Taste the simple luxuries that locals love, and get private wine tasting to boot!
Highlights
Eat your way across the historic San Lorenzo Market with a private guide, meeting the families who keep Tuscan culinary traditions alive — exclusively for your group.
Taste signature Tuscan delicacies: truffle olive oil, truffle cheese, and aged balsamic vinegar.
Sample multiple regional Tuscan wines paired with your food at a private wine tasting in one of Florence’s oldest wine shops.
Unearth the Medici Family legacy and learn about their profound influence on Florentine food culture.
Mingle with locals at the market’s Bar del Mercato, where the community comes together each morning.
Indulge in real artisan gelato with creative flavors like farm honey and homemade yogurt — and learn how to spot the fake stuff.
Built for families, couples and celebrations, corporate teams, and groups of friends — it’s just your group, your guide, and the city.
Tour Description
Looking for a private food tour in Florence that goes beyond the standard market walk? Our Private Florence Central Market Food Tour combines a hands-on tasting tour of San Lorenzo with a private wine tasting at one of the city’s oldest wine shops — designed exclusively for your group.
Start at the heart of Tuscan food traditions, where you’ll enjoy local cheeses, cured meats, fresh olive oil, a proper Italian coffee, the city’s iconic Lampredotto sandwich, aged balsamic vinegar, and much more. Once you’ve eaten your way through the market, head to a private wine cellar for a curated tasting paired with regional foods. End the way every Florentine finishes a meal — with a real artisan gelato.
Who this private food tour is for
- Families with kids 4 and up — vendors get a kick out of teaching them to taste like Italians
- Couples and celebrations — anniversaries, milestone birthdays, honeymoon mornings in Florence
- Corporate groups and team building — client entertainment, executive offsites, sales incentive trips
- Groups of friends — private celebrations, hen and stag mornings, foodie reunions
- Heritage travellers with Italian roots wanting a deeper connection to Tuscan food traditions
- Wine lovers and foodies drawn to a serious tasting in a historic Florence wine cellar
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-friendly tour. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited at the market — please share dietary restrictions when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk; the company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Why Eat with Us?
- Expert Local Guides — Fun, knowledgeable, English-fluent Florence locals who know every vendor by name
- Florence’s Hidden Gems — Exclusive access to family-run stalls and one of the city’s oldest wine shops
- Culinary Diversity — A full tasting tour plus a serious sit-down wine experience
- Cultural Immersion — Florence through the eyes of a local, with the Medici legacy as a backdrop
- Established Expertise — #1 food and drink experience in Florence for 14 years; 500,000 clients; 25,000 five-star reviews
-
(ages 4+) From €140 per guest
"*" indicates required fields
Free cancellation 7 days in advance for a full refund
❤️ This experience gives back.
Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!
11 countries, 22 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.
EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY
Small Group Tours
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
E-mail: [email protected]
Tour Highlights Include
The Flavors You'll Taste
- Cantucci (Tuscan biscuits) with Vin Santo
- Cannelloni
- Pecorino cheese
- Fresh parmigiano
- Salami and prosciutto
- Bread with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar
- Lampredotto sandwich
- Truffle cheese and truffle olive oil
- Artisan gelato
- Chianti wine
- Regional rosé wine
- Caffè, cappuccino, or prosecco
- Water
Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of authentic Tuscan flavors.
Meeting Point
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini
Florence 50123
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag near the rounded bench.
What’s included in your private booking
- Private Florence food tour and private wine tasting led exclusively for your group
- All food and drink tastings across 6 stops in San Lorenzo Market and a historic wine cellar
- A dedicated English-speaking local guide (other languages on request)
- Flexible date and morning start time
-
7-day cancellation policy for private tours
- Company invoicing, advance payment, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings
- A donated meal via World Central Kitchen with every booking
What Makes San Lorenzo Special
San Lorenzo is Florence’s historic market district, home to the famous Mercato Centrale — the city’s most iconic food market — and the magnificent Basilica di San Lorenzo, once the parish church of the powerful Medici family. For centuries, this bustling area has been where Florentines come to shop, eat, and gather, and its streets still pulse with the energy of daily market life.
Food is at the very heart of San Lorenzo. Inside the 19th-century iron-and-glass market hall, generations of vendors sell fresh produce, cured meats, aged cheeses, truffle products, and Tuscan specialties — many from the same family-run stalls that have served locals for decades. Street-side, you’ll find lampredotto carts dishing out Florence’s beloved tripe sandwiches and bakeries turning out fresh schiacciata. The neighborhood’s wine bars pour local Chianti and Brunello alongside tastings of aged balsamic vinegar and truffle olive oil, offering visitors a chance to taste the simple luxuries that define Tuscan cuisine. With the Medici legacy as its backdrop and the market as its beating heart, San Lorenzo is where Florence’s culinary traditions come alive.
What people are saying
Private tours
A private Florence food tour means just you, your group, and your guide — no strangers, no fixed pace, no compromises. Available for 2 to 8 guests (larger groups accommodated on request) with a flexible morning start time you choose.
