Private and authentic cooking class experience with family

This Florence-based cooking class offers more than just a lesson in pasta-making — it’s a genuine dive into Italian traditions, hosted by a warm, welcoming local family. For around three hours, you’ll get to prepare handmade pasta using ingredients from their garden or sourced from nearby, seasonal, km0 products, all in a setting that feels more like visiting friends than taking a tour. The reviews are glowing — with a perfect 5-star rating from 56 travelers who emphasize the authenticity, warmth, and deliciousness of the experience.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the personal touch. You’re not in a busy cooking school or a commercial kitchen; you’re in a cozy Florence home, surrounded by a lovely garden, with hosts who treat you like family. Plus, the chance to taste wines and high-quality olive oil, and even learn how to make a traditional Aperol Spritz, adds layers of enjoyment.

A small consideration is that the experience is designed for groups of at least three people, so it might not suit solo travelers or very small parties. Also, if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry — the class can be tailored to your dietary preferences. This tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting an immersive, heartfelt taste of Italian culture that includes food, family, and stories.

This experience suits food lovers, families, couples, and anyone seeking a genuine local connection in Florence.

Key Points

• Authentic, family-led experience: Hosted by Camilla and Samuel, who make everyone feel like part of the family.
• Use of garden and local ingredients: Fresh, seasonal, km0 products create the most authentic flavors.
• Includes wine and olive oil tastings: Quality local products are part of the experience.
• Customizable for dietary needs: Vegetarian options are available when booked in advance.
• Beautiful outdoor setting: When weather permits, dining in the garden enhances the experience.
• Supports a good cause: Part of the proceeds goes to help orphaned children in Lesotho.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

What to Expect at the Beginning: Enter a Florentine Home

The journey begins at a charming address in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood — a lively area filled with artisans and authentic Florentine culture. You’ll be greeted warmly by Camilla and Samuel, a couple whose hospitality shines through immediately. Their home is a true reflection of local life, with a beautiful outdoor garden, perfect for the warm weather months. The experience is private and tailored, ensuring your group gets full attention and a more personal connection.

The Cooking Process: Making Pasta from Scratch

The core of the class is handmade pasta, which guests learn to craft using simple, traditional recipes. The emphasis is on using fresh, seasonal, and, when possible, garden-fresh ingredients. Guests might be involved in preparing a variety of pasta shapes like tagliatelle, ravioli, or lasagna, depending on what’s fresh and available that day.

The hosts are praised for their knowledgeable and patient instruction. As one reviewer noted, “The family teaching pasta making was gracious, knowledgeable and extremely friendly.” They demonstrate classic techniques, such as rolling the dough to the perfect thinness, filling ravioli with seasonal ingredients, and forming pasta with care.

Tasting Local Products and Wines

What’s a meal in Italy without some wine? The tour includes tastings of local wines and high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which guests can purchase to take home. Many reviews mention how generous and educational the tastings are, with one reviewer stating, “They shared their secrets to great pasta and sauces and let us try her grandfather’s olive oil.”

Along With pasta and olive oil, there’s often an opportunity to taste cheese, bread, or seasonal fruits, creating a full sensory experience. The experience isn’t just about cooking — it’s about appreciating the flavor profiles and learning how local products are made and enjoyed.

The Garden and Outdoor Dining

If the weather cooperates, diners gather in the garden for their meal. This adds a special, rustic charm — sitting outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, with fresh air and the sounds of nature. Reviewers consistently mention how memorable this part is, with one saying, “We ate in their beautiful garden, which made the whole experience so much more authentic.”

The Final Dish: Savoring and Sharing

Once the pasta is cooked, everyone gathers around the table for a family-style meal. Guests typically enjoy a variety of dishes, including different types of pasta, sauces, and desserts like cantuccini, mousse, or seasonal fruit. The meal is described as delicious and satisfying, and the relaxed, convivial atmosphere makes it feel more like a gathering of friends than a class.

Flexibility and Customization

The hosts are happy to accommodate vegetarian preferences if notified at booking. If you’re interested, there’s even an optional visit to a local market for an extra fee, providing a deeper insight into Florence’s fresh produce and artisanal ingredients.

Duration, Group Size, and Cost

This tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable but immersive experience. The pricing is around $122 per person, which many reviewers feel offers excellent value given the personalized attention, high-quality ingredients, and memorable setting.

Group size is limited to ensure intimacy, and it’s a private activity for your group alone — no noisy crowds or large groups diluting the feeling of authenticity.

Why This Experience is a Great Choice

Based on extensive reviews, one of the most praised aspects is the warm, genuine hospitality. Guests consistently mention how welcoming Camilla, Samuel, and their family are, making everyone feel like part of their own. This creates a relaxed environment perfect for learning, laughing, and sharing stories.

The use of garden ingredients and local products brings freshness and authenticity. Many guests comment on how delicious the food turns out, with some saying it’s the best meal they had in Florence. The focus on traditional recipes, combined with the chance to learn how to make an Aperol Spritz, offers a well-rounded taste of Italy.

The garden setting and outdoor dining also elevate the experience, especially in good weather. It’s a rare opportunity to dine in such a picturesque, authentic environment that highlights the beauty of Florentine life.

Authenticity and Impact

It’s worth noting the social impact aspect — with part of the proceeds supporting orphaned children in Lesotho, the experience feels more meaningful. Guests love knowing their participation helps a good cause, adding an extra layer of satisfaction.

Overall Value

At $122, you’re getting more than just a cooking class — you’re investing in a cultural experience, a new skill, and a warm connection to local life. Many reviews emphasize how this was the highlight of their trip, revealing its strong emotional appeal and genuine authenticity.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, and small groups looking for a real taste of Florence beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s ideal for food lovers eager to learn traditional recipes, and those who enjoy intimate, personalized experiences. If you appreciate beautiful outdoor settings, good wine, and meaningful cultural exchange, this is a winner.

It’s also a wonderful choice for travelers with dietary restrictions, since vegetarian options are available upon request. And if you’re traveling with children, the engaging, hands-on nature makes it suitable, provided they are comfortable in a relaxed home environment.

Final Thoughts

This private cooking class offers genuine Florentine warmth, authentic cuisine, and a chance to connect with local traditions in a relaxed setting. The focus on homegrown ingredients, family hospitality, and regional products makes it stand out from more commercialized options. Every detail — from the garden to the shared meal — is designed to give you a real taste of Italy’s culinary soul.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience provides heartfelt memories, new skills, and authentic flavors that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s a culinary journey that bridges culture and community, and a perfect way to spend a memorable afternoon in Florence.

FAQ

Is this a private experience?
Yes, it’s a private activity for your group only, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

Can I customize the menu?
The tour can be adjusted for vegetarians, but for other dietary restrictions, it’s best to mention this when booking.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a 3-hour cooking class, all ingredients, instruments, and tastings of wine and extra virgin olive oil.

Is there an outdoor dining option?
Yes, weather permitting, you will dine in the beautiful garden — adding a rustic, authentic touch to your meal.

Can I visit a local market?
An optional market visit is available for an additional fee of €15 per person.

What is the group size?
Minimum 3 persons; the experience is designed for small groups to keep it intimate.

How long in advance should I book?
On average, this experience is booked about 59 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

What happens in case of rain?
If it rains, the lunch will be served indoors, in the host’s home, maintaining the cozy atmosphere.

To sum it up, this Florence cooking class is an extraordinary way to learn about Italian cuisine and culture while enjoying the warmth of a local family. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and connect — all set in a stunning garden environment that makes every moment special. Perfect for those who want a meaningful, delicious, and authentic Florentine experience.