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FAQs/Expectations/Know Before You Go

Experience Like a Local

What Can You Expect?

Get ready for an incredible experience! Our walking tours are led by local experts who will share fascinating insights into the rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful culinary scene of the area. Dress comfortably for any weather, and enjoy the option of including drinks on some tours! Whether you're considering a move or simply want to explore your new city, our tours offer a perfect blend of information and fun, including unique morning meditation walks and private group options for special occasions!

 

Why Choose a Tour Experience with Sunset Food Tours?

SW Florida isn't just a stunning tourist destination; it's a food lover's dream! From fresh seafood to farm-to-table delights, each city boasts a lively food scene just waiting to be explored. With charming waterfront views and distinct lifestyles, Sarasota and St. Pete are bursting with history and flavor! Is there a food specific to the geographic area? While Sarasota may not be known for a single dish, it shines with a diverse array of international cuisines! Our food tours let you savor the eclectic tastes that define the area, with our restaurant partners offering a delightful variety in every city!

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What Makes us Different?

Several things! On the food tours, there are typically only 3 tastings versus 5 to 7 with other companies. We have worked with local restaurants to create curated samplings of generous portions. Guests often ask for a doggie bag to enjoy the rest of their food later! You may notice people greet or hug the guide along the route. That's because the guide is a beloved local resident of the community and just someone hired to work, that may have actually commuted from another area just to guide your tour. Our local guides are very passionate about their city. You will feel that and it will help you experience the city as they do.

 

Education

Learn about the city's history and culture & local lifestyle. Indulge your taste buds while immersing yourself in the city's culinary delights. As you stroll through historic areas and sample delightful dishes, your knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories and facts. Our tours are designed to provide a comprehensive experience that showcases local lifestyle, incredible views, and beloved landmarks!

 

You Support Local Businesses

By joining our tours, you’re not just enjoying delicious food; you’re also supporting local, family-owned restaurants and cafes! Help the community thrive while savoring the best culinary delights the city has to offer! Our boutique tours provide a relaxed shopping experience with light refreshments, and our scavenger hunts offer both self-guided adventures and team-building options that include food and prizes!

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Cost/Gratuity

Ticket prices vary by experience and include food, sales tax & restaurant service. Beverages are typically a voluntary add-on, and will be paid separately by the guest. Please check your restaurant beverage bill to see if gratuity was already included for the beverage purchase when you pay it. Tipping your tour guide (15%-20%) is customary and appreciated, as it supports their hard work and dedication. Always consider booking directly with us for a savings on the ticket cost.

 

Food Sensitivities

We understand dietary needs! Our restaurant partners can accommodate allergies and sensitivities, but please note that custom plates cannot be arranged. Just let us know your concerns when booking!

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Other Health Concerns

Our tours are strictly no smoking of any kind: tobacco/nicotine products are prohibited. Vaping included. Other guests\  and some guides may have health conditions or allergies that are affected by smoking. Florida has strict smoking laws and it is banned on many beaches, too. 

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Walking/Fitness Level 

Ensure you're ready for a walking adventure! Our tours traverse varied terrain, and while we've had guests on scooters and walkers, if you're recovering from surgery or have mobility issues, we kindly ask you to reschedule for a better experience.


Guide Interaction/Eating/Drinking

The guide will not eat during the tour for a multitude of reasons. It would require the guide to purchase a ticket to cover the expense of the food. The guide is at work and should not be eating or drinking alcohol while on the clock. The guide is responsible for delivering a quality & engaging talk presentation during the walk portions. The seatings at the restaurants are time for the guests to interact with each other and for the guide to have a small respite. Guides are locals so they enjoy eating at, and supporting these restaurants regularly, on their personal time. Some guides have food allergies or other health/dietary concerns so please do not ask the guide to eat. 

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Reviews

Online reviews can genuinely help or hurt a small business. It affects the SEO placement and visibility of a local business. If your experience is not what you expected, please contact me directly at 941.228.9454 to discuss. Please DO take a moment to leave a 5-star review on Google for us: https://g.page/r/CYQ4u0VgvmOnEAE/review. Send us a glowing video review via text to 941.228.9454 and receive $25 as a thank you!

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Transportation

Please note that we do not provide transportation. There are affordable parking options available, and we recommend safe arrangements for your travel if you plan to enjoy drinks.

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Weather

Florida weather is subject to change at any moment and has always been odd. The forecast calls for rain and it never does. Or, it's raining across the street but not on our side. Or, it's beautiful and sunny but suddenly the skies go dark and an unexpected rainshower happens for a few moments. Therefore, we do not rely on weather forecasts and do not cancel tours unless there is extreme or unsafe weather 2 hours prior to start time. Tickets can be transferred to another date, or a gift certificate can be issued. 

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Planning

Tours require a lot of advanced planning behind the scene, including several restaurant reservations. Please do not change your date over and over. Allow yourself extra travel time for traffic delays. Our busy season in SW Florida is December  throu through May. 

 

Cancellation Policy

Plans change, and we get it! Cancellations made with 24 hours' notice can be rescheduled or credited, but last-minute cancellations won't be refunded.

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Referral/Affiliate Program

We love it when guests share their Sunset Food Tours experience! Inquire about our affiliate program and earn $$ directly into your Venmo account.

 

We can't wait to meet you and create unforgettable memories together!

Contact us for your corporate group events, birthdays, anniversaries, other celebrations, date nights, fun w/ friends, relocation tours, fitness/wellness walks, private tours, curated culinary experiences, scavenger hunts and more! 
Are you a travel agent, booking experiences for guests? Please contact me directly to earn a commission.
Call: 941.228.9454-please text or leave a voicemail during the hours of 8am-6pm EST. (As owner, I am often personally in the field, guiding a tour). 

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