Florence: Culinary Experience in a Lemon House with Sunset and Enchanted Garden

Travelers seeking a taste of Tuscany’s culinary traditions combined with a beautiful setting will find this 3-hour cooking experience near Florence incredibly rewarding. Hosted by Cristina Leone Firenze, this tour promises an authentic, relaxed atmosphere immersed in nature, history, and delicious food.

What truly stands out are the beautiful garden location, the hands-on cooking classes, and the amazing selection of local wines. However, keep in mind that the experience lasts exactly three hours, so you’ll want to plan your transport accordingly, especially if coming from the city center.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate authentic food, enjoy learning new cooking skills, and want to spend a magical sunset in Tuscany’s countryside. Casual food lovers and curious travelers alike will find plenty to love here, although it’s not suitable for vegans, those with allergies, or guests with specific dietary needs.

Key Points

• Beautiful setting: Held in La Limonaia di Villa Savonarola, a charming lemon house in an ancient village just outside Florence.
• Authentic cooking: Learn to make fresh pasta, bruschetta, and desserts with local ingredients.
• Sunset dining: Dinner served at sunset in a garden setting, creating a memorable ambiance.
• Wine included: One bottle of wine per two guests, plus water, coffee, and Vin Santo.
• Limited group size: Small groups of up to 10 participants ensure personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Setting: A Magical Lemon House in Tuscany

Just a few minutes from Florence, La Limonaia di Villa Savonarola offers a peaceful escape with lush surroundings and a touch of history. This enchanting garden, filled with lemon trees and fragrant herbs, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for both the cooking and dining portions of the experience.

Guests often comment on how relaxing the environment is—“a peaceful corner of Florence,” as one reviewer describes—where time seems to slow down. The garden’s charm isn’t just visual; it’s also sensory, with the scent of fresh herbs and citrus adding to the authentic Tuscan vibe.

The venue is accessible by car, with parking available inside the gate at Viuzzo di Monteripaldi 4 c-1. Given the tour’s timing and rural location, arriving by taxi or private transfer is recommended to avoid stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your 3-Hour Experience

Welcome and Introduction

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from Cristina Leone, your host and guide, who will introduce you to the setting and the menu. Expect a relaxed start, with a brief overview of what you’ll be cooking and tasting.

Appetizer Preparation in the Garden

The first part of the class focuses on preparing three appetizers using fresh produce from the garden:

• Fried zucchini flowers — a classic Tuscan antipasto, crispy and flavorful.
• Fried sage — fragrant leaves fried to crispy perfection, adding a herby crunch.
• Tomato bruschetta— homemade bread topped with ripe tomatoes and high-quality olive oil.

We loved the way the ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor, highlighting Tuscany’s farm-to-table approach.

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Making Fresh Pasta

Next, you’ll learn how to make fresh egg pasta from scratch. Cristina emphasizes using seasonal, local ingredients, which makes the process accessible for beginners but engaging enough for seasoned cooks. You’ll also choose from a variety of sauces featuring fresh seasonal ingredients—some reviews mention how the sauces are simple yet delicious, letting the quality of the ingredients shine.

Dessert Creations: Tiramisù or Cantuccini

For dessert, you’ll get hands-on with either tiramisù or cantuccini, the iconic almond cookies. Cristina’s tips on layering the tiramisù or perfecting the crunchy texture of cantuccini add a personal touch to the class, ensuring you can recreate these delights at home.

Sunset Dinner & Tasting

As the class wraps up, the delicious dishes are served at a table in the garden. Watching the sunset over Tuscany while enjoying your creations creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The included one bottle of wine per two guests complements the meal perfectly—multiple reviews highlight the excellent quality of the wine, often described as “an outstanding part of the experience.”

Guests also enjoy still and sparkling water, coffee, and Vin Santo della Casa, making this a well-rounded, flavorful meal with a relaxing vibe.

The Food and Drink: Quality, Authenticity, and Value

The focus on local ingredients ensures each dish is bursting with freshness and true Tuscan flavor. Cristina’s approach to cooking emphasizes simplicity—allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. The wine selection is another highlight, with many guests appreciating the quality and variety, making the meal feel celebratory.

The included tasting of typical Florentine desserts ensures you leave with a sense of genuine culinary tradition. The beverages, particularly the wine, are praised for their excellent quality, elevating the entire experience.

Practical Details: What You Should Know Before Booking

Duration and Group Size

The experience lasts exactly three hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. With small groups limited to 10 participants, you can expect personalized attention and a friendly, convivial atmosphere.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the inclusion of a full cooking class, multiple dishes, wine, and a sunset setting makes this a great value for those interested in authentic, hands-on culinary experiences. The fact that you get to enjoy everything you cook, served in such a unique environment, adds to the value.

Accessibility and Transportation

Parking is available inside the gate, but arriving by taxi or private transfer is recommended to ensure punctuality. The experience begins at a specific bell, and if you have any trouble finding the location, Cristina’s WhatsApp contact makes it easy to reach out.

Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for vegans, those with lactose or nut allergies, diabetics, or guests over 95 years old. Pets are not allowed, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is especially perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic setting to learn new skills. Couples will enjoy the romantic sunset and intimate environment, while small groups or families can share the fun of cooking together. It’s less ideal for vegans or those with specific dietary restrictions but perfect for those craving authentic Tuscan flavors in a tranquil garden setting.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience Worth It?

If you’re after a genuine taste of Tuscany, this experience delivers through engaging cooking classes, stunning scenery, and exceptional wine. The small group size ensures a warm, personalized atmosphere, while the beautiful garden setting makes for a memorable backdrop.

The focus on fresh, local ingredients and classic recipes means you’ll leave with skills and flavors that can be recreated at home. The sunset timing adds a magical touch, making it ideal for romantic outings or intimate gatherings.

While it might not suit those with strict dietary needs, for most foodies and curious travelers, this authentic Florentine culinary experience offers excellent value and authentic delights in a charming setting.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?
The experience lasts exactly three hours, from the welcome to the sunset dinner.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included. Parking is available inside the gate, but arriving by taxi or private car is recommended for punctuality.

What’s included in the price?
You get a cooking class for appetizers, pasta, and desserts, along with one bottle of wine per two guests, still and sparkling water, coffee, and Vin Santo.

Can I choose the desserts?
Yes, you can choose between making tiramisù or cantuccini, both classic Tuscan favorites.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians?
It’s suitable for most, but not for vegans or guests with certain allergies, like lactose or nuts.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be cooking in an outdoor garden setting.

Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code; casual, comfortable clothing is best.

Are the dishes prepared in advance?
No, all dishes are made during the class, ensuring a fresh, hands-on experience.

How is the group size limited?
Groups are small—up to 10 participants—which allows for personalized attention and interaction.

What language is the class conducted in?
The experience is conducted in English, making it accessible for international travelers.

This culinary journey in Florence offers a perfect blend of good food, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality. For those eager to learn, taste, and unwind in a charming Tuscan garden, it’s hard to find a more authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: