Small group tour Florence gourmet: art and food

This is a small group tour for self-confessed foodies! Test your palate with the food and wine culture of this fascinating city. Your knowledgeable guide will impart his gastronomic expertise, proving how important great food and beverages are to the Florentines.

Starting at Santa Maria Novella Square, in the heart of the city, this walking tour uncovers the architecture of the Romanesque façade of this formidable church. And discover how the local vineyards were resplendent in the area, before setting off to San Lorenzo Market, housed in a Giuseppe Mengoni designed building. Inhale the aromas and atmosphere of the indoor market, from cured meats to truffle oil. Be sure to taste the cantuccini, the famous biscotti of the region. Dip them into vin santo – sweet wine! That’s how the locals eat them. Or dip them into coffee, if you prefer.
Next, you will learn the construction secrets of Duomo Cathedral and San Lorenzo Church and you will discover why so many of these old buildings have small windows, called buchette del vino. These wine portals are unique to the city’s architecture. If you are constantly on the lookout, you will see plenty of these windows throughout Florence and your guide will explain how they were once used.

You will then enjoy your second tasting in a traditional Vinaino shop. Taste speciality Salami and Pecorino, prosciutto and finocchiona, all complemented by the world-famous Italian Chianti red wine.
En route to the final tasting, you will learn about the Frescobaldi and Antinori families, the most famous wine producers in the city. This is while you are enjoying the scenery in the centre of Florence. Signoria Square and Orsanmichele Church are both masterpieces and deserve your attention. This gourmet experience ends with tasting two of the region’s flavorsome peasant dishes, Pappa al Pomodoro and Ribollita. These are both hearty dishes complete with Tuscan bread. This tour is the ultimate in food and wine tasting and you will learn so much about the traditions of the city.