Florence: Premium Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class

Trying to capture the essence of Tuscany’s food scene? This pizza and gelato cooking class in Florence offers a fantastic way to learn authentic Italian recipes directly from professionals. It’s a blend of fun, education, and delicious tasting—perfect for those who want to go beyond just sightseeing and really taste Italy’s culinary culture.

What we love about this experience is its interactive nature, the local expertise of the chefs, and the opportunity to enjoy your own creations paired with local wine. Plus, the class location near the San Lorenzo Market makes it easy to combine with some local shopping afterward. A potential drawback? The group size can be quite full, which might mean a bit less personal space, but reviewers say everyone still gets plenty of hands-on time.

This experience works best for food lovers, families with teens, or anyone keen to understand Italian culinary traditions in a relaxed, friendly setting. If you’re after an authentic, fun, and tasty way to spend an afternoon in Florence, this class is a top contender.

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Key Points

Hands-on cooking: Make your own pizza with tips from professional chefs
Authentic recipes: Learn the secrets behind Italy’s favorite dishes
Gelato demonstration: Discover how Italy’s beloved dessert is crafted
Enjoy local wine: Sit down to a dinner featuring your creations, paired with Chianti
All-inclusive: Ingredients, utensils, apron, and a certificate of participation
Convenient location: Near San Lorenzo Market, easy to combine with city exploring

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Genuine Look at the Florence Pizza and Gelato Class

If you’re visiting Florence and want a break from art galleries and historic sites, this 3-hour cooking class offers a delightful taste of Italy’s culinary heart. With a focus on pizza and gelato, it emphasizes the basics that make Italian food so globally loved. The experience is led by skilled chefs from Towns of Italy, who are not just teachers but storytellers, sharing insights about Italy’s food traditions, ingredients, and regional variations.

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What the Itinerary Looks Like

The class starts at a centrally located spot near the San Lorenzo Central Market, making it easy to access on foot or via public transport. After a quick check-in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an overview of what’s to come. The first phase involves preparing pizza dough—an important skill for any home chef. You’ll learn how to craft a yeast dough that’s both durable and flexible, essential for forming the perfect pizza base.

Once the dough is ready, you’ll practice stretching and shaping it, guided by the instructor’s tips to achieve that ultra-thin, almost see-through crust that’s typical of authentic Italian pizza. The class emphasizes fresh ingredients—you’ll get to work with ripe tomatoes for a homemade sauce, and likely some local cheeses and toppings. A point frequently praised in reviews is how well the chefs explain the why behind each step, ensuring you understand the importance of quality ingredients and technique.

After creating your pizza, the focus shifts to gelato-making. Here, the class demonstrates the process of making Italy’s favorite dessert—explaining how raw ingredients are selected and combined to produce that signature smooth, creamy texture. The gelato demonstration is both educational and flavorful, often culminating in tasting some rich chocolate gelato. Expect to learn the principles of choosing the best products and how to master that perfect scoop.

The Final Course: Dinner and Wine

Once everyone’s pizzas are baked and ready, the group gathers around a shared table to enjoy their culinary efforts. The experience is made even better with unlimited Chianti wine, and soft drinks are available for children or non-drinkers. Many reviews highlight the convivial atmosphere, with participants swapping tips and stories over plates of steaming pizza and refreshing gelato.

Quality of the Instruction and Atmosphere

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism, friendliness, and humor of the chefs, such as Alice, Jon, Roberta, and Andrea. They mention how clear and encouraging the guidance is, making the experience accessible even for those with little cooking background.

This class isn’t just about recipes; it’s about culture, technique, and a shared love of good food. The chefs also share insider tips, like where to find the best gelato in Florence, making it a helpful outing for future explorations.

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Group Size and Personal Experience

While some reviews note a full class size, most participants find that the setup still allows for hands-on participation. The inclusion of aprons and utensils ensures everyone can jump right in, and the certificate at the end acts as a nice memento. The location near a local market is perfect for those who want to combine food learning with some souvenir shopping or sightseeing afterward.

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Pricing and Value

In terms of cost, this class offers good value considering the all-included ingredients, professional instruction, dinner, wine, and the certificate. The experience isn’t just about the meal, but about gaining skills and insights that you can take home—whether it’s making pizza for friends or understanding what makes authentic gelato special.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to get a taste of Florence’s culinary tradition in a relaxed, friendly environment. If you enjoy hands-on activities, or you’re simply curious about Italian food culture, this experience will satisfy your appetite for both learning and deliciousness. It also suits those who want to enjoy local wine and a warm, social atmosphere.

It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a structured, guided experience with accessible instructions and plenty of good humor. Be prepared for a lively group, but also for a chance to create something memorable—a pizza and gelato at the end of the class that you can truly call your own.

Practical Details

Duration: 3 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability
Location: Near San Lorenzo Market, Florence
Included: All ingredients, professional chef, utensils, apron, dinner, unlimited Chianti (soft drinks for kids), gelato demo, certificate
Not included: Hotel pickup/drop-off
Wheelchair accessible
Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation if done 24 hours in advance
Languages: English

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, the experience begins at the meeting point near San Lorenzo Market; hotel pickup is not included.

Can children participate?
Children over 6 can enjoy the activity, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Soft drinks are provided for children.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
This tour is not suitable for people with gluten intolerance, as gluten is a key ingredient in the pizza dough.

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

Do I get to make my own gelato?
You will see a gelato demonstration led by the chef; however, gelato is prepared in a group setting, not individually.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The chefs emphasize clear instructions, and reviews confirm that people with little or no cooking experience left feeling confident and satisfied.

What should I wear?
Aprons and utensils are provided, so just wear comfortable clothes suitable for hands-on participation.

Final Thoughts

This pizza and gelato class in Florence delivers much more than just a meal. It’s a chance to learn authentic Italian techniques from passionate chefs, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and walk away with new skills—and a full belly. The inclusion of unlimited Chianti and a certificate of participation makes it a well-rounded experience that’s both educational and fun.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to replicate Italy’s favorite dishes at home or simply looking for a memorable activity in Florence, this class offers excellent value and genuine insight into Italy’s culinary traditions.

If you love good food, engaging guides, and a warm, social environment, this experience will leave you with delicious memories and perhaps a new obsession with making pizza and gelato yourself.