Italy Like a Local: 5 Best Food Tours in Tuscany
Tuscany, the heartland of Italy, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its exceptional cuisine. If you’re a food lover seeking an immersive experience in this world class gastronomic region, food tours offer a fantastic way to explore Tuscany’s culinary treasures.
From rustic trattorias and bustling markets, to artisanal cheese makers, here’s a guide to some of the best food tours you can book in Tuscany. They will leave your taste buds craving more and your camera rolls bursting with incredible food shots.
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1. Florence: Sunset Food and Wine Tour
Why Go? Florence, the Renaissance jewel, is also a gastronomic delight. This tour combines the city’s rich history with its vibrant food scene. Experience Florence’s secrets and rich culinary heritage including historic wine windows and the finest Tuscan specialties. Indulge in fresh pasta cooked by a local chef, traditional Tuscan zero-waste soup, and other local delicacies, all while exploring Florence’s vibrant nightlife and tasting its rich culture and flavors. Plus, visit a centuries-old wine cellar and sip on innovative Super Tuscan wines.
CLICK HERE: Book Florence Sunset Food and Wine Tour with Eating Europe NOW
What to Expect:
- Visit Florence’s Official Wine Windows and a secret centuries-old wine cellar
- Savor artisanal cheese freshly sliced cured meats made by local producers
- Learn to make a perfect Negroni, Florence’s most famous cocktail
- Sip on the best of Tuscan wines, from Chianti Classico to Super Tuscans
- Taste a real gelato and learn the difference from the ”fake” one
Highlight: The chance to explore Florence’s culinary secrets with knowledgeable guides who can offer insights into both the food and the city’s history. 14 samples at 6 different tasting locations!
CLICK HERE: Book Florence Sunset Food and Wine Tour with Eating Europe NOW
2. Siena: A Wine Tour and Tasting Experience
Why Go? Siena, famous for its medieval charm, offers a unique blend of food and tradition that’s distinct from its Tuscan neighbors. Tuscany is world-renowned for its wine, so ensure you get an insider’s glimpse into the industry during a tasting tour of the vineyards surrounding Siena. Receive personalized attention in a small group as you visit a historical cellar and educate your palate to recognize subtle flavors with the help of a sommelier.
CLICK HERE: Book Siena: A Wine Tour and Tasting Experience NOW
What to Expect:
- Escape the city and explore the vineyards surrounding Siena with ease
- Educate your palate to recognize subtle flavors with the help of a sommelier
- Sample at least four local wines and enjoy a light Tuscan lunch
- Receive personalized attention in a small tour group
- Take part in a guided visit to the organic vineyards and a wine cellar
Highlight: The opportunity to master traditional Sienese recipes and take home a taste of Siena. Enjoy a sensorial tasting of 4 organic wines, all typical of the area. Finish with a light lunch with fresh seasonal Tuscan excellence.
CLICK HERE: Book Siena: A Wine Tour and Tasting Experience NOW
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3. Chianti: Tuscany Vespa Tour Through the Hills of Chianti
Why Go? Chianti, the iconic wine region, is synonymous with Tuscan vineyards and exquisite wines. Take a joy ride through the famous Chianti wine country, traveling in true Italian style on a classic Vespa scooter. Feel the Tuscan sun and breeze as you zip around hills and vineyards, taste some wine and extra virgin olive and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch.
CLICK HERE: Book Tuscany Vespa Tour Through The Hills of Chianti NOW
What to Expect:
- Vineyard Visits: tour local wineries and taste a range of Chianti wines, from robust reds to elegant blends.
- Explore the Chianti countryside on a fun and nimble Italian scooter
- Pit stops include wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting, and Tuscan lunch
- Scenic Drives: experience the picturesque Chianti landscape, with rolling hills and charming villages.
Highlight: Immersing yourself in the world of Chianti wine, with guided tastings and pairings that enhance your appreciation of this famed region. Eat at a Tuscan villa: light lunch is offered with wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting.
CLICK HERE: Book Tuscany Vespa Tour Through The Hills of Chianti NOW
4. Pisa Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience
Why Go? While Pisa is known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Get to know Pisa through its food on a walking tour around the city center. You’ll learn about the local cuisine, culture, and culinary history of restaurants and other food venues as you sample a variety of items at some of the best places.
CLICK HERE: Book Pisa Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience NOW
What to Expect:
- Pisa Delights: Sample local specialties like cecina (chickpea flour pancake) and freshly baked focaccia.
- Walking tour in Pisa gives you a glimpse of the local lifestyle
- Explore with a guide to learn about the food scene
- Enjoy food tastings at five stops
- Small group provides a more personalized experience
Highlight: A blend of historical exploration with culinary discovery in this charming Tuscan city.
CLICK HERE: Book Pisa Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience NOW
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5. Montepulciano Wine Tour: Ebike Experience
Why Go? For wine enthusiasts, Montepulciano is a must-visit destination, renowned for its exceptional wines. Rent an electric bicycle in Montepulciano and visit the wineries of Tuscany without getting too tired. Thanks to the extra sprint it gives you over hilly terrain, the electric bike is the perfect way to explore the country lanes and soak up the landscape of the famous wine region. Following a planned route, you will be able to visit a selection of local wineries and enjoy two wine tastings in their cellars.
CLICK HERE: Book Montepulciano Wine Tour: Ebike Experience NOW
What to Expect:
- Winery Tours: Visit famous wineries producing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
- Combine training in the great outdoors with Tuscan wine
- Food Pairings: Savor local dishes paired perfectly with these renowned wines.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside as you travel through the rolling vineyard hills.
Highlight: The opportunity to taste some of Tuscany’s finest wines in their region of origin, paired with delicious local fare. Protect yourself with the supplied helmet while pedaling. In case of rain, use the raincoat provided. Ride at your own pace on a path created by the operator.
CLICK HERE: Book Montepulciano Wine Tour: Ebike Experience NOW
6. Tuscan Cooking Class – Traditional 5 Course Menu
Why go? Discover the secrets to Tuscan cuisine during a small-group cooking class in Montepulciano. With the careful guidance of your host, learn how to prepare an appetizer, two types of fresh pasta with sauces, and an iconic dessert. Once everything is ready, sit down with your classmates and enjoy your handmade Italian feast. Afterward, you’re ready to impress your friends and family back home.
CLICK HERE: Book Tuscan Cooking Class Traditional 5 Course Menu NOW
Highlights:
- Learn how to make traditional Italian cuisine using organic sustainably sourced ingredients
- Taste locally produced red and white wines
- Prepare and enjoy a 5-course lunch
- Get the personalized experience of a small group
What to expect:
Have fun while learning how to cook in an engaging, familiar, and friendly atmosphere. Giacomo, Chef & Sommelier, will lead you on a complete food and wine pairing journey! He will tell you all about his organic farm and Sustainable Production Systems. One of your goals will be acquiring the skill to choose the best ingredients to prepare your dishes at home.
At the end you’ll taste: Appetizer – Pappardelle and its sauce, Gnocchi and its sauce, Main course (meat and vegetables). A glass of selected local wine will be paired to each dish, to transform a simple lunch into a real, exciting “Sensorial Path”! Finally you will taste the Tiramisù, sitting relaxed on the terrace whilst enjoying the amazing views.
CLICK HERE: Book Tuscan Cooking Class Traditional 5 Course Menu NOW
Tips for a Great Tuscany Food Tour Experience:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many tours involve walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Bring a Camera: Capture the picturesque landscapes and delicious dishes.
- Stay Hydrated: Tuscany can be quite warm, so drink plenty of water, especially in between wine tastings! Pro tip: Public water fountains in Italy are a safe and popular way to refill your water bottles.
- Be Open-Minded: As always – embrace new flavors and experiences for a truly memorable tour.
Best Food Tours in Tuscany
Tuscany is a region that delights in its culinary diversity, and these food tours offer a delicious way to experience its essence.
Whether you’re wandering through Florence’s markets, savoring Chianti wines, or exploring Tuscan farms, each tour provides a unique window into the heart of Tuscan cuisine. Buon appetito!
Image source: Viator and Unsplash
Have you had amazing experience joining a food tour in Tuscany? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. We’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through the link provided, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support in running this blog!
