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- May 31, 2017, 10:00am
- ☀️ 23 °C
- Altitude: 262 ft
- ItalyTuscanyFlorencePiazza della Signoria43°46’15” N 11°15’23” E
Florence, Italy - Food Market Tour
May 31, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 - 10am
Went first by Gilli's, the oldest cafe in Florence, then to the store selling the candy coated almonds which are used to celebrate milestone events, the local deli where our guide, isabella, took us through each section of a local deli explaining the local products, how they are made and how to select them. Enjoyed some locally produced dark chocolate and moved on to the local cafe for iced coffee and cannoli. We learned that cannoli actually originated in France. Then on to the huge indoor/outdoor market. Indoor we sampled many different salami, including wild boar, different ages of peccorino cheese, different kinds of olives, and Chianti Classico wine. Outside, there were many vendors selling all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as hats, clothing and jewelry. We bought cantaloupe that was the sweetest I have ever eaten! We also bought strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, oranges and of course wine and cheese. The market was full of the smells of all the fresh produce - I would LOVE to have access to a market like that! We saw people sampling cows stomach that was showcased in a large glass deli case, both we all passed on that - but there was every other type of beef, pork, poultry and fish that you could possibly imagine! Our guide, Isabella, was with Urban Adventures and definitely deserves a 5 star rating!
Food Market Tour
After meeting your guide in Piazza della Repubblica, jump right in to the Florence food scene by checking out typical delicatessens where Florentines do their daily shop for fresh produce. Most of the vendors in the delicatessens are the owners of the shops who specialize in the products that they sell, making them the ultimate food experts. Head to an Italian shop that specializes in Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto from some of the best areas in Italy. Enjoy a cappuccino at a boutique chocolate shop, and, of course, try a chocolate or two while you're there. You'll also stop by the oldest wine cellar in Florence, which sits right by the iconic Duomo. Continue by paying a visit to one of Florence’s most vibrant marketplaces. See locals shop for their daily meals and check out a selection of fresh buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, and other cheeses. Taste cured Tuscan prosciutto sliced by hand, fresh bread, and roasted porchetta, as well as sample olives direct from the farmer’s home on the Amalfi Coast. As you go, learn about the traditions behind these foods from your guide. In the indoor part of the market, pass stalls filled with handmade pasta, cheese, fish, meat, and pous ltry. Top off your tour with a glass of wine (or Italian soda) accompanied by toasted bread and seasonal toppings. After two hours, your tour will conclude at your original departure point.Read more