Florence Market Tour and Pasta Class with Food Author Patrizia

Florence , Italy

Florence Market Tour and Pasta Class with Food Author Patrizia

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About this experience

Meet your host Patrizia near the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. She will guide you through the market, pointing out some of her favorite vendors and products. You will select fresh products to bring home and use for your cooking. After about one hour, you will walk back to Patrizia’s home to begin your hands-on cooking experience.

Once you get to her apartment, Patrizia will teach you authentic Italian dishes from Florence and Italy’s Emilia Romagna Region. You will prepare an appetizer, a first course, typically a fresh pasta like tagliatelle, ravioli, or gnocchi, a second course of meat and dessert!

Patrizia specializes in seasonal dishes that bring out the flavors of the region – in the summer you might make sauces with fresh tomatoes, while in the winter months you might enjoy seasonal vegetables like artichokes. Your cooking class will last about 2 ½ hours before you sit down to enjoy your meal and some delicious Italian wine.

Available options

Market, cooking and lunch

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Local wine (2 glasses)

Private homecooked meal

Gratuities

Private market tour and cooking class with your host Patrizia

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Market Tour

Patrizia is a cookbook author and wine and food journalist who is an expert on traditional Italian food products. She writes for three National Magazines and has traveled all around Italy and Europe to discover the highest quality food products. Patrizia’s mother was from Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s most important region for traditional home made pasta, and she learned to hand-make pastas such as tagliatelle as a young child.

Married with an 18-year old daughter, Patrizia’s passion for food and cooking led her to start teaching cooking lessons in her home. She loves to teach cooking classes and meet new people from all around the world, and is curious about other cultures.

Please note: This experience includes 2 glasses of local wine.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Menu may vary depending on the season

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Private, personalized experience

There will be a small amount of walking, about 15 minutes, back to Patrizia’s home, so you should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some light exercise. Patrizia lives on the second floor of an apartment building so you will need to climb some stairs to enter her home.

Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.

Meeting point

For your market tour, Patrizia will meet you in front of Caffè Cibreo, close to the Sant'Ambrogio Market. Caffè Cibreo is located on Via Andrea del Verrocchio.

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Patrizia at +39 348 7757371, or by email at patrizia.cantini@gmail.com

Address: Via Ricasoli 29, Florence Italy 50122

Meeting Instructions: For your market tour, Patrizia will meet you in front of Caffè Cibreo, close to the Sant'Ambrogio Market. Caffè Cibreo is located on Via Andrea del Verrocchio. A link to the cafe's address is: https://goo.gl/maps/A6Lmruy5ymt

Patrizia's home is located in the city center of Florence. Via Ricasoli leads from the Cathedral to San Marco Square.
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

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