Florence offers more than just Renaissance art and architecture; it’s also a perfect place to enjoy memorable lunch experiences that blend authentic cuisine, scenic views, and local culture. Whether you’re craving a quick bite in a historic setting or a full-day adventure through Tuscany’s vineyards and medieval towns, Florence’s food tours deliver on variety and flavor. We especially love tours like the Florence: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch, which combines sightseeing with a traditional Tuscan winery lunch, and the Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano for its focus on wine and scenic villages. Each experience offers a genuine taste of Tuscany, making your visit to Florence not just art-filled but also flavorful.
Quick Overview
Florence’s lunch tours run the gamut from full-day trips exploring Tuscany’s iconic towns like Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, to half-day vineyard visits with wine tastings and farm-to-table meals. You’ll find guided tours that include walking through medieval villages or cycling and riding Vespa through rolling hills. There are also private horseback rides, truffle hunts, and even vintage car adventures, all centered around authentic Tuscan fare. Now, let’s explore the top lunch experiences in Florence for every taste and style.
1. Florence: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch
At number 1, this full-day guided tour takes you through Tuscany’s most famous sights—Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Siena’s medieval streets, and San Gimignano’s towers. Included in the roughly 12-hour itinerary is a Tuscan winery lunch with wine tasting, which makes the long day worth every penny. The trip is highly rated (4.5/5 from over 7,800 reviews) for its balance of sightseeing and relaxing breaks. You get free time in Pisa and San Gimignano for shopping and photos, with guided tours of Siena’s 14th-century cathedral. The reviews praise the organization, guide quality, and surprisingly good lunch in a Chianti winery. If you’re after a comprehensive day trip that hits the highlights and includes a genuine Tuscan meal, this tour stands out.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a structured, hassle-free day with a taste of Tuscan wine and scenery.
2. Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano
At number 2, this 8-hour tour offers a focused dive into the Chianti wine region. It provides guided visits to two wineries with wine tastings and a full Tuscan lunch. The visit to San Gimignano includes exploring the main squares, shopping, and sampling the famous gelato from Dondoli, a world-champion gelato maker. Guests love the seamless transport and the opportunity to learn about winemaking from local producers. The guide Daniel gets special mention for his expertise, making the day both educational and fun. This tour is perfect if your priority is wine, scenic villages, and authentic food in a compact, well-organized package.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers seeking a relaxed yet informative experience with excellent food.
3. Tuscany Vespa Tour: Lunch & Wine Tasting, Countryside Roads
Number 3 on our list, this Vespa adventure combines sightseeing with the thrill of riding through Tuscany’s rural landscapes. After a quick riding lesson, you’ll zip along scenic country roads, passing olive groves and vineyards. The tour includes a traditional Tuscan lunch and Chianti wine tasting, with the opportunity to take in views few other tours can match. Guests mention the group size of up to 20 makes it lively, and the guides keep everyone safe and informed. It’s a fun, active way to experience Tuscany and suited for travelers looking to combine adventure with gastronomy.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a hands-on experience with stunning scenery and a bit of adrenaline.
4. Horseback Ride in San Gimignano with Tuscan Lunch Chianti Tasting
At number 4, this full-day horseback riding tour is a magical way to see Tuscany’s countryside. The gentle one-hour ride takes you through vineyards and olive groves near San Gimignano, followed by a guided tour of the medieval town. The highlight is the Tuscan light lunch paired with local wines, offering a genuine farm-to-table experience. Small groups (up to 8) make this a personalized adventure, and reviews describe Lorenzo as knowledgeable and attentive. The combination of riding, sightseeing, and tastings makes this tour stand out as a roughly 8-hour option for active travelers.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who love horses and authentic rural experiences combined with great food.
5. Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch in San Miniato
Number 5 offers a truffle hunt with an expert truffle dog in San Miniato, right in the heart of Tuscany’s truffle country. After a walk through the woods, you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring the truffles you’ve discovered, including pasta, bruschetta, and desserts. The experience is hosted at a family farm, allowing for a personal connection to local food traditions. The reviews highlight the fun of hunting, the delicious lunch, and the guide Francesca’s warmth. At just about 3 hours, it’s an intimate, flavorful taste of Italy’s culinary treasure.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies eager to participate in truffle hunting and enjoy an authentic farm lunch.
6. Florence Day Trip: Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena with Lunch
This full-day coach tour (around 12 hours) emphasizes iconic sights like Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, San Gimignano’s towers, and Siena’s cathedral. It includes a traditional Tuscan lunch and visits to wineries. The tour gets praise for its comprehensive itinerary and smooth logistics. Guests appreciate the free time in Siena and San Gimignano, though some find Pisa’s hour-long stop a little rushed. The guide’s commentary and the well-organized schedule make it a good choice for travelers who want a full experience without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a long, diverse day with plenty of historic sights and local food.
7. Full-Day Small-Group Truffle Hunting in Tuscany with Lunch
Number 7, this small-group tour (only eight people) offers a more intimate truffle-hunting experience. Traveling to San Miniato, you’ll meet a truffle hunter and his dog and search through the woods for regional treasures. The two-course lunch includes pasta with truffles and a wine tasting, making it a true culinary adventure in about seven hours. Guests mention the professional guides and the personalized attention as key advantages. This tour suits travelers who want a deluxe, hands-on experience with a focus on local food and nature.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking an exclusive, small-group experience with a passion for truffles.
