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Looking for the perfect cooking class in Florence? This is the blog for you!
We’ve had the pleasure of cooking our way through Florence, and now we’re here to deliver the lowdown on the best classes around. Whether you fancy making pizza at a Tuscan farm, a private lesson in a local home, or cooking in a medieval tower with unlimited wine (yes, really), there’s definitely a class for you.
Roll up your sleeves because we’ve got all the need-to-know info about Florence’s best foodie experiences. Keep on reading to discover your ideal Italian cooking class!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE cooking experience in Florence was this farmhouse cooking class! It was one of the most fun tours we’ve ever taken, and the food was delicious. Shopping for fresh ingredients and learning to cook with a local chef made for an unforgettable day!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Cooking Classes in Florence
- 1. Perfect the art of pizza and gelato at a Tuscan Farm
- 2. Visit a market and make a 4-course meal in a Tuscan farmhouse
- 3. Three different types of pasta cooking class
- 4. Pasta cooking class with unlimited wine and cooking options in a medieval tower
- 5. Learn how to cook gnocchi, bruschetta, spaghetti, and tiramisu
- 6. Private cooking class in a local’s home
- Other Things to do While in Florence
- Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Best Cooking Classes in Florence
1. Perfect the art of pizza and gelato at a Tuscan Farm
- Duration: 5 – 7 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2:30 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: Visiting a Tuscan countryside farm, hands-on cooking lesson from a professional chef, enjoying a 3-course feast, drinking beer and wine, making pizza, pasta, and focaccia from scratch
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, professional chef instructors, 3-course lunch or dinner, beer, wine, certificate, recipes to keep
- Rating: 5 stars (check 5,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
I don’t think life gets much better than making authentic pizza and gelato at a beautiful Tuscan farm. This cooking class was truly one-of-a-kind, and we loved every moment. But really, it’s no surprise that we had such a great time, given that the tour has thousands of 5-star reviews (which you can read here!).
As soon as we arrived at the farm, our guides, Arlia, Tiziano, and Gloria, gave us a very warm welcome and made us feel right at home. They were clearly passionate about Italian cuisine, and their positive energy had everyone in a good mood.
We started the class by making fresh focaccia and then learned how to craft traditional Neapolitan pizza from scratch. We had so much fun kneading the dough, choosing our toppings, and baking our masterpieces in a wood-fired oven.
Our guides also showed us how to mix gelato perfectly, and then we enjoyed all of our creations as part of a huge homemade feast. The beer and wine were flowing, which made it even better!
This experience was super personal. Our guides captured photos and videos for us throughout, so we could fully enjoy the moment while still having memories to take home. We also got a copy of all of the recipes, and we can’t wait to recreate them for our friends. This class was honestly worth every penny!
Book this top-rated cooking class here, with FREE cancellation!
2. Visit a market and make a 4-course meal in a Tuscan farmhouse
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: Shopping for ingredients at a local market, cooking class in a rustic Tuscan farmhouse, making beloved dishes like pasta, bruschetta, and Tuscan roast pork, preparing tiramisu for dessert, enjoying an Italian feast with local wine
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, market visit, all ingredients and equipment, chef instructor, 4-course lunch, wine, cooking diploma, recipes emailed after the tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 4,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This cooking class at a Tuscan farmhouse was hands down our favorite experience in Florence. If we had to choose just one cooking tour here, it would definitely be this one—no contest! No wonder it has more than 4,000 glowing reviews (read them here!).
The tour began at one of Florence’s bustling food markets, where we picked out the freshest ingredients with expert tips from our guide, Luca, before heading to the main setting of our cooking class—a gorgeous Tuscan farmhouse!
Once we arrived, our instructor, Chef Carmela, welcomed us with open arms and then put us to work preparing a sumptuous 4-course Tuscan feast. Carmela taught us how to make the perfect bruschetta, pasta from scratch, and tender Tuscan pork. Best of all, we made an incredible tiramisu for dessert—Bellissima!
The atmosphere in the farmhouse was fun and upbeat, which was probably helped by the flowing wine!
We learned a little about Tuscan culinary traditions as we worked, and then, finally, we all sat down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The flavors were incredible, and the food tasted even better, knowing we created it all ourselves!
This was a truly unforgettable day, and we can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to dive deep into Tuscan cuisine and culture. It’s the ultimate Italian cooking class!
Book our favorite cooking class here!
Related Read: Need some help planning the perfect Florence trip? Check out our detailed 3-day itinerary to get the insider scoop on all the must-see spots and best restaurants!
