Florence: Food & Wine Tour in Oltrarno Neighborhood

Trying to decide whether a food and wine tour in Florence’s vibrant Oltrarno neighborhood is worth it? Based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it’s clear this 3.5-hour experience delivers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s culinary soul. From small, family-run eateries to classic drinks and a legendary Florentine steak, this tour offers an authentic, intimate glimpse into local life.

What we love most? The variety of tastings—from cured meats and cheeses to expertly mixed cocktails—an emphasis on local, family-run spots, and the chance to learn simple but classic recipes like the Negroni. Plus, the small group setting ensures plenty of personalized attention and rich conversations. A minor consideration? The tour involves walking and several wine stops, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and who enjoy wine. This experience is perfect for curious foodies, wine lovers, or anyone wanting a true, hands-on taste of Florence away from the tourist crowds.

Good To Know

• Authentic experience: Visit family-run eateries and local hidden gems in Oltrarno.
• Diverse tastings: Enjoy a wide variety of Tuscan foods, wines, and cocktails.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides enrich your understanding of Florence’s food culture.
• Intimate setting: Small groups foster personal connections and tailored experiences.
• Flexible dietary options: Suitable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pregnant travelers.
• Value for money: 8+ tastings and 6 drinks for just over $124 per person offer great variety and quality.

This Florence food and wine tour in the Oltrarno neighborhood offers a lively, comprehensive introduction to some of Tuscany’s most beloved dishes and drinks. Designed for those eager to taste beyond the main tourist spots, the tour takes you through charming, lesser-known streets and family-operated venues that hold the city’s culinary secrets.

The tour begins at Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square filled with local life. Here, your guide, who’s often praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge—like Paulo, who was described as “wonderful” in reviews—sets the tone for an engaging evening. From the outset, you’ll get a quick “crash course” in Tuscan cuisine, starting with classic bruschette topped with ripe tomatoes, Tuscan-style salame, and pecorino cheese, all paired with a glass of Chianti Classico. This initial tasting isn’t just about flavor; it’s about understanding the simple ingredients that define the region’s cooking.

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Exploring Florence’s Hidden Wine Windows

An especially charming aspect of this experience is the visit to a wine window, a traditional Florence tradition where wines are served through small openings in the wall of a building. Here, you can sip a glass of Prosecco—something one reviewer warmly described as “a little warm-up” that sets the scene for the evening ahead. These wine windows, once used for quick wine sales in the past, now serve as charming reminders of Florence’s inventive spirit.

Crafting a Classic Negroni

Next, your guide will teach you how to craft a Negroni, Florence’s iconic cocktail. This hands-on element is both fun and practical; you get to learn the proportions and techniques behind mixing a perfect drink. Sipping your freshly made Negroni alongside a baked schiacciata (a crisp, flatbread) offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, giving you a real taste of local aperitivo culture.

Dinner Delights: Pasta and Florentine Steak

The culinary journey takes a satisfying turn when you arrive at a loved local trattoria. Here, the star is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, juicy, perfectly grilled Florentine steak that’s renowned worldwide. Several reviews mention how one bite immediately reveals Florence’s deep love for quality meat, with a reviewer noting, “One bite and you’ll understand the city’s love for meat.” Alongside, you’ll get to enjoy a classic Tuscan pasta dish, showcasing regional ingredients and simple, hearty flavors.

Sweet Ending: Gelato in the Birthplace of the Frozen Treats

No visit to Florence would be complete without sampling gelato—and this tour makes sure you do it justice. A quick stroll takes you to one of the city’s most beloved gelaterias, where the organic, regional ingredients shine in every scoop. Whether you prefer a rich chocolate or a fruity sorbet, you’ll taste the quality that makes Italian gelato a worldwide favorite.