8. Chianti Wine Tour with Tuscan Lunch Open Top Van
Number 8 offers a half-day scenic drive through Chianti’s villages like Montefioralle and Greve, with visits to two wineries. The open-top minivan provides fantastic photo opportunities en route. The tour includes a tasting lunch at a second winery, offering multiple wines and local dishes. Reviewers praise the beautiful scenery, generous tastings, and relaxed pace. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but a strong interest in wine, food, and scenic villages.
Bottom line: Suitable for those looking for a short, scenic tour with excellent wine and lunch.
9. SMALL GROUP Chianti 2 wineries & lunch (max 8 people)
This intimate tour caps at only eight travelers, focusing on two family-owned wineries in Chianti. You’ll enjoy personalized tastings and stories from winemakers, plus a home-cooked Tuscan lunch. The 5.5-hour experience balances wine education with local cuisine, perfect for those who dislike large groups and want an authentic ambiance. The reviews highlight the friendly guide and quality wines as key advantages. It’s a good pick for wine connoisseurs and food lovers seeking a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a small-group, in-depth wine and lunch experience.
10. From San Gimignano: Tuscany Vespa Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Number 10 offers a half-day Vespa ride starting from San Gimignano. You’ll cruise through vineyard-lined roads, stop for wine and olive oil tastings in San Gimignano, then ride scenic Chianti roads home. Guests praise the easy scooter operation and stunning views, noting the guided stop in San Gimignano for a traditional meal. This tour is suitable for those who want a memorable, active experience in Tuscany.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventure-seeking travelers who want a combination of sightseeing, tasting, and riding.
11. Florence to Tuscany: Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano & Wine + Lunch
This 9-hour tour offers a thorough Tuscany exploration with visits to Siena’s cathedral, San Gimignano, and a wine tasting and seasonal lunch at a family-run vineyard. The small-group setting (up to 14) enhances the experience, with guests praising the enthusiastic guide and well-chosen sites. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, wine, and local food in a manageable day.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a comprehensive, guided day trip with a focus on food and wine.
12. Tuscany E-Bike Tour: from Florence to Chianti with lunch and tastings
Number 12 combines eco-friendly cycling with scenic views. The e-bike makes pedaling easier as you ride past vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop villages. The tour includes a visit to an olive oil mill and a Tuscan lunch at a winery. Guests appreciate the small group size and the guide’s insights, noting the breathtaking scenery. It’s ideal for active travelers who want a mix of exercise, landscape, and local cuisine.
Bottom line: Great for those seeking a healthy, scenic, and flavorful day in Tuscany.
13. Horseback riding & Wine Tasting at Noble Estate
Number 13 is a private half-day experience that combines horseback riding through vineyards and rolling hills with wine tasting at a historic estate. The personalized approach and three Chianti wines paired with snacks make it stand out. Reviewers mention the serene landscapes and friendly hosts as highlights. It’s suited for travelers who want a luxurious, leisurely experience that blends riding, wine, and local snacks.
Bottom line: Perfect for romantic trips or private gatherings seeking a relaxing countryside escape.
14. Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour: Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting
This self-guided vintage Fiat tour combines driving with gourmet food. You follow an expert guide along country roads in Tuscany, stopping for wine and olive oil tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch on the villa grounds. Guests love the fun of driving these iconic cars and the scenic leisurely pace. It’s suited for those who want a relaxed, interactive experience with a dash of nostalgia.
Bottom line: Best for car enthusiasts and travelers looking for a personalized, hands-on culinary adventure.
15. Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
Number 15 provides a casual, fun option for American-style fare in Florence. The set menu offers hearty dishes, perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner in a lively atmosphere. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy music and memorabilia after a day of sightseeing, especially if you’re traveling with kids or prefer a no-fuss meal.
Bottom line: Great for families or those craving comfort food with a lively atmosphere.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interest in wine or truffle hunting, and how much physical activity you want. For a comprehensive day of sightseeing and wine, the Florence: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip offers a good mix. If you prefer a more intimate, culinary-focused experience, the small-group Chianti Wine Tours or Full-Day Small-Group Truffle Hunting might suit you better. Active travelers should consider the Vespa or e-bike tours for scenic rides combined with tastings.
Practical tips include booking early in high season (spring and fall), especially for popular tours like the Horseback Ride in San Gimignano or the Vintage Fiat Tour.
In The Sum Up
Florence’s lunch adventures go far beyond a quick pasta in a trattoria. From full-day explorations of Tuscany to intimate food hunts and adventure-filled rides, there’s something to match every style. For a classic experience, the Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano tour offers a generous taste of history and flavor. If you’re a wine lover seeking a relaxing yet educational day, the Chianti Wineries Tour is hard to beat. For those craving a fun active day, the [Vespa or e-bike tours**] provide scenic rides and delicious meals. Whatever your style, booking early ensures a spot in these sought-after adventures—so plan ahead and enjoy the best of Florence’s fabulous food scene.