city of the Tuscan region, the food you’ll find in this part of Italy is inspired by the countryside.

Deep dive into the cuisine and head into the heart of Tuscany for a cooking class with SiChef Cooking Experience , followed by lunch, utilizing the freshest ingredients and produce from around the Toscana hillsides.

Guided step by step, become a pro at fresh pasta-making.

Next, work on your sauce skills, acquiring knowledge of which works best with the different types of pasta.

What’s the best type to accompany ravioli or the perfect texture for a silky smooth bowl of tagliatelle? Discover all this and more!

  • Family-friendly
  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available; request directly with the cooking school
  • Classes are limited to small sizes

Leaving behind the city buzz, lap up the relaxing environment and the stunning Chianti countryside views!

Although the highlight of the lesson is pasta-making, you will also prepare appetizers, for example, stuffed fried coccoli and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread porridge) and dessert.

7 – Master vegetarian Italian dishes with Antonella Cooking Experiences

Antonella Cooking Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 16 reviews )

“Words cannot describe how marvelous this cooking class was. Not only were we enraptured by the experience of cooking in the Florentine hills, but Antonella was absolutely phenomenal! We feel as though we made a dear friend for life!” Asia, Viator

Another myth here to bust: vegetarians can enjoy Italian cuisine just as much as anyone!

If you’re vegetarian or looking to brush up on alternative recipes, Antonella Cooking Experiences presents a complete vegetarian cooking class in the Florentine hills.

Utilizing farm-fresh seasonal ingredients, you’ll be delighted to know that everything you cook with is sustainably sourced.

Veggie flan, cecina Toscana (Italian farinata chickpea flatbread), handmade cavatelli , mezzelune and baked ricotta pudding are a few tasters of what’s in store.

Learn how to make each dish from start to end, with samplings of Tuscan wine for an extra confidence boost.

  • The class is located 15 to 25 minutes from Florence - Porta Romana
  • A private transfer is available upon request
  • Welcome drink and alcoholic beverages included
  • Specify any dietary requirements with the operator beforehand
  • Vegan options available
  • Lessons are limited to six pax

Get slightly out of the city, traveling no more than 20 minutes, with Tuscany’s countryside on your doorstep — the ambiance makes all the added difference.

No one has to feel like they’re missing out with this one — which can sometimes happen in a classroom when meat is the hero.

If there’s a particular dish that catches your eye that you’d like to make, let the chef know beforehand. On that note, we love the variety!

8 – Become a pro on pizza and gelato with Florence Food Studio

Florence Food Studio

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 32 reviews )

“Friendly and personable staff, a wonderful experience and fantastic value. Highly recommended!” Chelsea, Google review

After a couple of hours in the kitchen apprenticing with Antonella Cooking Experiences , walk away with a newfound appreciation for two quintessential Italian foods — and the detective skills to know when you’re not being served an authentic pizza or proper gelato, for that matter.

During this pizza and gelato cooking class, learn the ropes behind pizza-making and what actually goes into the process of perfecting a delectable creamy swirl of gelato.

Not just physical; also enjoy hearing of the history behind each food during a theological introduction.

Moving onto the cooking side of things, create your pizza base, add (minimal) fresh ingredients, and get to make two yummy gelato flavors with locally sourced products.

  • All beverages are included (wine, beer and soft drinks)
  • You can cancel up to 24 hours before the lesson with a full refund

There’s really so much more behind crafting the perfect batch of gelato, from freezing techniques to selecting correct colorings and flavorings that work when converted into a frozen stage.

After this class, leave with bowls full of new knowledge (practical and theory) and proudly know how to spot faux gelato and an authentic Italian pizza!

9 – Learn Italian secrets and enjoy a garden tour with Il Borghetto Cooking Class

Il Borghetto Cooking Class

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 16 reviews )

“The cooking class was also a lot of fun and allowed us to learn more about tuscan cuisine and the lovely folks. Already dreaming about coming back!” Jeniffer, Google review

Elevate your cooking class at Il Borghetto with not just a lesson but time spent in the property’s luscious garden, picking out ingredients to use throughout your time in the kitchen.

Headed up in Tuscany’s countryside, this adds extra authentic ambiance to the experience.

Menus comprise of traditional Tuscan dishes (using seasonal produce and what’s available), but you can be certain that pasta will always feature.

Cook up a storm featuring a primi (first course) or secondi (second course) and dessert. Sample the farm’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Organic Wines during lunch.

Become a little more educated on organic farming practices — shared by your host throughout the course of the day.

  • This is a private tour for your group only
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request
  • Includes alcoholic beverages

This expedition is a serious delight for foodies — because nothing beats cooking with ingredients you’ve hand-picked yourself.

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the setup here is sublime!

The menu focuses on healthy, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, and you’ll prepare dishes like fiori di zucca fritti (fried and stuffed zucchini blossoms) and ragu.

