Florence Market Tour & Cooking Class in Local Home with Mirella
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This will be a fun filled culinary experience of buying food, talking about food, preparing food and finally eating together with a local culinary expert Mirella!
Explore Sant'Ambrogio, a central market in Florence and visit local producers of oil, fruit and vegetables. On the 30-min drive to Mirella's home, hear about the history of Florentine and Tuscan cuisine. Enter Mirella's kitchen for a hands-on Italian cooking class during which you will learn to make 3-4 dishes that you will later enjoy. Your meal will include an appetizer, homemade pasta, a main and dessert.
Mirella’s approach to cooking has been influenced by both Florentine Renaissance (Tuscan nobility) and her proud Tuscan roots. Mirella uses seasonal ingredients and has a different menu for every season. A sample menu might include bruschetta or vegetable tart, penne with ragù, Tuscan meatballs with seasonal vegetables and cioccolatissimo (decadent chocolate dessert). Enjoy your meal over wine, prosecco and limoncello.
Available options
Florence Market Tour & Cooking Class in Local Home with Mirella
What's included
Hands-on Italian cooking class in a local home kitchen
Guided tour of Sant'Ambrogio, a central market in Florence
Full meal including appetizer, main course, dessert and wine
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Join Mirella for a private, guided market tour in Florence at Sant'Ambrogio, located about 30 minutes from her home. Here, you’ll connect with local producers of wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables as you explore the vibrant atmosphere. This experience blends the joy of shopping, cooking, and dining together! Mirella, alongside her partner (in life and in the kitchen) Stefano, brings the flavors of Renaissance-inspired Tuscan cuisine to life. She leads a hands-on class where you’ll prepare a seasonal menu of 3-4 dishes, such as bruschetta, fresh pasta, a main course, and sauces. Weather permitting, you’ll cook and dine in her beautiful outdoor garden. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of a local Tuscan family.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
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
Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.
Meeting point
Meet your host Mirella at Cafe Cibreo (which is a landmark cafe right in front of the market) and together you will walk over to Sant'Ambrogio market for your market tour.
Important notes
Meet your host Mirella at Caffe Cibreo, a landmark cafe right in front of the Sant'Ambrogio market.
Phone: +39 338 159 1312 (Mirella) and +39 339 313 2961 (Stefano, her husband)
Mirella's email: mirella-calvelli@hotmail.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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
