Wanna Be Italiano - The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
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5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Learn the art of Tuscan cooking on this 5 hour market visit and cooking class in Florence. Led by local chefs, visit Florence’s Central Market to choose fresh ingredients and then prepare a classic Tuscan lunch in the cooking school kitchen. Create dishes such as ‘bruschetta’ (tomato-topped grilled bread) and homemade pasta and dessert watched by your chefs, and savor your meal with your fellow cooks and unlimited glasses of Chianti wine before receiving a diploma and recipe booklet.
Numbers are limited to 20 for this small-group class to ensure a personalized experience.
Available options
Market Tour & Tuscan Cooking
9am Cooking Class: Explore Florence’s market, cook pasta, ragù, pesto & tiramisu. A 5h hands-on experience for all – with lunch & unlimited wine
Pasta & Gelato in 3 Hours
Short on time? Skip the market: just pure kitchen fun! Make fresh pasta, watch gelato demo & enjoy your meal with wine. Includes recipes & certificate.
What's included
Food tastings at school
Guests booking dates before March 2026 will join the current cooking class as described above
Unlimited glasses of Chianti wine with lunch
Central food market guided visit (depending on the purchased option)
Starting March 2026 you’ll prepare Nonna’s Lasagna from scratch
Recipe booklet in digital format so you can recreate them once you're home
Cooking lesson with local chef
Graduation diploma
Suitable for vegetarians! (No meat or fish; some dishes contain eggs (please notify us in advance)
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
897 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
652 reviews
5★
624
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Vegetarian cooking classes can also be catered for, please specify when booking
Please note that when Florence Central Market is closed (on Sundays and bank holidays), the market visit will be replaced by a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking class school
We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
Children/teens under 18 y.o. must always be accompanied by at least one adult. If this requirement is not met, we reserve the right to exclude the under age participant and no refund will be due
COMING IN MARCH 2026: This experience will be upgraded to The Original Cooking Class with NONNA'S LASAGNA & Local Market Tour. From that date, you’ll learn to prepare Nonna’s Lasagna from scratch (fresh pasta, ragù, besciamella souce), enjoy a curated Tuscan wine pairing including dessert wine, and receive a digital recipe booklet. Please note: guests booking dates before March 2026 will enjoy the current cooking class inclusions listed above.
Not suitable for Celiacs
Eggs cannot be excluded from the meal since having some dishes containing them.
Meeting point
Towns of Italy cooking school is located in Via Panicale 43 red (close to Central Market)
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starting time
Important notes
Towns of Italy cooking school is located in Via Panicale 43 red (close to Central Market)
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starting time
About Florence
Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it's home to iconic masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
Duomo
The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, offers panoramic views of the city.
Architecture/Religious
2-3 hours
Free to enter the cathedral, €18 for the climb to the dome
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Museum/Art
2-3 hours
€20
Ponte Vecchio
A medieval stone bridge famous for its jewelry shops. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.
Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Piazzale Michelangelo
A panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Florence. It's a perfect spot for sunset and photography.
Scenic Viewpoint
1-2 hours
Free
Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
€16
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a must-try for meat lovers.
Dinner
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Ribollita
A hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally made with leftover bread and vegetables. It's a classic Florentine dish.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, can be made vegan
Lampredotto
A Florentine street food made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. It's typically served in a sandwich.
Lunch
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Cantucci
Almond biscotti traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. They are crunchy and perfect for dipping.
Dessert
Contains almonds, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tuscan countryside
Cycling tours
Hot air balloon rides
Wine tasting tours
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through the gardens of Villa medici
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending opera or concerts
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Florence is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Florence Airport • 5 km from city center
- Pisa International Airport • 85 km from city center
By train
Santa Maria Novella Station
By bus
Villa Costanza Bus Station, Florence Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and is the primary mode of public transport. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Santa Maria Novella
Oltrarno
San Lorenzo
Santa Croce
Day trips
Siena
70 km from Florence • Half day to full day
A medieval city known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year.
Pisa
85 km from Florence • Half day
Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers a mix of historic sites and scenic views.
Chianti Wine Region
30-50 km from Florence • Full day
A picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
Festivals
Festa di San Giovanni • June 24
Calcio Storico Fiorentino • June (dates vary)
Firenze dei Fiori • April to June
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to save time and avoid long queues
- Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the Oltrarno neighborhood and the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio
- Try local specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Lampredotto
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