3. Three different types of pasta cooking class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple time slots between 9 am and 8 pm
- Highlights: Learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch, make three iconic types of pasta, prepare two sauces, enjoy a pasta feast, drink organic Tuscan wine
- Inclusions: Chef instructor, all ingredients and equipment, full meal, wine, printable instructions and recipes
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Love pasta? Then you can’t miss this epic pasta-making class while you’re in Florence!
Our instructor, Simona, was so warm and friendly. She made us feel special right from the beginning and even welcomed us with a crisp glass of Prosecco. We were off to a great start!
Things only got better as we dove into fresh pasta making from scratch. We had so much fun rolling the dough, preparing the perfect fillings, and shaping each piece of pasta by hand. Throughout the class, we really got to experience the full spectrum of Italian pasta as we made ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortellini.
Once we had cooked our pasta, we all sat down to enjoy a delicious meal together. The ravioli with parmesan and ricotta was my favorite, while Dan loved the tortellini with truffle oil. But honestly, it was all incredible, and the organic Tuscan wine complemented everything perfectly.
This entire experience was fun, relaxed, and super friendly. We got to know our classmates as we cooked, and some of us even grabbed drinks together afterward!
We have to credit Simona’s energy and passion for creating such a fun and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re in Florence, this is a true must-do activity!
Book this pasta workshop here before it sells out!
4. Pasta cooking class with unlimited wine and cooking options in a medieval tower
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm, or 6:40 pm
- Highlights: Making three different types of pasta, preparing traditional sauces, sit-down meal, unlimited wine, cooking in a medieval tower
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, professional chef, unlimited Tuscan wine, unlimited soft drinks, full meal, dance class or flambé lesson (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Pasta, unlimited wine, and a medieval tower? Sign us up!
Booking this pasta cooking class proved to be one of the best decisions we made in Florence. It took place inside a medieval tower just steps away from the beautiful Brunelleschi’s Dome, so the atmosphere was magical right from the start.
For those looking for an extra twist, there are options to add a flambé lesson or a dance class with Negronis, but we wanted to focus on the pasta.
Our chef was engaging, funny, and super knowledgeable. He had us laughing non-stop as he guided us through making three different types of fresh pasta: ravioli with butter and sage, tortello all’arrabbiata, and hearty pappardelle with slow-cooked ragù. The process was surprisingly simple but still fun and rewarding!
The wine flowed freely as we cooked—it truly was unlimited! The experience felt more like a lively dinner party than a structured class. When it was time to eat, we gathered around the table to savor our carefully made dishes, paired with yet more excellent wine and great conversation from our newfound friends.
Making pasta by hand was awesome, but what really set this class apart was the fact we got to do it in a medieval tower. It felt like a bucket list-worthy Italian experience, and the wine didn’t exactly hurt, either!
Reserve your place in this unique Italian cooking class here!
Related Read: Looking for some other fun activities to do in Florence? Check out our top ten favorite things to do here!
5. Learn how to cook gnocchi, bruschetta, spaghetti, and tiramisu
- Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Time: 10 am, 5 pm, or 6 pm
- Highlights: Making authentic hand-rolled pasta and gnocchi, cooking in a local Florentine home, private class, huge Italian feast, enjoying Tuscan wine
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, local instructor, welcome biscuits, tea and coffee, lunch or dinner, wine
- Rating: 5 stars (check 360+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re in Florence on a romantic trip or with a larger group, then we suggest booking this private cooking class!
Being able to enjoy this class with just the two of us was such a special experience, and we learned so much more thanks to all of the one-on-one time with our instructor, Francesca. And judging from the hundreds of 5-star ratings, we’re not the only ones who loved this class—check out the reviews here!
We were impressed as soon as we arrived at Francesca’s 16th-century villa in the hills. Her home was beautiful, and the setting was stunning. It was so peaceful, especially for being just a short drive from the city center.
Francesca welcomed us with coffee and homemade cookies as we chatted with her about Florentine food culture. Then, it was time to roll up our sleeves! Francesca guided us through making fresh gnocchi and spaghetti by hand. There were no machines involved—just traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
We also made bruschetta, and ate it while sipping on Prosecco while we cooked. When the pasta was ready we sat down to enjoy our meal, complete with pecorino cheese, lots of wine, and tiramisu for dessert—yum!
If you want an authentic and personal taste of Florentine cuisine, this class is a must. The food was amazing, but the intimate and homey setting was really what set this experience apart.
Book this private cooking class here, with FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Private cooking class in a local’s home
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 5 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Cooking in the private home of a retired Tuscan couple, learning their family recipes, market visit (if selected), enjoying a big meal, drinking Italian wine, private experience
- Inclusions: Round trip transport, private instructors, all ingredients and equipment, market visit (if selected), lunch/dinner, Tuscan wine, dessert
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for a cooking experience that goes beyond the kitchen, this private class is it! Maria welcomed us into her stunning countryside home with open arms, and from the very first moment, it felt like we were visiting an old friend. Her warmth, hospitality, and passion for food made this one of the most wholesome and heartwarming experiences of our trip to Florence.