10 – Join a local chef at home for an authentic class with The Cooking Lab

The Cooking Lab

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 69 reviews )

“Luca was amazing!!! A favorite part of the trip. He gave us an authentic Italian experience and we learned so much. He is very kind and well experienced in the kitchen. He treated us like family as we all gathered together at his dinner table to enjoy what we had created together!” Paul, Viator

If you’ve got an affinity for gnocchi and haven’t quite mastered the perfect plate yet, a hands-on lesson with The Cooking Lab will change all that.

Headed up in a local’s home, this class is led by a real professional chef — you’re exposed to the proper steps and techniques, from selecting the correct potatoes to the ideal temperature for boiling.

The lesson isn’t limited to just gnocchi with pasta-making options instead. Create two pasta varieties (for example, fettuccine) or gnocchi along with two complimentary sauces, as well as some antipasti classics.

Mouth-watering bites like Coccoli Prosciutto e stracchino will have you licking your lips in no time!

  • English, Italian, French
  • This is a private lesson at a local’s home, limited to your group only
  • Time-dependent, you will either make lunch or dinner
  • Snacks, alcoholic beverages and tea or coffee are inclusive
  • Infant seats are available
  • There is a family dog at the chef’s home

We love the more informal style setting that this class takes place in, feeling like you’re cooking and hanging out with old friends.

Throughout the hours, the conversation free flows and your host will lead discussions over the types of dishes and Tuscan specialties you’ve made. You may even leave with a few new travel tips!

11 – Visit a market, then make pasta at MaMa Florence Cooking School

MaMa Florence Cooking School

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 1 review )

“This was a wonderful experience! We did the group class and met fun couples, picked fresh vegetables from the garden and learned how to multiple appetizers and pastas with them! Then we dined in the garden with champagne and wine. Each dish was fun to make and so delicious.” Mary, Viator

It’s a complete sensory overload with MaMa Florence Cooking School , kicking off this foodie adventure at a fresh local Florentine market!

Meandering through stalls brimming with bright fruit and veggies, fresh cheeses and yummy salt-cured meats really works up an appetite.

Here, you’ll grab all the ingredients to be used throughout the course.

Back at the cooking school, it’s time to get your hands full of flour, mastering the art of fresh Italian pasta!

Your chef demonstrates how to knead, roll and cut various pasta shapes and explore the perfect sauces to accompany the different varieties. Flavors dependent, enjoy two selected paired wines.

Other than the pasta, also create an appetizer and dessert.

  • If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, get in touch with the school to let them know otherwise they cannot accommodate these on the day
  • The experience is limited to 20 pax
  • No alcohol served to anyone under 18 years old

The market is the highlight for this one and going through it with a local guide is incomparable — learn Italian phrases and the names of produce and get to interact with the farmers/producers.

Leave this class with an in-depth understanding of pasta, and you will make and cook three different pasta dishes.

12 – Embark on a Mugello & Tuscany Truffle Hunting and Cooking Experience

Mugello & Tuscany Truffle Hunting and Cooking Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 18 reviews )

“The truffle hunting dog was very well trained. We all enjoyed the walk along the wooded path and were able to see where black truffles can be found. Back at the villa, chef Gabriel led us through an entertaining and educational cooking class. We all learned lots of tips and tricks to making various types of pasta.” Barbara, Viator

Home to both the treasured black and white truffles, Tuscany is a forager’s paradise for the prized fungi!

While you’re here, don’t miss out on a truffle hunting tour from Florence led by Mugello & Tuscany , with time spent in the kitchen afterward cooking up a feast where truffles are the star of this culinary show!

With sustainability at the forefront, join an agritourism guide, a professional truffle expert  and his clever, truffle-sniffing dog out into the woods around the Mugello Valley.

Once the search is over, gain knowledge on how to prepare and use truffles in different dishes. Proceed to cook your own three-course in the kitchen of an organic farm.

  • A driver will pick you up from the meeting point
  • Lunch is inclusive
  • Bottled water and tea and coffee are included
  • The truffle hunt is led by an expert local truffle hunter and his dog
  • Tours are limited to 10 pax
  • In case of extremely bad weather (and truffle hunting is not possible), choose between a full refund or alternative date

This is probably the most truffles you’ll eat in one sitting! Back at the estate, you make between a whopping six to eight different pasta dishes!

Thanks to your Tuscan location, you can expect to find both varieties year-round.

If it’s raining on the day, the venture will still go on, and guests are then equipped with rain gear!

Read more: Best Truffle Hunting Tours in Florence

13 – Choose between three classes at Pasta Class Florence

Pasta Class Florence

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 457 reviews )

“Highly recommend, we had an absolute ball. The chef really made the class – he was extremely talented, kind and hilarious. We thoroughly enjoyed his class and learnt a lot. So much fun making our own pasta and then getting to eat delicious dishes and drink good wine with great company.” Megan, Google review

Become a maestro in the art of pasta making thanks to Pasta Class Florence , who offer not one, but three different types of pasta-centric classes.