How our private tours work
Pick your date and morning start time. We’ll confirm your private guide, route the tour around your group’s interests, and handle every reservation, tasting, and pairing in advance. Pricing is all-inclusive — no hidden fees, no upsells. Your schedule, your pace, your people.
Corporate Florence food tours and team experiences
A private Florence Central Market tour is one of the most memorable corporate hospitality experiences in the city — a relaxed, interactive morning that gets people talking, away from boardrooms and PowerPoints. We offer company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination.
Popular corporate use cases:
- Executive retreats and leadership offsites
- Sales incentive trips and reward experiences
- Client entertainment and partner hosting
- Team building and team socials
- Conference programs and end-of-day experiences
- Board dinners and VIP itineraries
Languages available
English by default. Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German on request. Other languages may be available — please ask when booking.
Get in touch
For private bookings, custom corporate proposals, or specific requests, contact [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.
Why Eat with Us?
#1 food and drink experience in Florence - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!
Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Florence’s food scene.
Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.
Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included
Dining with Purpose
We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.
Looking for a Unique Corporate Experience?
Treat your team or clients to a private food tour tailored to your needs. Flexible group sizes, seamless organization, and unforgettable moments in Europe’s top cities.
Meet Your Local Florence Tour Guides
Our Florence food tours are led by people who've spent their lives eating, cooking, and shopping in this city. Local guides who know every stall by name, wine lovers who can talk Chianti for hours, and home cooks who learned from their nonnas. They skip the tourist traps and take you where Florentines actually gather — because the best way to understand this city isn't in a gallery, it's around a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Tour Information
Is a private food tour in Florence worth it?
Absolutely. A private tour gives your group exclusive access to San Lorenzo’s family-run vendors and one of Florence’s oldest wine cellars, with a flexible pace and a guide focused entirely on you — no strangers, no compromises. It’s the best way to experience the city’s food culture if you’re travelling as a family, a couple, a corporate group, or a circle of friends.
What’s included in the price of the private market tour?
All food and drinks across the market plus a private wine tasting and pairing at a historic wine cellar, your dedicated private guide, and a donated meal via World Central Kitchen. No hidden charges, no upsells.
How long is the tour?
This private food tour runs 3 hours, with morning departures Monday to Saturday at 10:00 am. Custom timings available for corporate groups on request.
What neighborhood does the tour cover?
San Lorenzo — Florence’s historic market district, home to the Mercato Centrale and the Basilica di San Lorenzo, once the parish church of the Medici family.
What is the private group size?
Private bookings are available for 2 to 8 guests. For larger groups, we can arrange a custom experience — get in touch.
How far in advance should I book a private market tour?
We recommend at least 2 weeks ahead. Corporate groups should book 4+ weeks in advance, especially during peak season (April–October).
Can I customize the private tour?
Yes. Stops, pacing, dietary focus, and start time can be adjusted. For corporate or milestone events we can extend the experience, add welcome touches, or build a custom itinerary.
What’s the minimum age?
This tour is suitable from age 4 and up. Vendors love the kids.
Food and Drink
What kind of food will we taste?
A full meal’s worth of Tuscan flavors — cured meats, cheeses, lampredotto, olive oil and aged balsamic, cantucci with Vin Santo, and a curated regional wine flight. Plus real artisan gelato to finish.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Wine, Italian coffee or prosecco, and water — all included in the price. The private wine tasting includes multiple regional Tuscan wines paired with food.
Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited; share dietary restrictions when booking. On a private booking we have more flexibility to plan around dietary needs.
Are portions enough for a meal?
Yes — you’ll eat at least the equivalent of a full meal across the 6 stops.
Booking and Payment
How do I book a private market tour?
Book directly via the Book Private Tour button above, or contact [email protected] / +1 917-909-6432 to discuss custom requirements.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Major debit and credit cards, iDEAL, and Bancontact. Corporate invoicing, advance payment, and purchase orders available on request.
What is the cancellation policy for private tours?
Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.
Do you offer corporate invoicing?
Yes. We handle company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings.
Tour Experience & Expectations
Will the guide speak my language?
All guides are fluent in English. Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German are available on request — let us know when booking.
Will we visit the same places as other tours?
No. The majority of stops on our Florence tours are family-run vendors who work exclusively with us, and on a private booking the route is built entirely around your group.
Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
The market has limited accessibility in places. Please contact us before booking and we’ll plan a route that works.
Do you offer other private food tours in Florence?
Yes. We also run a private sunset food tour, a private dinner tour with truffle and Florentine steak, and a private Oltrarno experience. Contact us to find the right fit for your group.
City Tips
Florence Beyond the Guidebook: Where to Take Guests Who Have Already Done the Obvious
Lampredotto: Florence’s Most Iconic Street Food (And Why It Sounds Worse Than It Tastes)
Sant’Ambrogio Market Is Everything Mercato Centrale Promises to Be (And Isn’t)
Florence After 8pm: Why the Best Meal of Your Trip Starts When the Tourists Go Home
Oltrarno Florence: History, Artisan Crafts, Food, and Things to Do
EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY
Small Group Tours
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
E-mail: [email protected]
