Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing

Experience the lively heart of Florence with the Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing. Priced at $34.91 per person, this engaging 2.5-hour adventure combines delicious local foods with visits to historic sites, all led by a knowledgeable guide. Starting near Santa Maria Novella station, the tour takes you through bustling markets, historic churches, and famous piazzas, offering a genuine taste of Florence’s culture. The small group size, capped at 15 travelers, ensures a personalized experience, perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike. While the tour takes place rain or shine, it is an ideal way to explore Florence’s most iconic sights and savor its culinary delights in just a few hours.

This tour is best suited for those eager to combine sightseeing with authentic Tuscan street foods, including fresh focaccia, artisan salami, aged cheeses, and Tuscan wine. With a well-paced itinerary and expert guidance, visitors gain insight into Florence’s history and culinary traditions. However, it’s worth noting that vegans, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets are not accommodated, and extra drinks are not included in the price. This tour offers excellent value, especially for those wanting a compact but rich experience of Florence’s sights and flavors.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-reviewed: Priced at $34.91, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 2 reviews
• 2.5-hour guided experience: Combines sightseeing and street food tasting in Florence’s old city
• Visiting top landmarks: Includes stops at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, Mercato Centrale, Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the Duomo
• Authentic Tuscan flavors: Tastes include fresh focaccia, artisan salami, cheeses, seasonal fruits, pasta, gelato, and cantucci dipped in Vin Santo
• Expert local guides: Guides like Paulo and Lucrezia share insights, friendly personalities, and personal stories
• Small group size: Max 15 travelers for a more intimate and personalized experience

Starting Point: Piazza dell’Unità Italiana

The tour begins at the obelisk in Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, a central location near Santa Maria Novella station. This spot is easy to access via public transportation and offers a scenic introduction to Florence’s vibrant piazzas. When the tour starts, expect a warm welcome from your guide, who is familiar with the local history and the city’s hidden corners.

Exploring Florence’s Historic Market: Mercato Centrale

The Mercato Centrale is one of Florence’s oldest markets and a lively hub of activity. Spread across two levels, it features traditional stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. The guide leads you through the bustling space, where you get to sample seasonal fruits and meet friendly vendors. The market’s vibrant atmosphere offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Florentine life.

Visiting the Basilica di San Lorenzo

Next, the Basilica di San Lorenzo stands out as one of Florence’s most significant churches. Built originally in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 15th, this church is closely connected to Medici patrons. The quick 10-minute visit allows you to admire its historic architecture and understand its role in Florentine religious and civic life.

Photographing Florence’s Iconic Duomo

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo, is a Renaissance masterpiece. The tour includes a 10-minute stop to appreciate its massive red-tiled dome, engineered by Brunelleschi. The exterior showcases Gothic architecture and intricate marble façades, making it one of Florence’s most recognizable landmarks and perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Piazza della Signoria: Florence’s Political Heart

The Piazza della Signoria serves as Florence’s main square, where Renaissance art and history converge. The guide highlights key features like Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall, adorned with statuary that exemplifies Florence’s artistic legacy. A brief 10-minute visit allows for some photo opportunities and a sense of the city’s civic history.

The Myth of Porcellino

Near Mercato Nuovo, the Porcellino bronze statue of a wild boar is a charming stop. Tradition says rubbing the boar’s snout brings good luck and ensures a return to Florence. Travelers often take a moment here to follow the local custom, making this stop both fun and memorable.

Passing by Museo Casa di Dante

While the Casa di Dante is only passed by during the tour, its location near Dante’s historic neighborhood makes it a notable mention. The museum is dedicated to the poet Dante Alighieri, famous for The Divine Comedy, and adds literary flavor to the sightseeing route.

Visiting Basilica of Santa Croce

The tour concludes at the Basilica di Santa Croce, often called the “Temple of the Italian Glories.” It houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, making it a monument to Italy’s greatest figures. The 15-minute stop allows for contemplation and admiration of the gothic architecture and artistic treasures.

Authentic Tuscan Food and Wine Tasting

Throughout the tour, the guide leads you through street food tastings that include crispy fried dough bites with creamy stracchino and flavorful truffle spreads. At the San Lorenzo Market, you also enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and have the chance to sip a glass of Tuscan wine. These offerings deepen your appreciation of Florence’s culinary heritage. The focus remains on local, handmade flavors that capture the essence of Tuscany.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is based on a mobile ticket, making check-in straightforward. It starts at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana and ends at Basilica di Santa Croce, ensuring a logical route through Florence’s historical center. The maximum group size of 15 travelers promotes a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. The tour runs rain or shine, so it’s wise to dress appropriately for the weather.

Guide Personalities and Guest Experience

Both guides, Paulo and Lucrezia, earn praise for their friendly, knowledgeable, and personable approach. They share insights about the city’s history, architecture, and food culture, making the experience not just about tasting but also about understanding Florence’s soul. Lucrezia’s warmth and Paulo’s local expertise stand out as key elements that enhance the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided mix of sightseeing and street food tasting appeals to foodies, history lovers, and first-time visitors who want a manageable and rich introduction to Florence. The small group size allows for a more intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer a less crowded environment. However, it’s important to note that the tour does not accommodate vegan, gluten, or dairy-free diets and extra drinks are not included.

Final Thoughts on the Florence Old City Street Food Tour

For a value-conscious option that combines iconic sights with local culinary delights, this tour delivers well. The expert guides and authentic flavors create a memorable journey through Florence’s cultural and gastronomic landscape. Its brief but comprehensive itinerary leaves travelers with a good sense of the city’s history, art, and food in just over two hours.

Perfect for those seeking an engaging, small-group experience that balances sightseeing with tasting some of Florence’s best street foods and wines. While not tailored for special dietary needs, the tour’s affordability and rich content make it a strong choice for most visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana and ends at Basilica di Santa Croce.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a local guide, street food tastings, and a sip of Tuscan wine.

Are there any dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour does not accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.

Can I participate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine.

What are the key landmarks visited?
Stops include Obelisk of Piazza dell’Unità, Mercato Centrale, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Porcellino, and Basilica of Santa Croce.

Is the group size small or large?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 19 days in advance for this popular experience.

Is there a guide personality I can expect?
Guides like Paulo and Lucrezia are praised for their friendly and informative manner.

What sets this tour apart?
The combination of iconic Florence sights with local street food tasting in a small group provides an intimate, flavorful overview of the city’s culture and cuisine.