Guided by professionals who have chefed in top restaurants around the world, they’re here to share their knowledge and secrets behind the craft and Italian gastronomic traditions.

First, learn about your ingredients (and kitchen equipment), then it’s on to making fresh pasta from scratch, like tortelli, tagliatelle and fettuccine, and classic Italian pasta sauces.

Choose between a standard pasta-making class, a lesson coupled with wine tastings under the guidance of a professional sommelier or a class that ends with a gelato tasting!

  • The Art Of Pasta: from €80
  • The Art Of Pasta + Gelato Tasting: from €110
  • The Art Of Pasta + Italian Sommelier | Tasting + Dinner: from €120
  • Chef with Michelin star background
  • Pasta tasting and wine pairings inclusive
  • Receive an E-recipe book at the end

Sweet tooths or families with kids, we suggest the pasta and gelato option, ending off on a satisfying note.

Veggies: there are multiple vegetarian options for each class, and many quintessential Italian pasta dishes are meat-free anyway, such as pasta al pomodoro (made with olive oil, fresh tomatoes and basil).

14 – Opt for something different under the Central Market roof at Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici

Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 16 reviews )

“We were incredibly impressed. The class was informative and fun and the instructors were fantastic. We wanted something beyond the typical pizza making class and that is exactly what we got. It was a highlight of our time in Florence and I highly recommend.” Suzanne, Google review

Offering a different cooking class most days of the week, even if you’ve completed a course with Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici before, you’ll learn new recipes and techniques!

From pasta to pizza, your options are plentiful.

Plus, this cooking school is situated within the Mercato Centrale, so the buzz from vendors and visitors provides added charm and is an inspiring setting for a culinary lesson.

Working in a professional state-of-the-art kitchen, spend time learning about ingredients and analyzing the recipes, and even how to play with food design and plating.

There are pastry, fish, pizza, risotto and dessert courses, pasta-making classes and a traditional Tuscan dinner to take your pick.

  • Choose between multiple courses
  • Not suitable for participants under 14 years old
  • You will need to register online prior to the experience (registration closes one day before the class at 1 PM)
  • The price includes all ingredients, an apron with the logo of Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici, a folder with all the information, insurance and recipes
  • Receive a certificate at the end

We’re mega fans of the variety of classes to choose from, so you’re not limited to just making pasta or pizza.

We say go for something different, like honing your skills to create the perfect risotto!

The pasta classes on offer diverge from the typical fettuccine and ravioli. Learn to make Roman-style tonnarelli cacio e pepe or Tuscan pici all’aglione .

15 – Shop the farmer’s market, then make pasta with The Dolce Vita Experience

The Dolce Vita Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 36 reviews )

“Don’t hesitate to register for one of Ileana’s classes. We had an amazing time learning how to make some seasonal Tuscan dishes. Truly a memorable experience and I look forward to returning again one day.” Renee, Google review

If you’re utterly passionate about pasta, you’ll love The Dolce Vita Experience , where your host (and cook) shares the same love affair.

Opt for a standard fresh pasta class, or pair your time with a trip to a local market in the Sant’Ambrogio district before the lesson begins.

Pause for food tastings and samplings — think fresh salami, biscotti and Tuscan bread — mingling with the local folk.

In the kitchen, create two kinds of fresh pasta. If you’ve booked the dinner option, skip the market and cook up a feast of antipasti, pasta and dessert.

Not keen on a cooking class? Then go for just a market tour with tastings.

  • Choose between day and night courses
  • Gluten-free options aren’t available

Running classes since 2016, you’ll feel totally comfortable and at ease with your host, Ileana.

The meet and greets with vendors is one of our favorite parts, exploring the ins and outs of the marketplace.

If you loved the experience that much, or you don’t have the time for a physical lesson, online classes are available, too!

How to book cooking classes in Florence?

As one of Italy’s top destinations for foodies, thousands of tourists flock to Florence!

This has resulted in an overload of companies offering food tours in Firenze, and also many travel websites now sell the various tours online, most offering discounted rates as a hook.

Prices may vary from one website to another, so it pays to do your research!

Using our search engine, conveniently compare offers, reviews and prices under one platform in a few simple clicks.

  • compare cooking classes in Florence

Home Cooking Tours

"Experience Our Exclusive Home Cooking classes for a One-of-a-Kind Culinary Adventure!"

Welcome to Home Cooking Tours, where we offer unique culinary experiences in the heart of Florence, Italy. Our mission is to provide you with an authentic taste of Italian culture, history, and cuisine by taking you on a journey to explore hidden gems and local traditions.

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Join our intimate culinary classes for an exclusive experience. With limited spots, personalized attention, and hands-on cooking, immerse yourself in Italian culture. Don’t miss out – book now for an unforgettable journey through Italy’s flavors!

Discover a unique experience with authentic Italian cuisine!

