Florence: Pasta & Gelato Cooking Class with Wine & Recipes

Summary

Make pasta from scratch in Florence then taste your own gelato

You’ll step into a real Florentine kitchen, knead fresh pasta dough by hand with guidance from a local chef, spin your own vanilla or chocolate gelato, and sit down for lunch with new friends over unlimited wine. You’ll leave with digital recipes—and maybe some flour on your shirt—but mostly memories of laughter and those first bites you made yourself.

What’s the experience like?

You walk into this bright kitchen in the middle of Florence and there’s flour dust on the counter already—like someone was just here making lunch for friends. Our chef (I think her name was Martina?) greeted us with this big, warm grin and an apron that looked like it had seen a lot of tomato sauce. I fumbled tying mine on, but nobody seemed to mind. The other folks in our group were from all over—one couple from Canada, two sisters from Spain—everyone a little nervous at first, but you could smell basil and something buttery simmering so it felt impossible not to relax.

We started with pasta dough. I never realized how sticky your hands get kneading semolina and eggs together; there’s something kind of grounding about it though. Martina kept saying “piano, piano”—slowly, slowly—and showed us how to roll out tagliatelle without tearing it. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at my lopsided ravioli. She made us taste the filling before sealing them up—ricotta and herbs that smelled almost grassy-fresh. The best part? We got to choose our own sauce (I went for pesto because honestly, when in Florence…).

After we’d made enough mess for three kitchens, we moved on to gelato. Vanilla or chocolate—Martina explained how real gelato is all about temperature and timing, not just sugar. She let us try spinning the machine ourselves (mine came out a little soft but tasted like actual cream instead of air). There was this moment when everyone went quiet just tasting their first spoonful—it’s funny how food does that sometimes.

Lunch around the big table felt like eating with distant cousins you somehow just met—wine kept appearing in our glasses (they said unlimited and they meant it), kids got extra scoops of gelato, and someone tried translating “buon appetito” into five languages at once. I left with a digital recipe booklet and a silly graduation certificate tucked into my bag, but mostly I keep thinking about that feeling of being let in on something secret—even if it’s just how not to overcook pasta.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pasta and gelato cooking class

• Learn pasta-making techniques
• Make fresh pasta dishes
• Explore gelato production methods
• Make gelato with seasonal ingredients
• Enjoy meal with two glasses of wine
• Receive digital recipe booklet
• Get Graduation Certificate

Top questions

Is this pasta & gelato cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the class is suitable for vegetarians if you inform them in advance.

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Yes, unlimited wine is included for adults and soft drinks for children.

Do I get recipes to take home after the class?

Yes, you’ll receive a digital booklet with all the recipes covered in the class.

How long does the cooking class last?

The standard class lasts about 3 hours; there’s also an optional 5-hour upgrade with a market tour.

Is pickup included for this Florence cooking experience?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Can children join the cooking class?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

I have food allergies—can I still participate?

Please inform them in advance about any food intolerances or allergies so they can accommodate you if possible.

Is the class accessible for people using strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the experience.

Will I receive any certificate after completing the class?

Yes, you’ll get a Graduation Certificate at the end of your cooking session.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on pasta and gelato making guided by a professional chef in central Florence, unlimited wine or soft drinks depending on age, all ingredients provided (with vegetarian options if requested), plus digital recipes to recreate everything at home and even a playful graduation certificate as a souvenir before heading back out into Florence’s busy streets.