Florence Tours
Wanna Be Italiano - The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
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Wanna Be Italiano - The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence

By Towns of Italy
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
When in Florence, learn to cook and shop like a local from a professional chef during this Tuscan cooking class. Walk through the Central Market with a guide who teaches you how to select the best products, and then how to make dishes such as homemade pasta and bruschetta. Dine on the fruits of your labor, accompanied by Chianti wine, making this an educational and delicious experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 5h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Get to know Italian food in depth with a hands-on cooking class
  • Guided market tour teaches you how to select the best produce
  • Enjoy eating the meal you made, accompanied by Chianti wine
  • Recipe booklet included, so you can re-make the dishes at home

  • Central food market guided visit
  • Food tastings at school
  • Unlimited glasses of Chianti wine with lunch
  • Recipe booklet in digital format so you can recreate them once you're home
  • Graduation diploma
  • Suitable for vegetarians! (No meat or fish; some dishes contain eggs (please notify us in advance)
  • Cooking lesson with local chef
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meet your chef guide and fellow food lovers in central Florence for your market tour and cooking class. Although eating at every restaurant in the city is a great way to experience Tuscan cuisine independently, understand Italian culinary history more fully when you make it with your own hands. Stroll through the Central Market to see the array of fresh produce and Florentine delicacies. Allow your chef guide to introduce you to some specialty purveyors and collect the ingredients for your meal. Know exactly what to look for at your local market when you prepare this meal back at home. At the cooking school, tie on your apron and get to work. With expert guidance, prepare a typical Italian lunch of dishes such as fresh pasta, bruschetta, sauce, and tiramisu. While you cook, sample fresh tastes of produce from the market. Sit down with your fellow travelers to feast on the meal you have prepared, accompanied by Chianti wine. Take the opportunity to ask any questions and chat with your co-chefs. Leave the experience with a diploma and recipe book to help you recreate your experience at home.

Start:
  • Towns of Italy - Cooking School - Florence, Via Panicale, 43/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
    Towns of Italy cooking class is located in Via Panicale 43 red(close to Central Market) Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starting time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5049COOKING

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • 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
    • Not suitable for Celiacs
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5049COOKING

    From
    AU$149.50
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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      Great fun
      This was a really fun activity, the 3 hours flew by. I have been making my own dough at home for a few years now but it never turns out quite right so it was really useful to learn how to do it properly, get some tips and have a professional actually show you what it should look/feel like. Victoria was a good instructor and took time to answer questions. The gelato demonstration was interesting and it was great to hear some advice on what to look for in a good gelato shop. The class was very sociable and it was nice to chat with the others taking the class
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      We enjoyed our cooking class
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    See all 7,047 reviews
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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles412 reviews
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    386
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    20
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    Jim L
    Centennial, CO67 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chef Catarina was personable, entertaining, professional and very passionate with explaining to us the nuances of Italian cooking and how to cook the Italian way. Our cooking session was Wednesday Oct 20, 2021 and started with a visit to the food market where we learned about pasta, meat, fish, cheese, vegetables and the vendors were very helpful explaining to us the differences in the food. They were so helpful,we returned today and made some purchases that we are bringing back to the USA.

    The cooking class started with us making bolognese sauce which simmered for hours, and a tomato sauce. As those cooked,we made and later ate the best tiramisu we have ever tried. Topping the cooking class was making the pasta from scratch, ravioli and Tellagalie pasta. We cooked the pasta and then prepared lunch. Lunch was magnificent with red wine and natural authentic flavors of Italian cuisine. The recipes we received will be reused at home attempting to repeat an unforgettable cooking class.

    Chef Cataranj explanation of the way to cook “Italian” and our tasty lunch made this a 5 out of 5. This cooking class is a must for anyone who wants to see how to prepare and cook a meal starting with the Florence food market.
    Written 21 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Bill E
    Cumberland, Canada7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great way to learn to make some Italian dishes! Our Instructor was David, he was competent and was able to describe and demonstrate the proper technique in preparing the dishes. David was very engaging and answered everyone’s questions while making them feel right at home. Now that we’re back home we’ve tried the recipes and amazed her friends! We absolutely booked the right program. It was also nice that the majority of the people got along very well together, again by the interactions with the instructor everybody was collegial, had an awful lot of fun and learned a lot. Thanks! Ciao, Bill and Judy from Cumberland, Ontario. Canada
    Written 2 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kay M
    Long Beach, CA16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Family
    Our market tour was a delightful journey through the Florence Central market. The guide's extensive knowledge of the ingredients, their origins, and their significance in Italian cuisine added a fascinating layer of depth to the experience. We enjoyed exploring the colorful stalls, interacting with local vendors, and learning about the freshest produce, spices, and specialties that make Florentine cuisine so unique.

    The cooking class that followed was an absolute joy and the highlight of our whole trip. The skilled chef's expertise and passion for Italian gastronomy were evident in every step of the culinary journey. The hands-on experience of crafting the tiramisu and hand-making our pastas, we were fully immersed in the art of cooking. We sincerely appreciated the interactive nature of the class, which allowed us to ask questions and learn new skills.

    The highlight, of course, was savoring the fruits of our labor as we sat down to enjoy the delicious meal we had prepared together. The flavors, aromas, and the shared camaraderie made the dining experience truly special and unforgettable.

    Overall, our Florence market tour and cooking class surpassed all expectations. It was a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary education, and immersive enjoyment. I would highly recommend your tour to anyone seeking an authentic and memorable culinary experience in Florence.
    Written 3 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Paul
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    Upon arrival we gathered in a room, not a kitchen, but a large room with two convection hotplates and two frying pans. We were met by a chef who did not introduce himself nor share any of his background. We left shortly there after for the market to buy the produce for the cooking class. The market experience was educational as we learned about different cheeses, olive oils and herbs. We then bought a handful of figs and walked back to the cooking facility.

