In Italian we say: "Necessity is the mother of invention". Since ancient times, food consumption is a perfect example of this expression: every human settlement arose in places favorable to economic activities and eating habits depended on the availability in nature of certain ingredients necessary for living. In short, the menu of a traditional restaurant tells us about the ecosystem, the properties of the soil, and the varieties of flora and fauna that characterize a particular place. Your journey will begin in the heart of Florence and it will be an unforgettable culinary adventure.

The traditions of Florentine pastry making

Depending on the time and season of our journey through Tuscan flavours, we may start with a stop at a historic Florentine pastry shop or at one of the historic bakeries in Florence. It will be an opportunity to experience the typical breakfast at the bar which in Florence includes some specific varieties of pastries and to distinguish them in the window from other Italian varieties. Depending on the season, pastry shops and bakeries also offer other delicacies, such as panforte, panettone, schiacciata alla Fiorentina and cenci.

Let's go shopping at the market

If it is correct to say that food is culture, then a real local market plays the role of a library, which preserves this wealth of traditions. We will pay a visit to the Market, a lively culinary hub where scents and colors mix. Surrounded by the usual carousel of customers and vendors you will have the opportunity of tasting a selection of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses. I will tell you the history of these products and the production techniques that make them unique.

A glass of red wine

We will certainly pass by a wine-window and stop at a small wine shop for a glass of local wine or even just to admire the large supply of wines and spirits, as well as collectible bottles and the varieties of e.v.o. oil and typical desserts.

If you are passionate about this idea, why not add a tour of the Florentine artisans!

Tastings of Olive Oil

Along the route we may make an exception to the all-Tuscan basis of this tour to taste the products of a renowned manufacturer of balsamic vinegar from Reggio Emilia. Obviously we will have the opportunity to taste locally produced olive oil and see how many varieties of aromas can be discovered if we close our eyes and test our sense of taste and smell.

We close in sweetness

Finally, depending on the season, we will conclude our tour at a renowned chocolate shop or with an excellent ice cream. In the chocolate shop we may taste a selection of artisanal chocolate of various types. At the ice cream shop there will be an opportunity to pay homage to Bernardo Buontalenti, the sixteenth-century architect who in Florence is considered the inventor of ice cream. Do you want to know more? 

After three hours of culinary delights the tour will end, leaving you with a heart (and stomach) full of typical Tuscan flavors. Along the way it will be possible to purchase and take home not only the memories of an unforgettable day, but also some delicacies to share with friends and family!

• Duration: 3 hours
• Meeting point and starting time: The time and place for meeting point to be arranged with visitors.
• Languages and accessibility: Available in Italian and English. Somewhere the uneven road surface may make travelling in a wheelchair difficult.
• Availability: Not available on Saturdays and Sundays. Suitable for all ages. Itinerary may change according to opening hours and availability, it may be adapted to your needs and preferences. Due to the little size of artisans workshops, groups can not be bigger than 10 people.
• Suitable for: individuals, families and groups. Suitable for all ages, tour can be customized considering need and preferences of participants.

PRICES

 IPrices change according to number of participants and include taxes due by Law.

Up to five people: € 230,00

Between six and ten people: €35,00 per person

Children younger than 10 years old: free

• Included in the price:

Private Tour by a National Licensed Guide. The tour includes five stops to some of the most typical food benches, pastry places, grocery stores. Stops may change according to availability.

• Not included in the price:

Food tastings are not included and can be paid on site .