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Hand made pasta 1

Hand made pasta

Experience Florence's essence in just 4 hours! Join our immersive tour: market visit, cooking demo, wine tasting, and a sumptuous...

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Pizza class

An Italian classic, which will enable you to learn how to make the dough you need to prepare three different...

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Florentine cuisine tradition

Join us on this unforgettable journey through Florence's rich history and indulge in a delectable Italian lunch. Available on Tuesdays...

Cooking Class 4

Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of Florence as you learn to cook using only fire, just as the...

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Best Wine Tastings & Tours to book In Florence

Booking a wine tour and/or wine tasting in Florence is one of the most booked experiences in Florence.

In a city known for its art, history, and culture, you’ll be filled with “I can’t believe this is happening” moments.

Florence, Italy , often referred to as “Firenze” in Italian, is the capital of the Tuscany region and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful and influential cities.

This city offers fantastic opportunities for wine enthusiasts to explore and indulge in wine tastings and tours.

We’ve lined up the best wine tastings and tours in Florence that you’ can’ll find.

No matter what your budget or interests, there is a wine tasting or tour in Florence that is perfect for you.

So raise a glass and enjoy the best of Tuscan wine!

unforgettable Sunset Wine Tour In Florence

wine tours in florence

Region: Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Tour : Florence Sunset Wine Tour

Combined wine tasting with sightseeing on a Florence sunset tour . The evening walking tour goes from the Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno and then back across the river to return to the historical center.

Throughout the trip, you’ll be able to enjoy snacks and up to five tastings of Tuscan wines.

Our tour went over 2 hours because we were asking a lot of questions. No complaints here!

Why we love this tour: You know, I just love the classics. The history lessons from this tour while drinking fine wines really got me. Have you heard about the Medici family???

From $84.67

Florence Wine Tasting and Aperitif with the Best View

wine tasting in florence with a view

Tasting : Florence rooftop wine tasting

This is an opportunity to enjoy the most breathtaking view of Florence and its monuments while sipping fine wine from a private rooftop accessible only to owners and their guests.

Spend two hours on the roof enjoying bottomless Prosecco while your guide tell your the story of Florence.

It really is an incredible experience to drink wine with the best view in the entire city. Talk about an insta-worthy moment to make everyone at home jealous!

Why we love this tour: The view!!! It’s a simple wine-tasting experience, but memorable. includes light snacks too.

From $64.88

Florence Private Food and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Expert

food and wine tasting in florence

Tour : Private Florence neighborhood tour

Experience authentic Florentine cuisine during this private culinary tour in the center of Florence while you meander around the city and take in its sights.

As you explore neighborhood restaurants, market stalls, and artisan food stores, get to know your gastronomic guide and learn about the best places to get anything from espresso to gelato.

Savor up to ten delectable and savory delicacies while taking in views of Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and the old Sant’Ambrogio area.

Why we love this tour: The food is insane! We had cantucci, coccoli, pizette, meats, cheeses, olive oil, truffle, and more!

From $131.95

Florence Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

walking tour with wine tasting in florence

Tour : Walking Tour with Wine Tasting in Florence

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence and make the most of your stroll through the city. Take in a detailed account of the history and culture of the city as you walk.

The Old Bridge, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and an aperitivo at the famed Cafe Gilli are among the highlights of this tour.

Why we love this tour: The best part is that you can stop and explore everything because you’re traveling by foot. If you’re a fan of art and architecture you’ll also love this tour. 

From $97.86

E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Tuscany from Florence

e-bike tour and wine tasting of florence

Tour : Private tour from Florence

Dream tour alert! Take a guided private 6-hour bike tour through the Tuscan countryside.  

Nestled amidst rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight, you discover a haven of tradition and taste – a family-owned farm where generations have poured their hearts (and grapes!) into crafting culinary magic.

Silvia, the owner with a smile as warm as the Tuscan sun, will personally whip you up an exquisite lunch that’ll tantalize your taste buds. But before you dive into deliciousness, your guide will embark on a captivating journey through time, revealing the farm’s rich history dating back to 1825! ️

Prepare to be mesmerized as you witness the secrets behind their exquisite wines, extra virgin olive oil, and even honey.

And then, the moment you’ve been eagerly awaiting – lunchtime! ️ Get ready to savor a symphony of flavors as you indulge in:

  • 4 wines:  Each sip bursting with the essence of the Tuscan terroir.
  • Grappa:  A fiery finish to cleanse your palate and ignite your senses.
  • Amazing extra virgin olive oil:  Drizzle it on everything, because trust me, you’ll want to! 
  • Homemade pasta:  Crafted with love and guaranteed to melt in your mouth.
  • Luscious bruschettas:  Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.
  • Mouthwatering cold cuts:  Artisan-made and bursting with savory goodness.
  • Homemade biscotti:  The perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable experience.

Why we love this tour: Ummm…. I already said above! It was all so perfect!

