Florence: Central Market Cooking Class & Tuscan Wine Tasting

Summary

Florence flavors from market stalls to your own table

You’ll wander Florence’s Central Market with a local chef, picking out fresh ingredients before heading to a sunny kitchen to make lasagna and tiramisu by hand. Taste Tuscan wines over lunch with your group and bring home recipes (and probably some flour on your shirt). It’s more than just cooking — it’s sharing stories around a table in Florence.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t touch the tomatoes yet — smell them first,” Chef Andrea grinned at us in the middle of Florence’s Central Market, holding up a fat red pomodoro like it was some kind of treasure. I’d never really thought about how basil smells different when you rub it between your fingers, but he made us do it anyway. The market was noisy — vendors shouting, someone slicing prosciutto right behind me, and that mix of bread and espresso in the air. I kept losing track of our group because I’d stop to stare at cheese or listen to Andrea joke with the olive guy (who winked at me when I tried to say “pecorino” — probably butchered it).

After we’d filled our bags with what felt like half the market, we walked back through those narrow streets to the cooking school. It’s tucked above a little side street — not fancy, but bright with sunlight on the wooden tables. Rolling pasta dough is harder than it looks; mine tore twice before Andrea swooped in with a “piano, piano!” and helped me fix it. Making béchamel from scratch was honestly kind of magic (and yes, I licked the spoon). There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for the clatter of pans and someone humming softly near the window.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much making tiramisu — we all got cocoa powder everywhere and one woman accidentally doubled the Marsala. Lunch felt like sitting down with old friends even though we’d just met that morning. The lasagna tasted richer than anything I’ve made at home, maybe because we actually picked out every ingredient ourselves. Tuscan wine showed up too (I’m still thinking about that first glass), plus a sweet dessert wine that Andrea poured while explaining why Florentines always toast “cin cin.”

Walking out into Florence after all that food and warmth, I caught myself smiling for no real reason. If you want a day trip in Florence that feels like you’re part of someone’s family kitchen — messes, laughter, and all — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence market visit and cooking class

• Explore Florence Central Market
• Sample local specialties
• Select fresh seasonal ingredients
• Attend cooking class at Towns of Italy
• Make fresh pasta and Bolognese ragù
• Prepare béchamel and tiramisu
• Savor meal with Tuscan wines
• Learn about local wine culture

Top questions

Is this cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request—just let them know in advance.

Where does the Florence cooking class start?

The day begins at Florence’s Central Market with your chef guide.

What dishes will I learn to cook during this class?

You’ll make classic lasagna from scratch and prepare tiramisu for dessert.

Are drinks included in the experience?

Tuscan wines are served during lunch along with a dessert wine.

Can children join this Florence cooking lesson?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout.

Is this class suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

No, unfortunately this activity is not recommended for celiacs or those avoiding gluten.

Will I get recipes to take home after the class?

Yes—a digital recipe booklet is included so you can recreate dishes later.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?

No experience needed—the chef guides you through every step.

What’s included

Your day includes exploring Florence’s Central Market alongside an expert chef who helps you select fresh ingredients for classic lasagna and tiramisu. All utensils and ingredients are provided at the hands-on cooking school session. Afterward, enjoy your homemade meal paired with Tuscan wines and dessert wine before leaving with digital recipes to try again at home.