Florence may not be the capital city or the business hub, but it is the pulsing heart of Tuscany and central Italy.Recently being mentioned the New York Times Where to go in Florence gives the reader insight into the revamped area of San Lorenzo sharing a list of new restaurants, caffs and gelati parlours that are stylish and geared to locals and tourists alike.Since the opening of the new of the top floor of the Central Market Mercato Centrale in 2014 - the San Lorenzo neighbourhood has had a considerable make over. Gone are a lot of the market stalls making it easy to access the Mercato Centrale without too many distractions.A great way to explore this area is to do a Florence Market and Gourmet Food Tour for a morning in the San Lorenzo area.Prepare yourself to have all of your senses heightened and ignited on the Florence Market and Gourmet Food Tour. Your guide will give you a detailed history into the central market where you will start off with a tour of the new first floor of the market for a coffee or cappucino and some time to browse the various shops working up an appetite.The real Italian food market experience awaits you downstairs where the shops upstairs, local restaurants and Florentines come to buy only the freshest ingredients brought in before dawn from local producers. Enjoy the vibrant, lively market experience with tastings of speciality products such as wild boar prosciutto, pecorino sheep cheese and fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables.After the market tour you will visit a more refined gourmet food shop and learn about what staple produce is used for traditional Tuscan recipes. You will have time to purchase unique gourmet gifts to take back home. At the end of your Florence Market and Gourmet Food Tour you will be accompanied to a local trattoria where you can dine on the traditional Tuscan dishes you have encountered during the morning.What better way to explore the traditional Italian market with a local food expert getting to know local vendors and shop owners who take pride in guaranteeing only the very best, local fresh produce.