From $391.45

Chianti Wine Tour From Florence

Chianti Wine Tour From Florence

Tour : Florence and Chianti Wine Tasting

This is the perfect opportunity to experience the city and the countryside. Take part in a five-hour sidecar trip of Florence and Chianti .

First, you’ll travel up and down the Oltrarno district and Piazzale Michelangelo. Learn about the wine making process and meet the winemakers who will guide you through their portfolio.

After that, indulge in endless savory sampling or, if your appetite so demands, a Tuscan lunch. On this sidecar tour, you’ll be able to take pictures of classic rural vistas as you tour the vineyards.

Why we love this tour: This sidecar tour is a unique experience. It was fun to ride down the most famous street in Florence then into Chianti. We loved our much needed stop for coffee in Impruneta.

From $229.81

Wine Tasting in Two Family Wineries Near Florence

two family wineries in florence

Tour : Wine tasting with a Tuscan lunch

Antica Fattoria del Giogo is a winery located in the Chianti hills outside of Florence. They offer a variety of wine tastings, including a Chianti Classico tasting and a Super Tuscan tasting, as well as a delicious Tuscan lunch.

The owner of the winery will give you a tour of the wine cellars and give you overview and history of their land.

Why we love this tour: The 1400s villa is incredible.

From $175.93

Guided Floating Tour of Florence with Wine Tasting

floating wine tours in florence

Tour : Boat tour on the river Arno

The Arno River runs through the center of Florence and has helped the city’s political and economic development over the millennia.

On this tour, you’ll float (or be rowed, rather) under the Ponte Vecchio to Ponte alla Carraia. All while drinking Tuscan wine and snacking on tasty “schiacciata” (traditional Tuscan flatbread with tomatoes, yum!).

Why we love this tour: I learned a lot about Florence’s history through this boat tour. You will pass by several historic places you’ll want to come back to visit.

From $335.37

wine day trip from florence

Tour : Full day tour from Florence across the country to Bolgheri

Prepare for an incredible day trip exploring some of the top wines from Tuscany that will blow your mind. Discover the world of Bolgheri and the processes involved in producing the esteemed Super Tuscan wines. 

During your two stops on this amazing tour, you will get a guided tour of two wineries, their vineyards and cellars. You’ll sample a variety of wines. 

Enjoy the ride along the cypress-lined Via Bolgherese as you spend a whole day exploring the distinctive Bolgheri wine region in the cozy car that is included in the tour package.

Why we love this tour: Tenuta Campo Al Signore and Tenuta Di Vaira are the two wineries we visited on this tour. I’m not sure if I enjoyed the food or the wine better.

From $493.71

Wine Tasting Near Florence with Castle and Ancient Cellars Tour

castle and ancient cellars tour in florence

Tour : Castle Tour

Take a tour of a 900-year-old castle and winery to learn about the history and cuisine of Tuscany.

You’ll tour the castle courtyard, the grounds, and a few private chambers to learn about the history of the estate and the Italian family who has resided there for many centuries.

After that, make your way down to the historic wine cellars to discover more about the age-old techniques used in winemaking. 

You can also sample four distinct wines made on the premises, each served with a snack consisting of cheese, salami, and extra-virgin olive oil. You can upgrade this tour to include a true Tuscan meal at the castle restaurant.

Why we love this tour: We upgraded our tour to experience having dinner at the castle restaurant. We wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to feel like royals!

From $76.97

Book The Best Wine Tour in Florence, Italy

Numerous companies in Florence organize guided wine tours to various wineries in Tuscany.

These tours often include transportation, visits to vineyards and cellars, explanations about the winemaking process, and, most importantly, tastings of different wines.

Within the city, there are plenty of wine bars, enotecas, and tasting rooms where you can sample various local wines.

These establishments often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the tasting process and provide information about the different wine regions.

But if you want to experience the local food and drink without the worry of planning the perfect vacation, book a tour!

Wine Tours In Florence FAQs

What is the most famous wine in florence.

One of the most famous wines associated with Florence and Tuscany is Chianti. Chianti is a red wine that originates from the Chianti region, which includes parts of the provinces of Florence and Siena. Chianti Classico, a subregion of Chianti, is particularly renowned for its high-quality Sangiovese grapes.

Is Florence good for wine tasting?

Yes, Florence is an excellent destination for wine tasting. It is located in the heart of the Tuscan wine region, known for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards and wineries offering wine tours and tastings, allowing visitors to savor the rich flavors of Tuscan wines.

What wine city is near Florence?

The city of Siena is a notable wine destination near Florence. Siena, like Florence, is located in the Tuscany region and is surrounded by renowned wine-producing areas. The Chianti region, which is famous for its Chianti Classico wine, is situated between Florence and Siena.

Can you walk around with wine in Florence?

Generally, it is legal to walk around with an open container of alcohol, including wine, in most public areas of Florence. However, being mindful of local regulations and cultural norms is always a good idea. It’s advisable to use discretion and consider the specific rules of your area.

What is the best red wine from Florence?

