Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at Cesarina’s home in Florence

This Florence-based cooking class offers an intimate look into Italian culinary traditions, right in the comfort of a local host’s home. With a focus on making fresh pasta and tiramisu, this activity combines hands-on cooking with a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like visiting a friend than taking a tour. It’s a highly rated experience, often booked weeks in advance, and perfect for those who want to take a genuine taste of Italy back home.

What makes this experience especially appealing is the personalized attention you’ll receive—since it’s a private class, your host dedicates herself fully to your group. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy your homemade creations paired with Italian wines elevates the entire culinary journey. On the flip side, it’s worth considering that the experience runs about three hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with a flexible schedule who want a relaxed, authentic activity.

If you’re a food lover eager to learn some secret family recipes in a cozy setting, this class might be just what you’re looking for. It suits those craving a mix of culture, cuisine, and a genuine connection with locals, all wrapped up in a fun, memorable experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hosted in a local home, giving you genuine insights into Italian culinary traditions.
• Private Focus: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Hands-On Learning: You’ll actively prepare two pasta dishes and tiramisu, gaining practical cooking skills.
• Cultural Connection: The host often invites guests to stay for dinner, sharing stories and local wines.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose between a morning-lunch or afternoon-dinner session to suit your plans.
• High Ratings & Positive Reviews: Consistently praised for warm hosts, delicious food, and memorable moments.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What the Tour Includes

This private class in Florence is designed to be an engaging, comprehensive journey into Italian home cooking. You’ll learn to craft two types of pasta from scratch, possibly including traditional shapes and flavors, with guidance from your host—an expert home cook or Cesarina. The focus here isn’t just on following a recipe but on uncovering the secrets that make Italian pasta truly special. Following that, you’ll roll up your sleeves to make authentic tiramisu, a dessert that perfectly caps off your culinary adventure.

The class lasts approximately three hours, providing enough time to master the techniques without feeling rushed. After cooking, everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor, accompanied by carefully selected wines and beverages that enhance the flavors. Multiple reviewers have highlighted how the food was “some of the best Italian food” they’ve ever had, often commenting on the quality of ingredients and the care taken in preparation.

The Host and Their Home

The experience is hosted by a Cesarina—locals who are passionate about sharing their family recipes. One reviewer commented how their host, Francesca Speroni Cardi, welcomed them with an “open heart,” and shared her skills in a “fun and engaging way.” Others praised hosts like Cristina and Donatella for making guests feel like part of the family, emphasizing the warm, genuine atmosphere.

Many reviewers appreciate the opportunity to sit down for dinner with their hosts, often staying longer to chat over glasses of wine, which offers a rare glimpse into everyday Italian life. One guest described it as an “unbelievable experience to sit, talk, and drink wine with someone so different, yet also similar,” highlighting the cultural exchange at the core of this activity.

Setting and Atmosphere

The majority of classes take place in a welcoming, well-kept home, sometimes with views of Florence or the surrounding countryside, offering more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a small escape from tourist crowds. Several reviews mention the “breathtaking” setting and the “gorgeous” homes, which contribute significantly to the overall charm.

Practical Details

Participants are picked up or meet conveniently near public transportation points in Florence, making access straightforward. The class is completely private, so only your group is involved, and you’ll have the host’s full attention. The experience is designed with safety and hygiene in mind, especially in the current climate, with all hosts adhering to strict sanitary protocols and providing necessary sanitizing supplies.

Value for Money

At $168.36 per person, this class might seem on the higher side, but considering its personalized approach, authentic setting, and included food and drinks, many feel it provides excellent value. Learning family recipes, enjoying a homemade meal, and creating lasting memories in a home environment are qualities that many travelers find worth the price.

What Reviewers Love Most

Repeatedly, guests mention the warm hospitality and the quality of the food. They frequently note how the pasta and tiramisu they prepared were “some of the best in Florence,” and how enjoyable it was to share a meal with a local family. Many guests also appreciated the quiet, authentic atmosphere—far from the busy restaurant scene—and the opportunity to ask questions and learn cooking tips directly from the host.

Points to Consider

While the experience is largely positive, some reviews point out occasional logistical issues—such as a missed booking or communication problems—which highlights the importance of confirming your reservation. Also, because it’s a private experience, availability can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so booking 44 days in advance is recommended.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This class is ideal for foodies, couples, families, or small groups who want a personalized, hands-on cooking experience that feels more like a visit to a friend’s home than a commercial class. It’s especially suited for those eager to learn authentic Italian recipes and enjoy a genuine taste of local life. If you’re a lover of good wine, charming settings, and delicious food, you’ll find this experience satisfying.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers looking for a quick, superficial activity or those with very tight schedules. Also, if you prefer structured, large-group tours, this intimate, private format might not be your first choice.

The Sum Up

This private Florence pasta and tiramisu class offers a fantastic blend of culinary education, cultural connection, and personal attention. You’ll leave with new skills in pasta-making and a better understanding of Italian dessert traditions, plus the experience of sharing a meal in a local home. The warm hospitality and authentic recipes make it worth the price for those seeking a meaningful, memorable food experience.

It’s best suited for travelers who want to deeply engage with Italian cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. If you crave genuine interactions, delicious food, and a break from typical sightseeing, this class could very well become one of your trip’s highlights.

FAQ

What is the duration of the class?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, giving ample time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Can I choose a specific time for the class?
Yes, you can select from a morning-lunch or afternoon-dinner session, allowing you to fit the experience into your itinerary comfortably.

Is this a private tour?
Absolutely. Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention from your host.

What is included in the price?
You’ll learn to make two pasta dishes and tiramisu, enjoy the food you cooked along with wines and beverages, and have a memorable cultural experience.

Are there any sanitary precautions in place?
Yes. Hosts follow strict protocols, providing all necessary sanitizing supplies, masks, and gloves as needed to ensure safety.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking. The host will provide all necessary cooking tools and ingredients.

Will I get to stay for dinner?
Many hosts invite guests to stay for dinner after the class, sharing stories and wine, which enhances the personal experience.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 44 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.

Can children participate?
While specific age policies aren’t detailed, the private nature suggests it’s suitable for families or small groups who want a tailored experience.

This Florence cooking class is not just about making pasta; it’s about connecting with Italian culture in a genuine, heartfelt way. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just curious about Italian flavors, this experience promises to leave you with memories, skills, and perhaps a new favorite recipe—or two.