Private Florence Market Tour and Pasta Making Class with Cinzia

Florence , Italy

Private Florence Market Tour and Pasta Making Class with Cinzia

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(8 reviews)

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About this experience

Meet your host Cinzia, a kind and gentle host for whom food is love and life, and explore her favorite local food stores to shop at. Start with a cup of coffee at one of Cinzia's favorite cafes before you visit a high-end, historical supermarket known for its high-quality, specialty products. Next, visit a small family-owned grocery store to pick up fresh vegetables for your cooking class. Depending on the menu, you may make a few additional stops at either a wine, bread, chocolate or cheese shop.

Your hands-on cooking class takes place on the patio in Cinzia’s home. Watch as Cinzia prepares an appetizer for you to enjoy before you roll up your sleeves and learn to cook regional Italian pasta from recipes passed down through generations of Cinzia’s family. You will cook three Italian dishes from scratch including a side or dessert. Choose between a menu of either three handmade pastas and accompanying sauces or a pasta and meat main course. Please note your preference when booking.

Available options

Market + cooking + lunch

Market tour + cooking + dinner

What's included

Private market tour and cooking class with your host Cinzia

Local prosecco and wine (1-2 glasses)

Gratuities

Handmade pasta class

Detailed itinerary

Shop and cook like a local in Florence with your warm host, Cinzia. Meet at the Loggia del Bigallo for a guided walking food shopping tour through a historic neighborhood. Begin with a coffee, then visit La Pegna, a historic specialty products shop. Continue to a family-run grocery shop to pick up fresh ingredients. You may also stop at a wine shop, bakery, or cheese shop. This curated tour lasts ~ 1 hour and covers less than 2 miles.

Next, join Cinzia in her Florence home for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of prosecco and a Tuscan appetizer before cooking traditional dishes using family recipes. Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch (flat, stuffed, or gnocchi) and a classic Tuscan main such as pollo alla cacciatora or make it a pasta class and learn 3 pastas instead! Sit down to enjoy a seasonal Tuscan meal with wine, then finish with a dessert.

Prefer a traditional market? With advance notice, Cinzia can instead meet you at Sant’Ambrogio Market.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Please note just the market experience is unavailable for the months of July and August, as it is too hot.

Please note: Unlike a typical single market tour, this is a tour of several shops that sell high-quality Italian food and produce.

For the cooking class, if you have a preference between learning to cook three pastas or one pasta and a meat main, please include it when making your booking. If you don't include your choice, your host will decide your menu for the day.

Menu varies based on the season

Complimentary transfer from the market to Cinzia’s home is included for up to three guests. For groups of four or more, guests are kindly asked to cover their own transportation to Cinzia’s home, as her car can accommodate a max of 3 guests. Of course, she can help you arrange a taxi.

Meeting point

Meet Cinzia at Loggia del Bigallo, located in front of the Duomo. Address is: Loggia del Bigallo, Piazza San Giovanni, 1, 50122 Firenze FI. She'll be standing in front of the Loggia, located to the right of Black Bar on Via dei Calzaiuoli.

Important notes

Meeting Instructions: Meet your host Cinzia at Loggia del Bigallo, a historical building in the heart of Florence, located in front of the Duomo. The address is: Loggia del Bigallo, Piazza San Giovanni, 1, 50122 Firenze FI. Cinzia will be standing in front of the Loggia, located to the right of Black Bar on Via dei Calzaiuoli. Here is a Google Maps link to the meeting spot: https://goo.gl/maps/FZpYAD99fr92

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your hosts Cinzia at +39(0) 320 530 3173, or by email at lavivandiera66@gmail.com

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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