While Florence is not known for producing its own red wine, the region of Tuscany, including areas near Florence, is renowned for its high-quality red wines. Some notable red wines from Tuscany include:

Chianti Classico: A red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, known for its rich, robust flavor.

Brunello di Montalcino: Produced in the Montalcino region, this red wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and is known for its complexity and aging potential.

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best cooking tour in florence

Best Walking Tours in Florence

Top walking tours in florence.

Florence is easily one of the most recognizable places in Italy for tourists . The capital of the picturesque region of Tuscany , Florence has been important as early as the medieval times. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highly touristy place with millions of visitors a year! And the throngs of tourists have a good reason, too.

At each turn, Florence offers an interesting piece of art and architecture that represents its deep history. As a haven of the arts, Florence is best explored on foot. This guide puts together some of the best walking tours in Florence you can have in the city. It’ll allow you an easy route to some of the greatest sights Florence has to offer.

Florence: Walking Tour

This tour’s unassuming name belies its perfect introduction to the tourist hive that is Florence. This takes tourists through some of the city’s most iconic sights, starting with the cathedral (Duomo) and the Baptistery of St. John. This side of Florence also includes the Sta. Maria del Fiore and its adjacent Giotto Bell Tower.

Another famous landmark (and influential art piece) the tour visits is the David sculpture by Michelangelo. Located at the Piazza della Signoria , this is also in the neighborhood of the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

The two-hour tour also takes you to the hidden side of Florence. With your professional guide giving you the lowdown on hidden places and other interesting nuggets most tourists don’t even have an idea of! The tour also includes a free scoop of traditional gelato as you pass by the La Strega Nocciola. 

Book this Florence walking tour here . 

Florence: Small Group History Walking Tour with an Aperitivo

This walking tour expands upon the idea set by the previous one. The three hour walk focuses not on the touristy places, but on the places instrumental to the birth not just of Florence of but of Italy in general. This history-buff-perfect tour starts at the Piazza della Repubblica, where Caesar first founded the city. You will also get a crash course in everything Florentian, from its architecture to its early politics.

Of course, you will also get a lot of eye candy. You will make your way to Ponte Vecchio, see part of the Vasari Corridor, stroll through the Piazzale degli Uffizi, enter the Palazzo Vecchio, and head to the Duomo, among others. You will also be treated to a cup of espresso and an aperitivo (plus a snack) during different points of the tour.

Book this Florence small group tour here .

Ultimate Uffizi: 2-Hour Priority Entrance Tour

If walking around a crowded city isn’t really your thing, this GetYourGuide Original tour will hit the spot. The Uffizi Gallery is famous for being the epicenter of Florence art, housing some of the most priceless art pieces in the world. Because of this, the queues here are often impossibly long, as hundreds of tourists clamor to get around the two-storey museum.

You can forget about the lines on this tour, though, which gives you priority access and a guide that will walk you through not just the museum’s highlights but also its secrets. Not only will you see masterpieces by da Vinci and Botticelli, but you will also know the history behind them. You can also gain access to all open exhibitions on the day you visit.

Book this Ultimate Uffizi tour here . 

Florence Dome Climb: 1-Hour Priority Entrance Tour

Another GetYourGuide Original, this takes you behind the scenes of one of the most famous cupolas in the world. Skip the lines and the crowds, and reward yourself with a breath-taking view of Florence as you reach the top! This is perfect for those who wish to have a rare bird’s eye view of the city.

Of course, the tour isn’t just about the climb. Hear the remarkable story behind the dome which took two centuries to complete. Marvel at both the artwork on the ceiling and the richness of materials used for the floors and pillars. The tour comes with a ticket to the rest of the Duomo, so you can explore the museum, the cathedral itself, the crypt, and the baptistry. It’s valid for three days, so if you have other plans you can skip and come back later!

Book this Dome Climb tour here .

Academia Gallery: Reserved Entrance and Guided Tour

The beauty of Florence art and culture is that it’s just as interesting whether you choose a widespread or a focused approach. The Academia Gallery tour is an example of the latter, with the famous David statue being the focal point.

The tour gives you an in-depth look at the life and times of Michelangelo, the immortal artist of the Renaissance. The 1-hour tour unfolds as you visit the collection of his masterpieces, along with that of other illustrious painters of the time. And if you think that museum tours are boring academic sessions (the museum’s name can be misleading, after all), the tour’s licensed and professional guides will prove you wrong!

Book Academia Gallery tour here .

Florence: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local Guide

This is another way to look at Florence, and perhaps this is the one that will have the most impact. Anyone can look at the sights and absorb all the trivia, but only a few will be able to truly look at Florence with the eyes of a local! This guide gets one of Florence’s passionate locals as your tour guide, and shows you their way of life which is just as interesting (or even more so) than the tourist attractions.

The tour can last anywhere from two to six hours and takes you around the neighborhood of your choice. This is perfect if you’ll be staying in Florence for an extended vacation. Know all the ins and outs, like the best places to dine in or to shop from. Get insider tips and tricks, and a complete picture of Florentian life!

