Florence Cooking Class in a Gorgeous Countryside Home with Maria

Florence , Italy

Florence Cooking Class in a Gorgeous Countryside Home with Maria

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(118 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a private and immersive Tuscan cooking class in a beautiful Florence home with a lovely retired Italian couple. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your hands-on cooking class takes place in a local home kitchen where Maria teaches you 2-3 traditional Tuscan dishes. You'll learn traditional Italian cooking techniques that are easily replicated at home. After cooking, enjoy your meal together with this lovely Italian family. If you choose to add-on a market tour, Maria gives you a guided tour of San Lorenzo market, the historic food market of Florence, perfect for food lovers. This experience includes round-trip transfers (up to 6 guests) in Maria's car from downtown Florence to her beautifully designed countryside home. During your car ride, Maria regales you with stories of the city. Vegetarians and guests with dietary requests are welcome!

Available options

Cooking and lunch

Market + cooking + lunch

Cooking and dinner

What's included

Round-trip transport from a central meeting location in Florence (for up to 6 guests)

Private cooking class and meal with your host Maria

Local Italian wine

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

94 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Menu may vary depending on the season

For your pasta, Maria offers a choice of sauces: Ragu, broccoli pesto, arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream. If you have a specific preference, please inform her when making your booking.

If you are a group of 7 or more guests, Maria kindly requests that any guests beyond the first four arrange their own transportation to her home, as she can only accommodate up to 6 passengers in her car.

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

This experience is not suited for gluten-free diets. If you are interested in a gluten-free experience, be sure to book Maria's dedicated "Gluten-Free Pasta Class in a Gorgeous Florence Home".

Please note that markets are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

This home has a cat.

Meeting point

Meet your host Maria at the entrance to Forno Sale Grosso in the Florence city center. She will pick you up in her car and drive you to the market if you choose the tour + class option or drive you to her beautiful countryside home, 15 minutes away if you choose the class only option.

Important notes

Meet your host Maria Cristina at Forno Sale Grosso, located at the intersection of Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti and Via della Mattonaia, in the Florence city center. She will pick you up in her car and together you will drive 10km (15 minutes) to her countryside home. Here is the Google Maps link to the pick up location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3is9uyBEdp32qdFy7

Maria will drive you to her countryside house located at Via dell' Uccellatoio, 734A, Vaglia 50036 FI. After your experience, Maria will drop you off at your meeting location.

Phone: +39 380 311 1219
Email: mcc.studio@gmail.com

Notes: If you have any specific dietary requirements and have not provided this information upon checkout, please contact and inform your Traveling Spoon host at least 48 hours in advance via their email or phone listed above in your voucher.

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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