Exploring the culinary delights of Florence’s historic markets and embarking on a VIP cooking class is an enticing prospect for any food enthusiast. This exclusive experience promises a blend of culture, hands-on learning, and gourmet indulgence. As participants navigate hidden Tuscan shops and sample local specialties, they’ll have the unique opportunity to master traditional Italian dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. Whether one’s palate craves the pillowy texture of gnocchi or the rich flavors of cannelloni, this tour offers a chance to savor the essence of Florentine gastronomy.

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Key Points

This 5-hour VIP culinary adventure in Florence includes a guided food tour of hidden Tuscan shops and a hands-on cooking class with a professional chef.
The cooking class involves preparing classic Italian dishes like gnocchi and cannelloni, paired with Tuscan wines and a Florence City Guide Book.
The tour offers a sampling of gourmet local products in historic Bottegas, with a small-group setting and the opportunity to learn traditional recipes.
Inclusions cover the hands-on cooking class, guided food tour, tastings, apron, and kitchen tools, as well as an Italian traditional lunch and wine tasting.
Guests must arrive 15 minutes early at the Cooking School next to the San Lorenzo Food Market, and restrictions apply to pets, oversized luggage, and unaccompanied minors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Historic Markets Food Tour & VIP Semi-Private Cooking Class" provides a 5-hour VIP culinary adventure in Florence.

Priced from $246.80 per person, this English-language tour offers free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The experience highlights include a guided food tour, a small-group cooking class with a professional chef, and sampling gourmet local products in historic Bottegas.

The tour explores the Oltrano district atmosphere, while the cooking class teaches participants to prepare traditional Italian dishes.

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Experience Highlights

This VIP culinary adventure in Florence offers a guided food tour that uncovers hidden Tuscan shops, allowing guests to sample gourmet local products in historic Bottegas.

The experience also includes a small-group cooking class with a professional chef, where you will learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes like gnocchi with hand-made pesto, cannelloni Fiorentini, risotto, and ricotta mousse.

Each course is paired with Tuscan wines, and guests receive a Florence City Guide Book with recipes.

The tour explores the vibrant atmosphere of the Oltrano district, providing a fully immersive taste of Florentine culture.

Cooking Class Details

Participants will indulge in a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef.

The menu may include classic Italian dishes like gnocchi with homemade pesto, cannelloni Fiorentini, and risotto. They’ll learn to prepare these traditional recipes and craft a ricotta mousse with various toppings.

Each course will be paired with Tuscan wines, providing a truly immersive culinary experience.

The Tuscan wines served with each course create a truly immersive culinary experience.

At the end, guests will receive a Florence City Guide Book containing the recipes they learned, allowing them to recreate the flavors of Tuscany at home.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a hands-on cooking class, a guided food tour, tastings of local products, an apron and kitchen tools, an Italian traditional lunch, a wine tasting, and a graduation certificate with a recipe booklet. However, the tour excludes food and drinks not mentioned, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and transportation to/from attractions.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Hands-on cooking class | Food and drinks not mentioned |

| Guided food tour | Hotel pick-up and drop-off |

| Tastings of local products | Transportation to/from attractions |

| Apron, kitchen tools, and ingredients | |

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Important Meeting Information

Travelers should arrive at the Cooking School next to the San Lorenzo Food Market 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

Arrive 15 minutes early at the Cooking School next to the San Lorenzo Food Market for the start of the tour.

They’ll need to bring their passport or ID, and wear comfortable shoes.

Pets, oversized luggage, large bags, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

The tour requires a minimum number of guests to operate. Late arrivals can’t join or receive refunds.

There’s a possibility of cancellation due to insufficient participants, but alternatives or refunds will be offered.

Guests should notify the tour operator of any allergies or intolerances when booking.

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What to Bring and Not Allowed

What should one bring for this tour and cooking class? Participants should bring their passport or ID, and wear comfortable shoes. Oversized luggage, large bags, and pets are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors are also not permitted. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point at the Cooking School next to the San Lorenzo Food Market.

| Allowed | Not Allowed |

| — | — |

| Passport or ID | Pets |

| Comfortable shoes | Oversized luggage |

| | Large bags |

| | Unaccompanied minors |

Additional Notes

There are a few additional important notes for this tour and cooking class. A minimum number of guests is required for the tour to operate.

Late arrivals can’t join the group and won’t receive any refunds. There’s also a possibility of cancellation due to insufficient participants, but alternatives or refunds will be offered.

It’s important to notify the organizers of any allergies or intolerances when booking. Pets, oversized luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed. Unaccompanied minors can’t participate.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point next to the San Lorenzo Food Market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Cooking Class Menu?

The cooking class menu is set, but you can notify the organizers of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking. They’ll do their best to accommodate your needs within the traditional Italian dishes being taught.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

There’s no formal dress code for the cooking class, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing that can get dirty. Participants should avoid wearing overly loose or flowing garments that could present a safety hazard in the kitchen.

Can I Bring Extra Guests to the Cooking Class?

The tour doesn’t allow extra guests to the cooking class. The experience is designed for a small group, and additional participants aren’t permitted. Guests are advised to notify of any allergies or special requirements when booking.

Can the Class Be Tailored to Vegetarian/Vegan Diets?

The cooking class can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets with advance notice. The chef will tailor the menu to meet dietary restrictions and ensure a satisfying culinary experience for all participants.

Is the Tour Guide Knowledgeable About the Local History?

The tour guide is knowledgeable about the local history. They provide insights into the significance and cultural traditions of the historic Tuscan shops and markets visited during the food tour.

The Sum Up

This exclusive Florence experience blends Tuscan culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. Guests will explore hidden shops, sample local delicacies, and learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. With Tuscan wines, a city guide, and a collection of recipes, this VIP tour and cooking class promises an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of Florence.