We booked the option with the market visit, and we highly recommend that you do the same! Maria introduced us to her favorite vendors, shared insights on how to pick the best produce, and gave us a glimpse into how Italians shop for their daily meals. It added so much depth to the cooking process later on.
After a scenic drive, we got straight to work in Maria’s cozy kitchen. Using recipes passed down across generations, we made fresh pasta from scratch, bruschetta with perfectly ripe tomatoes, and the most decadent tiramisu.
The dishes were simple yet packed with flavor, a true testament to Italian cooking. Using family recipes and hearing the personal stories behind them made this class feel so special. We ended the day gathered around Maria’s dining table, sipping Tuscan wine and enjoying the feast we had just created.
This was so much more than just a cooking class, and it really made us feel connected to Italian culture. By the time we headed home, our hearts and stomachs were incredibly full!
Check details and book this class here, with FREE cancellation!
Related Read: Another one of our favorite tours in Florence was this Tuscany day trip that visits Sienna, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Check out our detailed review here to learn more!
Other Things to do While in Florence
After you’ve had your fill of hands-on cooking, there’s still so much more to experience in Florence. This city is packed with incredible things to see and do, so you definitely won’t run out of options. To help you plan the rest of your time here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite activities below!
- Visit Florence’s top two museums in a single day – If you want to see Florence’s top sights without the long lines, this small-group tour is perfect. We skipped the wait to admire David, explore the Duomo, and take in Uffizi’s masterpieces—all with an expert guide!
- Explore the Italian Riviera landscapes – If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Cinque Terre in just one day, this full-day tour makes it easy. We explored all five villages, soaked in stunning coastal views, and even had the option to hike along the cliffs—an unforgettable way to see the Italian Riviera!
- Visit Cinque Terre and the Leaning Tower of Pisa – This semi-private tour is perfect for seeing both Cinque Terre and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in one day without the stress of planning. We explored charming coastal villages by car, boat, and train, then stopped in Pisa to snap the classic tower photo—an amazing mix of scenery and history!
- Enjoy a wine-tasting tour – Tasting Chianti in the heart of Tuscany while exploring scenic vineyards was an unforgettable experience. This Tuscan wine tour took us to two top-rated wineries, where we learned about traditional winemaking and enjoyed delicious samples of wine, olive oil, and local specialties!
- Drive your own Vespa through Tuscany – Cruising on a Vespa through the rolling hills of Florence was an unforgettable way to explore the countryside. This guided tour took us past stunning viewpoints and historic sites before ending at a beautiful country estate, where we enjoyed a delicious Italian meal to top off the adventure!
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
Now that you’ve planned your ultimate foodie experience in Florence, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! There are tons of options in Florence, whether you want a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay and whether you want to be in a historic, trendy, or off the beaten path area. I’ll leave a few recommendations below to narrow down your search.
Luxury – $$$
Located in the historic center of the city, the Donati Luxury Tower Suites is a stunning historic building. It’s been renovated into a 5-star hotel, and the design will have you never wanting to leave the hotel! Some rooms have views of the Duomo, and you can choose between deluxe rooms or suites – but everything will be of the highest quality!
Prices reflect this luxury, starting at €420. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Porta Faenza is a moderately priced hotel in the old district, walkable to many local hot spots and main tourist sights. It’s also walkable to the train station, so you can get all around Florence! The rooms are quirky, cozy, and historic, making for a charming stay. You can book rooms for one to five people, ranging from €150 to €380.
Check availability and book this room on Booking.com.
Budget – $
You don’t have to sacrifice your budget to stay in the historic part of Florence. B&B Lorenzo&Lorenzo Vol.2 is a lovely, quaint hotel situated in the historic district. The rooms are simple but comfortable and clean, and it’s a relaxed environment. Prices start at €65 and reach €180 during the busy time of year.
Reserve this stay on Booking.com.
To see even more options, check out all the hotels in Florence here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Florence, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
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Thanks for reading!
That’s our full guide to the best cooking classes in Florence! Whether you’re looking for a hands-on pasta-making experience, a countryside farm-to-table adventure, or a private lesson in a local’s home, there’s a class here for every kind of foodie.
If you’re planning more travels in Europe, be sure to check out our other Europe blogs for inspiration. And if Florence has you hooked on Italian cuisine, why not bring those new skills home and keep cooking? Buon viaggio and happy cooking!
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