The tour comprises seven main stops, each carefully curated for authenticity and variety:

• Start at Piazza Santo Spirito: Your meeting point and orientation to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere.
• Caffè Notte: Here, you’ll have your first food tasting, including bruschette, cured meats, and cheese, paired with Chianti, giving you a true flavor of Tuscan antipasti.
• Babae: A quick stop for wine tasting at one of Florence’s famous wine windows—an experience many find special due to its historical charm.
• I’ Vinaino di San Frediano: A cozy spot where you’re introduced to more local flavors—perhaps a selection of regional cheeses or charcuterie.
• Bbq Trattoria Barbecue: The largest tasting stop, offering a hearty, grilled dish, and a great chance to enjoy the famed Florentine steak. One review highlights how “the food was delicious and the variety impressive.”
• Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera: The perfect sweet note to finish, with fresh, handcrafted gelato made from regional ingredients.
• Drop-off locations: The tour ends conveniently back at Piazza Torquato Tasso, allowing for an easy extension of your evening.

Authentic family-run venues: Unlike commercialized food tours, this experience emphasizes small, local spots that preserve traditional recipes and cooking methods. Several reviewers mention the value of visiting places they hadn’t found on their own, with one noting “Mari Lisa was lovely and showed me somewhere I hadn’t been before.”

Knowledgeable guides: The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, sharing insights about Florence’s culinary traditions and neighborhood history. One reviewer appreciated how much “Paulo gave us so much information as we walked about.”

Variety and quality of tastings: From cured meats and cheeses to wine, cocktails, pasta, steak, and gelato—there’s a good balance of savory and sweet. The guide ensures you get over 8 tastings and 6 drinks in total, all at a reasonable price of $124.61 per person. Considering the quality and authenticity, it’s a strong value proposition.

Small group intimacy: Limited to a small number of participants, the tour allows for more interaction, tailored suggestions, and a relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers commonly mention how this enhances the experience, making it feel more like a friendly evening out than a tour.

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Practical Considerations

While most appreciated the pacing and variety, a few reviewers mentioned minor drawbacks. For instance, one noted that at a particular stop, bread was a little stale, and there was no olive oil on the table. These small details remind us that, like any experience, it’s not perfect, but they’re unlikely to detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.

The tour involves walking at a moderate pace around Oltrarno, so comfortable footwear and stamina are recommended. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or strollers, but it is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, and pregnant women. Be sure to inform the guides about dietary restrictions beforehand.

Value for Money

At just over $124, the tour packs in a wealth of local flavors and cultural insights. The inclusion of 8+ tastings and 6 drinks—from wine to cocktails—offers an immersive experience that would be hard to replicate on your own, especially considering the guided commentary and small-group intimacy. The chance to learn how to make a Negroni and get personalized recommendations on Florence’s best bites enhances the value further.

This tour is ideal for those seeking an authentic taste of Florence in a relaxed, intimate setting. Food lovers wanting to explore beyond tourist traps, wine enthusiasts eager to taste regional varieties, or curious travelers interested in local traditions will find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided insights and small-group atmospheres. If you’re after a quick, superficial overview, this might be too detailed, but if you want to truly connect with Florence’s culinary heartbeat, this is a memorable choice.

This Florence food and wine tour in Oltrarno offers a genuine, flavorful glimpse into Tuscany’s culinary culture through a carefully curated sequence of tastings, drinks, and local stories. The small-group setting, expert guides, and focus on family-run venues elevate this experience above standard food tours. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or early evening if you love exploring authentic local flavors with a relaxed, friendly vibe.

While it involves walking and some wine stops, the overall value and depth of experience make it well worth considering for anyone who wants a meaningful taste of Florence’s food scene. Perfect for curious foodies, wine lovers, or travelers eager to see a different side of this beautiful city.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable yet immersive experience.

Where does the tour start?
Meet at Piazza Santo Spirito, 12, 15 minutes before the scheduled start. The guide will be holding a red bag or Devour Tours sign.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pregnant travelers. However, vegans or those with celiac disease might find it less suitable.

Are children allowed on the tour?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 14, mainly because of the wine stops and walking involved.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, it’s a walking tour. You’ll explore the neighborhood on foot, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price covers all tastings and drinks listed. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if I have food allergies?
Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour and inform the guide in advance.

To sum it up, if you’re after an authentic, flavorful, and fun way to experience Florence’s culinary scene, this tour offers a genuine taste of the city’s beloved local foods and drinks in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s perfect for those keen to explore beyond the typical tourist spots and truly connect with Florence’s flavorful traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: