Genoa Food Tour (A Small Kitchen in Genoa)

The Genoa Food Tour from A Small Kitchen in Genoa is a 2.5-hour morning walk through the city centre of Genoa, in Italy's Liguria region, led by Enrica Monzani, who runs the small business. The tour is conducted in English, and private tours in Spanish can be arranged. The group is capped at eight guests and runs with at least four. The route covers about 2 km at a slow pace through the old town and is not suited to people with mobility restrictions, because of its length, steps and cobbled lanes. The meeting point is given only as the city centre and is confirmed on booking. Guests taste at least seven sweet and savoury samples, so the balance is broad rather than purely savoury. Tastings include gelato, fresh focaccia, basil pesto made in a mortar, local cheeses and salami, and sciamadda and friggitoria street food, the small fried-food shops and wine-and-snack counters typical of the Genoese old town. Stops take in confectioners, a chocolate factory, spice shops and the historic vegetable market. Farinata, fritters and pansoti, the walnut-sauce filled pasta, are discussed along the way. Beverages and wine are not included, and transit is not needed because the walk is on foot. The tour costs €97 (about $112) per person; children under 12 pay €60 (about $69) and under-fives are free. A full refund is available if the booking is cancelled more than 48 hours before. Optional add-ons include a pesto class from €90 (about $104) or a three-wine tasting from €40 (about $46). Vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan options can be arranged on request, though allergen safety at third-party stops cannot be guaranteed, so guests with serious allergies should discuss this with the operator in advance at enrica@asmallkitcheningenoa.com. Visitors usually arrive with an appetite and comfortable walking shoes, and the small group size allows questions and photographs at the market and shops.