All the walking tour itineraries mentioned here are just snapshots of the infinite wonder that Florence has to offer. Don’t be afraid to take a sudden turn, to look close or to stand back, to veer off from the beaten path. That’s the surest way to find something new!

Book this Private Tour here .

Florence Food Tours

Italy is known for its delicious food and people often try to remake it at home. However, while in Italy it’s best to get the real thing to experience those amazing flavors in person. What better way to do that than to go on a food tour in the lovely Florence, Italy. 

Florence Italy Sunset Food Tour  

When you’re spending your time in this town, you want to do as much as you can in your allotted time. During the day, you can take a culture tour and soak in the history. When the sun starts to set, I recommend this food tour. You are led around the city to the best restaurants and bars in town. For 3 and a half hours, you’re in a food and wine paradise. Not only do you get to taste the expertly cured meat straight from the local deli, you also get to see a live demonstration at the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This is a tour you won’t soon forget. 

Book this food tour here .

The Other Side of Florence  

This morning tour varies with the type of tour you want. If you bring along your family, there’s a tour for all ages. If it’s just you and your partner, the adult tour is for you. This 4 hour tour takes you behind the scenes of the well-known desserts and lets you sample Italian delicacies like fennel-spiced salami and the infamous Chianti wine. You really explore the other side of Florence on this awesome tours.

Book this eccentric food tour here .

Authentic Florence Home-Cooking Class

We all want to be able to show off our cooking skills at parties and holiday get-togethers. What’s even better is to be able to show off the cooking skills and recipes you picked up in Italy. Not only do you visit the local markets to pick up ingredients, you make an array of pastas and sauces from scratch while sipping on wine and making life long friends. In this 4 hour class, you cook, wine, and dine in a beautiful Florence home complete with a rooftop terrace. It’ll be a life enhancing experience.

Book this cooking class here .

Best Walking Tours in Tuscany was written by Karina Angela Ramos. She is a former preschool teacher turned travel blogger/ travel consultant and social media manager. She writes at Karla Around the World  and  Hungry Travel Duo . People call her an energizer bunny, a never-ending source of energy and laughter, who is a lover of adventure. She was bitten by the travel bug early on and enjoys talking about my action packed and adrenaline filled experience. While traveling, Karla loves to experience local culture, trying out local cuisine, meeting new people, most of all adventure. Follow her Instagram  karlaroundtheworld and Facebook  karlaroundtheworld .

Top Walking Tours in Tuscany – Pin for Later

Click here for a list of the top 6 walking tours in Florence, Italy. For history buffs to food connoisseurs find the best tour for you.

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  1. THE 10 BEST Florence Food Tours (Updated 2024)

    Think local Pecorino cheese…. 3. Florence Food and Wine Walking Tour with a Local Food Expert. Enjoy tastings at some of Florence's most decadent establishments on this small-group gourmet food tour, led by foodies …. 4. Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour.

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    The best food tours in Florence range in price from $67.07 to $183.92 per person. Some providers may agree to negotiate discounted rates, depending on your group size. On a positive note, all these Florence food tours have a free cancellation policy up to 24 to 72 hours before the experience.

  3. 15 Best Food Tours In Florence For Foodie Travelers [2024]

    The bus was bumpy at times but made for a fun day. Amberhod1 ( More Reviews) The last stop on this food tour from Florence, Italy, is a Chianti vineyard. This site is smaller than the other wineries you will explore on this tour, but it boasts two exciting award-winning wines in its collection.

  4. 16 BEST Food Tours in Florence: Pasta, Pizza & Wine [2024]

    This tour includes: Dinner, all food and wine tastings, and a local guide. BOOK IT HERE. Private Food Tours in Florence. If you'd rather go on a private food tour in Florence, Italy, these are the top options: The 10 Tastings of Florence with Locals introduces you to the city's bustling food scene as you walk around town stopping at 10 different eateries and bars to sample delicious bites.

  5. Florence Food Tours

    Florence Central Market Food Tour. A one-of-a-kind experience in the most famous Florence market, where tradition and taste come together! Duration: 3 hours. Location: San Lorenzo. Group Size: Max. 12. From €69.

  6. 11 Tasty Food Tours of Florence for Foodies

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Tour length: 2-3 hours | Includes: Food tasting, local guide, homemade pasta | Book now. Embark on a food adventure in Florence with a passionate local foodie! Get ready for a 2.5-hour culinary tour of the city where you'll indulge in delicious tastings at markets, shops, and cafés.

  7. 12 Best Food Tours Of Florence

    The Other Side of Florence Food Tour By Eating Europe. Florence: Street Food Tour By Get Your Guide. Florence: San Lorenzo Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour By Get Your Guide. Tuscany Truffle Hunt By Eating Europe. Florence: 5.5-Hour Italian Food Market & Cooking Experience By Get Your Guide. From Florence: Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan ...

