Florence: Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class with Lunch

Summary

Florence hands-on pizza making gelato tasting with family-friendly options

You’ll roll dough in a lively Florence kitchen, learn secrets from a local chef, watch real gelato being made, then sit down together to taste your creations with wine or juice included. It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and full of those small moments that stick with you long after—like laughter over misshapen pizzas or the first spoonful of fresh gelato.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed the start because my son got distracted by a street musician outside the cooking school in Florence — accordion music everywhere, even at 10am. When we finally made it inside, our chef (Francesca) just grinned and handed us aprons like nothing happened. She had this way of making everyone feel like they belonged there, even if you’d never kneaded dough before. The kitchen smelled like flour and basil, and someone’s laughter kept echoing off the tiled walls.

Rolling out the pizza dough was messier than I expected — flour everywhere, sticky fingers — but Francesca didn’t seem to mind. She showed us how to stretch it without tearing (“gentle, not scared!” she said), and my daughter tried to shape hers into a heart. It came out more like Australia, but nobody cared. The tomato sauce smelled so fresh, and there was this moment when everyone went quiet just watching their pizzas bubble up in the oven. I caught myself grinning for no reason.

The gelato part was more of a show — Francesca whisked cream and chocolate so fast I almost missed it. She let us taste right from the churn (still soft, cold on your tongue). My son tried to pronounce “stracciatella” and totally butchered it; Francesca laughed so hard she nearly dropped her spoon. We all sat down together at a long table to eat what we’d made — warm pizza, cold gelato, a glass of wine for me and grape juice for the kids. I still think about that taste combo sometimes.

Before we left, Francesca emailed us a recipe booklet (“so you don’t forget!”). The kids got little certificates too — they waved them around all afternoon like trophies. If you’re looking for a Florence cooking class that’s actually fun (and not just for Instagram), this one’s real. Just don’t wear black if you’re messy like me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Make pizza and learn gelato

• Prepare pizza dough from scratch
• Add fresh Italian toppings
• Watch gelato preparation demo
• Taste your pizza and gelato

Top questions

Is this Florence cooking class suitable for kids?

Yes, there’s a family-friendly option with 50% off for children and activities designed for all ages.

Do I get to eat what I make during the class?

Yes, after making pizza and watching the gelato demo, you’ll sit down to enjoy everything together as lunch or dinner.

Are recipes included so I can cook at home?

You’ll receive a digital recipe booklet by email after the class.

Is wine included in this Florence pizza & gelato class?

Unlimited wine is included for adults; children get soft drinks or juice.

How many people are in each group?

The class is capped at 20 guests per group for a more personal experience.

What if my child is under 18?

Children or teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during the activity.

Are pets allowed in the cooking class?

No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Does this run rain or shine?

The tour runs regardless of weather conditions since it’s indoors.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for making pizza from scratch plus a live gelato show-cooking session led by an Italian chef in Florence; lunch or dinner with unlimited wine (or soft drinks for kids); digital recipe booklet emailed after; graduation certificate for participants; and if you select it at checkout—a special family-friendly discount for children joining with adults.