Florence: Food & Wine Tour in Oltrarno Neighborhood

Exploring Florence can feel overwhelming with its maze of streets and endless culinary choices. This Food & Wine Tour in the Oltrarno neighborhood offers a thoughtfully curated journey into local tastes, perfect for anyone wanting an authentic experience beyond the usual tourist spots.

What we love about this tour? First, it takes you into the heart of Oltrarno, a neighborhood loved for its artisans and genuine vibe. Second, the mix of delicious food and wine, from cured meats to a Florentine steak, makes it a full-flavor adventure. Third, the guide’s local insights add a personalized touch that elevates the experience.

A potential consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking and multiple wine stops, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or little tolerance for alcohol.

This experience is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers eager to explore authentic Florence, or those who want a relaxed, social way to enjoy local culinary gems.

This experience made our article of Florence’s 14 Top Food Tours.

Contents show

Key Points

Authentic Neighborhood: Explore the lively and less touristy Oltrarno area with a local guide.
Diverse Tastings: Sample everything from Tuscan cured meats to regional cheeses and fresh pasta.
Wine & Cocktails: Enjoy Tuscan wines, Prosecco from a famous wine window, and learn how to make a Negroni.
Regional Specialties: Indulge in a Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) and regional gelato.
Small Group: Intimate tours foster better connection and personalized attention.
Flexible & Inclusive: Adaptable for dietary restrictions and non-drinkers, with prior notice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

This 3.5-hour tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the flavors of Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood. Starting at Piazza Santo Spirito—a charming square often less crowded than central Florence—you’ll meet a friendly guide holding a red bag or a Devour Tours sign. The tour begins with a quick introduction to Tuscan cuisine at a tiny corner bar, where you’ll taste classic bruschette, slices of Tuscan salame, and pecorino cheese paired with a glass of Chianti Classico. It’s a perfect way to warm up your palate while soaking in the neighborhood’s authentic atmosphere.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Florence

First Stops: Food and Wine Tasting

From there, just a short walk takes you to a famous wine window—a charming, historical feature of Florence’s streets—where you’ll sip Prosecco. This quick stop offers a glimpse into Florence’s wine culture, blending history with a celebratory drink. One reviewer noted this as a highlight, describing the Prosecco as a fun, quick indulgence.

Next, at BABAE, you’ll get to learn how to craft a Negroni—a quintessential Florentine cocktail. Mixing your own drink, alongside freshly baked schiacciata (a rustic flatbread), makes for a fun, hands-on experience that gets your taste buds ready for the feast ahead. The flatbread is described as crisp outside and soft inside, soaking up all those savory flavors, which makes it the perfect aperitivo.

Midway: Local Culinary Gems

The tour then shifts to a beloved local spot to sample Tuscan pasta—think simple, hearty, and freshly made. We loved the way this stop showcased true regional flavors, a hallmark of Florence’s culinary scene. Another reviewer pointed out that the variety of foods and wines, combined with a knowledgeable guide like Paulo, made for a delightful evening.

The Main Event: Florentine Steak

No trip to Florence would be complete without trying its signature bistecca alla fiorentina. The tour’s final dinner stop is a celebrated trattoria known for serving an impeccable, perfectly cooked Florentine steak. The size and quality of this cut, paired with local wines, leave many visitors understanding why this dish is a regional treasure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sweet Finish: Gelato

As the tour winds down, a quick stroll takes you to Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera, where you can choose a gelato flavor made with organic, regional ingredients. It’s a sweet, refreshing ending and a must-do in Florence—the birthplace of gelato. Several reviews highlight how good the gelato is here, and it’s a fitting way to cap off a day of indulgence.

Hungry for more Florence flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Itinerary Breakdown

Start: Piazza Santo Spirito, 12—meet 15 minutes early.
Caffè Notte: Food tasting (30 minutes). Tasting classic Tuscan bites in a cozy, local setting.
BABAE: Wine tasting (15 minutes). Sampling Prosecco at a historic wine window.
I’ Vinaino di San Frediano: Food tasting (30 minutes). More regional dishes and a chance to experience Florence’s culinary side-street.
Bbq Trattoria Barbecue: Food tasting (40 minutes). The highlight with Florentine steak and traditional pasta.
Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera: Gelato tasting (10 minutes). Organic, regional flavors to finish your tour.
Drop-off: Near Piazza Torquato Tasso, returning to the meeting point.

Inclusions & Practicalities

With 8+ tastings and 6 drinks, this tour offers great value—especially considering the depth of local flavors and expert guidance. The small-group format enhances interaction, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized insights.

Not included are hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you’ll need to meet at the designated spot. Arrive 15 minutes early to find your guide easily. The tour operates in English and is suitable for most able-bodied guests, though not for those with mobility impairments or strollers. Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice, including options for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, and non-drinkers.

Authentic Insights from Other Travelers

Reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and friendly manner as a key highlight. Julie appreciated the guide Mari Lisa for showing her parts of Florence she hadn’t seen before, though she felt the experience was not quite worth the cost. Margaret pointed out that Jessica was a “great guide” and that the group was enjoyable, but she observed that the bread during one stop could have been fresher. Christine praised Paulo for his knowledge and the variety of foods and wines, making it a truly delightful evening.

The mix of classic dishes and local wines, plus a small group size, seems to foster a warm, engaging environment. Guests generally leave feeling they’ve gained a deeper appreciation of Florence’s culinary traditions, often complemented by new friends made along the way.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This food and wine experience is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Florence without the hassle of navigating alone. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in regional dishes like Florentine steak and regional pasta, paired with local wines, all in a friendly, relaxed setting.

It suits adults who enjoy good company, culinary discovery, and a bit of walking. If you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the quality of tastings and the expertise of guides like Paulo and Jessica. It’s also a great choice if you want an evening activity that combines culture, history, and gastronomy without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Florence food and wine tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience authentic local flavors in the heart of Oltrarno. From learning to make a Negroni to sinking your teeth into a juicy bistecca, the experience balances fun, education, and deliciousness in a cozy setting.

The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it feel personalized and genuine, with many travelers noting how informative and friendly their hosts were. The variety of tastings, from cured meats to gelato, ensures you leave with a true taste of Florence’s culinary soul.

While the tour involves some walking and wine stops, those who enjoy a leisurely, social food adventure will find it both enjoyable and worthwhile. It’s a fantastic opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Florence’s culinary traditions while making some new friends along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable duration for an evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Piazza Santo Spirito, 12, and ends back at the same location, near Piazza Torquato Tasso.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour can accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-alcoholic options if informed in advance. However, it’s not suitable for vegans or those with celiac disease.

Are children allowed on this tour?
This tour is not suitable for children under 14 years, mainly due to the alcohol stops involved.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since you can reserve without paying immediately and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or strollers, due to the walking involved and the nature of the venues.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, tasty, and sociable way to discover Florence’s culinary side, this tour offers excellent value and genuine experiences in a charming neighborhood.