  8. Food Tours in Florence (Best Pasta, Pizza, Wine)

    Florence Sunset Food Tour. The Other Side of Florence Food Tour. Street Food Tour. Wine Tasting Tour. Authentic Florence Home-Cooking Class. Pizza & Gelato Making Class in Oltrarno. Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany. Tuscany Truffle Hunt - A Culinary Adventure. My favourite place to stay in Florence is Hotel Spadai.

  9. The Best Food Tours in Florence

    Here are just five popular food tours and market tours in Florence that will expose you to local culture and provides you with new recipes to share with friends and family at home. 1. Central Market Tour with 4 Course Lunch

  10. The BEST Food tours in Florence

    Private Vintage FIAT 500 Chianti Tour with Driver from Florence. Cruise through the hills of Tuscany in style and dine at a Tuscan villa on this exclusive experience. as low as $341.71. Free cancellation, a decade of experience, and 1000s of 5-star reviews makes these food tours in Florence an easy choice!

  11. Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito

    This is a leisurely walking tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Come hungry! show more frequently asked questions. Reserve Now as low as $71.00. Get an authentic taste of Italy on this small-group local food and wine walking tour of Santo Spirito in Florence, with an expert foodie guide.

  12. The BEST Food Tour Florence, Italy: Is It Worth It? Review 2024

    8. Walking Food Tour of Florence: 10 Tastings Including Wine. Favourite Cooking Classes In Florence, Italy. 9. Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class. 10. Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Drinks. 11. Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour.

  13. The Florence Food Tour

    The Florence Food Tour Voted Best Food Tour In Florence! Book Your Tour Today! Voted Best In Florence For Food Tours Our food tour in Florence takes you to the locally loved restaurants, to experience the real taste of Italian cuisine. Enjoy one of Italy's most pleasurable passions and let all your senses come alive. During

  14. Enjoy Taste Bud Bliss! Top 10 Best Food Tours In Florence, Italy

    1. Small-group Florence food walking tour: Every step is closer to foodie nirvana! (from USD 104.0) This small-group Florence food walking tour includes a stop at a coffee bar, where you'll receive a morning jolt from a couple of Italian roast samplings. Then, onto a delicatessen, built in 1885!

  15. Florence for foodies

    Florence for Foodies - Top Florence Food experiences 1. San Lorenzo Market. An obligatory stop for anyone who loves food. San Lorenzo Food Market was once the 'popular' market of the city, a couple of years ago it has been completely redesigned to become one of Italy's top food markets.Downstairs you have all sorts of food stalls, from veggies to salumi to fish, cheeses and bakeries.

  16. 10 Best Tours in Florence, Italy (2024)

    Florence Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. For the best sightseeing tours in Florence, go with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Tickets are available in 24, 48, and 72-hour increments and the bus will show you everything Florence has to offer. The buses have free Wi-Fi as well as commentary in multiple languages. This tour has two different route options ...

  17. Best Food Tour in Florence To Experience The Authentic Florence

    AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Be prepared to eat deliciously well through Florence on this Tastes and Traditions Florence food tour.For about 3.5 hours, in a small intimate group, explore how Florentines shop and eat. Starting from a delicious breakfast, followed by a visit to the local market with aperitivo, make sure you come hungry to taste it all. . Plan for an experience that covers breakfast ...

  18. 9 BEST Cooking Classes in Florence, Italy, by a Local [2024]

    We personally recommend these classes: • Wanna Be Italiano - The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Visit to a Local Market • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse • Small-Group Pasta Class in Florence. Stefania Guglielmi. Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph.

  19. 15 Best Cooking Classes in Florence for Authentic Italian Cuisine

    8 - Become a pro on pizza and gelato with Florence Food Studio. 9 - Learn Italian secrets and enjoy a garden tour with Il Borghetto Cooking Class. 10 - Join a local chef at home for an authentic class with The Cooking Lab. 11 - Visit a market, then make pasta at MaMa Florence Cooking School. 12 - Embark on a Mugello & Tuscany Truffle ...

  20. Home Cooking Tours

    Cooking Class. Immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of Florence as you learn to cook using only fire, just as the... 4 Hours. €150. Join Home Cooking Tours in Italy. Experience the art of Italian cooking with local chefs, cultural tours, visits to markets, vineyards, and landmarks. Unforgettable culinary journey awaits!

  21. 12 Best Wine Tours In Florence: 2024

    Region: Florence, Tuscany, Italy Tour: Private Florence neighborhood tour. Experience authentic Florentine cuisine during this private culinary tour in the center of Florence while you meander around the city and take in its sights.. As you explore neighborhood restaurants, market stalls, and artisan food stores, get to know your gastronomic guide and learn about the best places to get ...

  22. Best Walking Tours in Florence

    Florence Food Tours Italy is known for its delicious food and people often try to remake it at home. However, while in Italy it's best to get the real thing to experience those amazing flavors ...