    Back at the cooking class we sat- 6 people around a square marble countertop approx. 15-20 feet away from the chef's hotplates. As a result we could not see into the pans without getting up walking forward to see. A tilted mirror above the chef would have been helpful. Although the room had air conditioning, it was barley on. A cool space would have been nice given the 34 degree day.

    Our most disappointing aspect of the class was our chef. It appeared he did not want to be there, as he lacked the enthusiasm one would expect when presenting in front of a dozen people. His effort was so low we had to ask him to speak up so we could hear him. That said his knowledge of Italian food was good.

    The cooking class had its moments, but overall I would suggest you choose a different class.

    Paul
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Guest, Thank you for your precious feedback, which we value very much. I am truly sorry to hear that the experience didn't fully meet your expectations. Since we value our guests and their opinion very much, we will take good note of your opinion about this experience and positively apply it, in order to improve our services. Hope we'll have the chance, in the future, to have you again on one of our experiences, and change your mind about the quality of our services. In the meantime we remain at your disposal. Kindest regards, Laura Cimino Booking Office Manager
    Written 27 October 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    globaltrek2065
    La Verne, CA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2023
    We had a great time with Caterina during this cooking class. She took us through the market and made us feel like a true local showing us major stops for cheeses, spices, meats and veggies before taking us back to the kitchen to start our kitchen. Caterina was hilarious and friendly and made everyone very comfortable cooking even though we had quite a few people of different skill levels. In the end, the fresh pasta, ravioli, and tiramisu was some of the best food we ate on our trip (the wine was some of the best as well!). Would highly recommend.
    Written 1 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Alex Anderson
    Horndean, UK13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Give yourself plenty of time to find the street and the building where this is taking place. There are house numbers on the buildings and there is a sign for the cooking school on the gate.

    The kitchen and cooking area is very clean, bright and well laid out to give everyone space to prepare their dishes and see John demonstrate everything easily. John is a good host, he is very knowledgeable and patient, taking time to show each stage and guide you through it.

    There were single people, couples and families there doing this experience together. It is fun to do and walking around the market was very informative. John took us to taste truffle products and also cheeses, explaining how he would use them and in what dishes. We went back to the market later and bought some of the items we tasted.

    The preparation of the dishes is easy to follow, everyone gets their own utensils and ingredients to help construct each dish. John runs it a nice easy pace and never gets ahead of himself and waits for everyone to be at the same point before he moves on.

    The food you prepare is really tasty and you sit down at the end and eat it along with a few glasses of wine. This is definitely something I’d do again, it is great for a group of friends or a family to do. He ran an afternoon class for gelato and pizza which we would do if we visit Florence again.
    Written 8 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Magdalena L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Solo
    This is an absolute must if you want to take a bit of Italy home! Alice was so fun and knowledgeable about all things shopping in the market (I have a better understanding of what to look for) and Italian cuisine. She kept it light and encouraging. Her passion and love for cooking was absolutely contagious! The food was one of the best I had in Italy so simple and so delicious with high quality ingredients. I went solo but made friends while waiting to be let in. Everyone in the class was so excited and happy to be there and among fellow food lovers. As a group we started as strangers but by lunch we were fast friends laughing and even crying together (a couple on their honeymoon told us there love story, it was beautiful!). It was a day so wonderful you will not regret this class/ tour with Alice. Next time in Florence I will 100% be taking another class! This was a highlight of my time in Italy.
    Written 3 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mia
    London, UK202 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing time with chef Catarina! We had Some time around the florentine main market. I had been there several times but never appreciated then very local stands downstairs and which items to look out for and which stalls the locals tend to frequent.

    Our daughter has a milk and soya allergy and Catarina made sure as a nine year old she was fully involved and also made her own dairy and soya free pesto!

    The course was very informative as someone that makes their own pasta I do love to learn how other people make it and in all honesty I got the best tips and tricks from Catarina to make sure my pasta Ragu is as flavourful as I remember it as a child.

    We made ravioli, tagliatelle as well as a lovely tiramisu. My daughter was involved in the making but she was served some amazing gelato sorbet.

    This course was different to others in as we did not all make the sauce but Catarina pulled in volunteers to help make a big batch. However we all made the pasta which to be as anyways the best part.

    Myself and my daughter highly recommended Catarina and this course. We are keen to do it again the next time we visit Florence. Eating food you make yourself is somewhat special and having someone like Catarina who is from the south but with long experience in Florence gives that knowledge that is not easy to find!

    Thank you Catarina
    Written 24 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    GrahamandSarah
    Ormskirk, UK74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    I booked this as a Valentine treat for my wife and I. So many great elements to the experience from the market trip and tasting to the actual kitchen element. Our instructor David was a great host, very patient with a great sense of humour. Real asset to the business.

    We took away some great tips from the visit. Great to mix with other classmates from around the world. Great value for money and the whole experience including eating lunch and drinking copious amounts of wine lasted until 2:30pm. We left slightly light headed with big smiles on our faces. If you have the time during your visit you must come!
    Written 17 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tr
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022 • Couples
    My husband and i booked The cooking class and absolutely loved it. Both chefs were knowledgeable, friendly and funny. They went at a nice pace slow enough for everyone to understand while not being at a standstill, perfect speed. We went to the market our favorite was the pernini market stand, we tasted a bunch of cheeses and fresh figs. When we got back we watched one of the chefs prepare two sauces all while explaining what he was doing and welcoming anyone up to stir and look in on what he was doing. We then made tiramisu, pasta and ravioli. Then got to eat our creations. We really enjoyed our experience and my husband who likes to cook learned a few important lessons. Thanks so much guys.
    Written 27 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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