Private Florence Market Tour and Pasta Making Class with Cinzia

Exploring Florence’s Food Scene with a Private Market and Pasta Class

This Florence experience offers a delightful combination of shopping at local markets and hands-on pasta cooking with a seasoned local chef, Cinzia. It’s designed for those who want more than just sightseeing—wanting to taste, learn, and create authentic Italian dishes in a cozy, home-based setting.

What stands out most is Cinzia’s genuine passion for sharing her culinary knowledge and her ability to turn a simple cooking lesson into a warm, family-style gathering. The blend of visiting high-end stores like La Pegna with artisanal family shops, then stepping into a real Florence home to cook, creates a balanced mix of education and authentic local life.

A consideration to keep in mind is that the market tour is seasonal—not available in July and August due to the heat—so travelers booking in peak summer should be prepared for this change. This experience is best suited for food lovers, curious travelers, and those eager for a personalized, intimate encounter with Florence’s food culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines market shopping with a home-cooked meal, giving you a genuine taste of Florence’s culinary scene.
• Personalized Cooking Class: Led by Cinzia, a passionate local who learned from her family and studied professionally.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Visits include stops at La Pegna and family-run stores, ensuring premium regional produce.
• Flexible Menu Options: Choose between learning three pasta dishes or a pasta with a meat main, depending on your preference.
• Seasonal Adjustments: The market tour is unavailable during the hottest months, but the cooking class remains a highlight.
• Value for Money: For $182, you get a private guided experience, food, wine, and a meal to enjoy—offering excellent value for a personalized experience.

A Deep Dive into the Florence Market Tour and Pasta Class

For travelers seeking an authentic slice of Florence’s culinary life, this tour offers a compelling package. Not just a cooking lesson, but an immersive journey that takes you through the city’s food shops, introduces you to regional ingredients, and ends with a delicious homemade meal.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Florence’s Historic Heart
The tour begins at Loggia del Bigallo in Piazza di San Giovanni—a central Florence landmark. Here, your host Cinzia greets you and begins the adventure with a short walk through the city’s vibrant streets, setting the tone for a day blending exploration and culinary discovery.

Market Tour: Shopping Like a Local
Cinzia leads you through carefully selected stores, including La Pegna, a renowned high-end shop known for its top-quality pastas and spices. You’ll also visit family-owned shops, adding a personal touch and insight into regional ingredients that you might not find in typical tourist spots.

One reviewer noted how Cinzia’s deep knowledge about local ingredients made the shopping both fun and educational. She explained the significance of certain regional products, making it clear that this is a food experience rooted in Florence’s traditions.

The Cooking Class: From Ingredients to Plate
After the shopping, you’ll move to Cinzia’s home—an inviting, homely space perfect for learning. Here, she shares her passion for Italian cuisine, explaining how she learned from her mother and grandmother before formal training.

You’ll get hands-on experience in making pasta from scratch, with some choosing between classic options like tagliatelle or ravioli, depending on the season and menu preferences. Cinzia’s style is patient and engaging, offering tips on kneading dough and shaping pasta that go beyond simple instructions.

The Menu and Your Meal
The menu varies based on season and personal preferences, and you can specify whether you’d like to focus solely on pasta or include a meat-based dish. Many reviews mention how flexible and accommodating Cinzia is, adjusting the menu to match your interests.

Once cooked, the meal is enjoyed with a glass of local prosecco or wine, making it feel like a shared family dinner. Reviewers appreciated the quality of the food, noting the pasta was “excellent,” and the sauces using seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and artichokes were inventive yet authentic.

The Authenticity and Value

Many travelers have shared how this experience exceeded their expectations. One mentioned, “Our boys learned so much and have a new appreciation for international cuisine,” highlighting that this isn’t just a cooking class, but an experience that bonds people through food. Another praised the relaxed, friendly atmosphere—you won’t feel like you’re in a typical commercial class, but rather in a warm home environment.

The price point of $182 per person is reasonable when considering the personalized attention, quality ingredients, and the meal itself. The experience lasts around six hours, which balances thoroughness with comfort, leaving plenty of time for learning, tasting, and chatting.

The Food and Drink

Cinzia’s selection of local prosecco and wine enhances the meal, adding a true Italian touch. Reviewers particularly appreciated the excellent wine selection and the way the drinks complemented the dishes perfectly, elevating the entire experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys learning new skills, tasting authentic regional ingredients, or simply spending a relaxed day in someone’s home kitchen, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-group or private experiences that foster honest conversations and genuine connections.

It’s ideal for foodies, families, or couples wanting to create lasting memories around Italian cuisine. The ability to customize your menu and the chance to learn techniques directly from a local chef makes this tour a standout for anyone eager to bring a piece of Italy home in the form of homemade pasta and stories.

The Sum Up

This Florence private market tour and pasta making class with Cinzia offers a rare, intimate look into local food traditions combined with the practical skill of pasta creation. It’s a journey that goes beyond just eating—it’s about understanding, participating, and savoring authentic Italian culture in a warm, family-style setting.

The thoughtful, flexible approach—plus Cinzia’s evident passion—make this experience truly special. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned home cook, the insights and techniques you’ll gain are valuable and enjoyable. It’s a perfect choice for anyone wanting a meaningful, delicious day in Florence that leaves you with skills and memories to cherish.

Ultimately, this tour is best for those who want a personal, hands-on experience that combines shopping, learning, and tasting—delivered with warmth and genuine passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. Be sure to specify your dietary preferences when booking so Cinzia can accommodate your needs.

Can I choose between making different types of pasta?
The menu varies based on the season, and if you have a preference—like learning to make gnocchi, ravioli, or tagliatelle—you should mention it during booking. Otherwise, Cinzia will decide the menu.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the private supermarket tour, the hands-on cooking class, the home-cooked meal, and local wine or prosecco. All taxes and gratuities are included as well.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately six hours, giving ample time for shopping, cooking, and enjoying your meal.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Loggia del Bigallo in Piazza di San Giovanni and ends at Cinzia’s home in Via di Scandicci. Exact address details are provided in your booking confirmation.

Is the market tour available year-round?
The market experience isn’t available during July and August due to the heat. Outside of these months, it’s a key part of the experience.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a very personalized and relaxed session.

Do I need to bring anything?
No special gear is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and dietary requirements if any.

Are there transportation options?
The meeting point is near public transportation, so accessibility is convenient, but hotel pickup isn’t included.

This experience offers a wonderful blend of shopping, learning, and dining, perfect for those wanting to truly connect with Florence’s culinary spirit.