Out-of-bitten-track Tuscany food tours
By: Patricia

By Serena Giovannoni

Tuscany is one of the best regions of Italy to go for food tours, both around cities and countryside. If many historical city centres, such as in Florence, Lucca and Siena, yet preserve the traditional artisanal shops and workshops, there are many foody trails in the outdoor areas you cannot miss. Moreover, Tuscany has a wide variety of wine terroirs and many Slow-Food associated typical products, which will make your explorations unique. Here are my five most favourite out-of-beaten-tracks food tours.

Garfagnana Tour

This area, half an hour drive from Lucca, is enclosed by the Apuan Alps on one side and the Apennines on the other. It has been secluded to modern living for a long time and this way it has preserved many different small autochthones productions, such as the “ottofile” eight-raws-corn, which is only to be find on its hillsides. Garfagnana is mostly visited by food lovers for porcini mushrooms and chestnuts in Autumn, but also for food festivals in Summer, such as the most sought after “crisciolette” (corn and wheat flour flat bread cooked with bacon on hot iron slabs). In your food tour you cannot miss a visit at Bazzone Ham or typical cheese workshops, chestnut flour mill and stop to some typical recipes at Osteria Vecchio Mulino, which is a must in the area for wine and organic food tasting.



Credits: Osteria Vecchio Mulino

Versilia marble quarry tour

Versilia is stretching for ten kilometres along the coast of Northern Tuscany backed by the Apuan Alps and limited by the Massaciuccoli lake, famous as the land of Puccini and Michelangelo’s white marble. Here you cannot miss a visit to the stunning marble quarries of Fantiscritti and to the old village of Colonnata, where, since Roman’s time, local people produce a very tasty lard, marinated in marble basins. Strolling around the tiny centre, you will easily find lard and other typical food shops and owners will be happy to show you their workshops and describe the making-of process.

Northern Maremma tour

Northern Maremma has now become fashionable for super Tuscan wines, scented cabernet-sauvignon red wines, from the most prestigious ones, such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia, to other new labels whose wineries are worth a visit, such as Gualdo del Re in Suvereto. Start your quest from Bolgheri and drive down to Suvereto through Castagneto Carducci and Sassetta to taste the best glasses and on your way do not forget to make a tour of some of the most charming villages in Tuscany.

Pise countryside

This wide area is developing from Pise to Volterra and San Gimignano surroundings. You cannot miss the best maitre chocolatier in Cascine di Buti, at Trinci’s, and in Navacchio at De Bondt’s, where you could have the chance to put hands-on and attend a chocolate tasting workshop. Then drive up to Lari medieval hamlet to assist to the making-of durum wheat pasta at Martelli. On your way to Volterra and San Gimignano stop for honey tasting at one of the several farms. This area is particularly renown for fine “millefiori”, thousands flowers, honey to be tasted on bread and fresh pecorino cheese. Last, but not least, discover Saffron spice, that has been cultivated in San Gimignano since 1100, and make a unique tour and tasting at Casanova Pescille farm.

 Credit: DeBondt

San Miniato and Montaione area



San Miniato is an old medieval town, which still preserves tastes and traditions of ancient times. After a visit to its historical centre, start a trip around the surrounding area to find out how the truffle quest takes place with a demonstration by master “tartufai”. Truffle is a precious tuber which can be made into a fine paste or grated upon rice, egg, meat based recipes. The best period for truffle tasting is in November. I suggest to make a reservation at Casamasi restaurant, where Luciana will totally ravish your palate with her delicacies.

About the Blogger:

Serena Giovannoni is settled in Versilia – Northern Tuscany Riviera and manages a young travel consultant agency, Wishversilia, providing personal concierge and wedding planner services. She has worked as a consultant for ten years both in the public and private sectors, in close touch with prestigious Italian and international environments. As Professional Travel Consultant, she mainly deals with the incoming travellers to Tuscany and Versilia, customizing products for different targets.

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