Florence: Cooking Class & Market Tour with Tuscan Lunch

Summary

Florence cooking class with market visit and hands-on Tuscan lunch

You’ll wander Florence’s Central Market gathering fresh ingredients with a local chef, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. Make bruschetta and homemade pasta before sharing a lively lunch (with plenty of Chianti). You’ll leave with recipes — and probably flour on your shirt — plus that feeling you get when you’ve really tasted somewhere new.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the market in Florence to smell like so many things at once — sweet tomatoes, basil, a whiff of cheese that made me hungry even though it was barely 10am. Our guide, Francesca, waved us over to a stall where she chatted with the vendor in such rapid Italian I just stood there grinning, pretending I understood more than “buongiorno.” She let us taste a slice of pecorino and handed me a tomato so ripe it almost burst in my palm. I’m not sure I’ve ever looked at vegetables this closely before.

Back at the kitchen, we all tied on aprons (mine was crooked) and tried not to look too nervous. Francesca showed us how to make pasta dough by hand — flour everywhere, sticky fingers, everyone laughing because nobody’s looked like hers. She said something about “cooking is forgiving” which made me feel better about my lopsided ravioli. There was bruschetta too; garlic on warm bread is one of those smells that just feels like home, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

Lunch was noisy in the best way — people clinking glasses of Chianti (which kept refilling), swapping stories about failed tiramisu attempts back home. I sat next to a couple from Canada who’d never cooked pasta before; they were so proud of their tagliatelle it made me smile. When Francesca handed out our little diplomas at the end, it felt silly but also kind of special. I still think about that tomato from the market sometimes — funny what sticks with you after a day like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Shop ingredients at central market
• Attend cooking masterclass with local chef
• Prepare bruschetta starter
• Make fresh homemade pasta main dish
• Prepare tiramisu dessert
• Enjoy meal with Chianti wine
• Receive diploma and recipe booklet

Top questions

How long does the Florence cooking class & market tour last?

The experience lasts around 5 hours including the market visit and lunch.

Is lunch included in the Florence cooking class?

Yes, you’ll eat the meal you prepare during the class as your lunch.

Are drinks included in this Florence cooking class?

Unlimited glasses of Chianti wine are included with lunch.

What dishes do we cook in this Florence cooking class?

You’ll make bruschetta, fresh homemade pasta (like tagliatelle or ravioli), and tiramisu for dessert.

Does this tour include a visit to Florence Central Market?

Yes, unless it’s Sunday or a bank holiday when the market is closed; then extra tastings are provided at the school instead.

Is this cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available but some dishes contain eggs; let them know your needs when booking.

Are children allowed on this Florence cooking tour?

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; infants can come in strollers.

Do I get recipes after the class?

You’ll receive a digital recipe booklet so you can recreate the dishes at home.

What’s included

Your day includes guided shopping at Florence’s Central Market (unless closed), all ingredients for your meal, hands-on cooking instruction from a local chef, unlimited Chianti wine with lunch, food tastings at the school, digital recipes to take home, and even a little graduation diploma as a souvenir.