Explore the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany with this immersive cooking class and lunch experience. You’ll start by selecting fresh, local ingredients at the renowned Mercato Centrale. Then, under the guidance of a skilled chef, you’ll learn to prepare authentic Tuscan dishes like handmade pasta, bruschetta, and tiramisù. Conclude your day by savoring a delightful 3-course meal paired with local wines. This is a chance to truly learn about the flavors of the region.

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Key Points

A Tuscan cooking class experience that includes a guided tour of Mercato Centrale, traditional recipe preparation, and a 3-course meal at a charming Tuscan farmhouse.
The cooking class focuses on hands-on engagement with local, seasonal ingredients and teaches techniques like pasta making, grilling, roasting, and layering.
Participants receive a diploma and recipes at the end of the class, enabling them to recreate the Tuscan flavors at home.
Transportation to and from the farmhouse is included in the tour price, which is $195.85 per person for a 6-hour experience with a maximum group size of 24.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Tuscan Cooking Class experience offers participants the opportunity to explore the local Florence market, learn traditional recipes from a professional chef, and savor a delectable 3-course meal paired with regional wines.

This 6-hour excursion costs $195.85 per person and is conducted in English with a maximum group size of 24.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The class focuses on hands-on cooking, using fresh, local ingredients, and you will receive a diploma and recipes at the end.

Transportation to and from the farmhouse is included.

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Itinerary Details

This Tuscan Cooking Class experience kicks off with a guided tour of the bustling Mercato Centrale in Florence. Here, participants explore the local market, meet farmers, butchers, and bakers, and select the freshest ingredients for their culinary endeavors.

| Dish | Ingredients | Techniques |

| — | — | — |

| Handmade Pasta with Ragù | Fresh pasta, tomatoes, ground beef | Pasta making, simmering |

| Classic Bruschetta | Bread, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil | Grilling, chopping |

| Traditional Roast Pork and Potatoes | Pork, potatoes, herbs | Roasting, seasoning |

| Tiramisù | Ladyfingers, mascarpone, eggs, coffee | Layering, chilling |

After the market tour, the class heads to a Tuscan farmhouse to put their newfound knowledge into practice, learning traditional cooking methods under the guidance of a local chef.

Highlights and Features

Hands-on engagement is the hallmark of this cooking class, as participants dive into the art of traditional Tuscan cuisine under the guidance of a skilled chef.

The focus is on using local, seasonal ingredients to recreate classic dishes like handmade pasta with ragù, bruschetta, roast pork, and tiramisu.

Mastering these cooking techniques allows visitors to bring a taste of Tuscany back home.

Mastering Tuscan cooking techniques empowers travelers to recreate the region’s flavors in their own kitchens.

At the end of the class, participants receive a diploma and recipes, cementing their newfound culinary skills.

This immersive experience highlights the region’s vibrant food culture and empowers travelers to become amateur chefs.

Market Tour

What better way to truly experience Tuscan cuisine than by exploring the local market?

The cooking class begins with a guided tour of Mercato Centrale, Florence’s iconic indoor market. Here, you’ll meet the local butchers, bakers, and farmers, hand-selecting the freshest seasonal ingredients for your culinary adventure.

Wander the vibrant stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas that make this market a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors.

This hands-on introduction sets the stage for an immersive cooking experience, allowing you to connect with the origins of Tuscan food culture.

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Cooking Class

After exploring the local market, participants head to the charming Tuscan farmhouse where the cooking class takes place.

Under the guidance of the experienced chef, they learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes. Participants get hands-on experience making homemade pasta, classic bruschetta, and the famous roast pork with potatoes.

The chef shares tips and techniques to help master these culinary skills. As the class winds down, everyone sits down to enjoy the 3-course meal they’ve prepared, complemented by local wines.

A diploma and recipes are provided at the end, allowing participants to recreate the tastes of Tuscany at home.

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Dining Experience

As the cooking class comes to a close, participants sit down to enjoy the 3-course meal they’ve prepared.

Dishes are served family-style, allowing everyone to sample the handmade pasta with ragù, classic bruschetta, and traditional roast pork with potatoes.

The meal is paired with local Tuscan wines, enhancing the authentic flavors.

Diners savor each bite, appreciating the skills they’ve learned.

For dessert, the group indulges in a decadent tiramisu, a perfect ending to their culinary journey.

The meal provides a chance to relax, socialize, and fully enjoy the Tuscan dining experience.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Where exactly does the cooking class begin?

The tour provides transportation from Florence to the Tuscan farmhouse where the cooking class takes place.

Participants meet the guide outside Santa Maria Novella train station, at the taxi stand, where they’ll see a sign from Walkabout Tours.

From there, the group travels together to the farmhouse. The transportation to and from the farmhouse is included in the tour price.

Once at the farmhouse, guests will learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes under the guidance of a local chef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience?

No prior cooking experience is required. The class is designed for all skill levels, with a chef providing hands-on guidance to teach traditional Tuscan cooking techniques. Participants will create a full 3-course meal from start to finish.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Menu?

The tour doesn’t offer vegetarian or special dietary menus. However, the chef can accommodate food allergies or intolerances with advance notice. Participants should let the organizers know about any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The tour has a casual dress code. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes suitable for cooking and moving around the farmhouse. No formal attire is required.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The minimum age requirement for participants is 8 years old. Children under 8 are not suitable for this activity due to the nature of the cooking class and potential safety concerns.

Can I Purchase Ingredients From the Market Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase ingredients from the market tour. The cooking class includes exploring Mercato Centrale, where you’ll meet local producers and select fresh produce to use during the hands-on cooking session.

The Sum Up

This immersive Tuscan culinary experience offers a chance to explore the region’s rich culinary traditions. Guests will shop for fresh local ingredients, learn to prepare authentic dishes, and savor a delightful 3-course meal paired with local wines, creating an unforgettable day. The tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with Tuscan culture through its vibrant food and scenic countryside.