Wanna Be Italiano – The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence

Travelers wishing to take a genuine taste of Florence’s culinary scene often find themselves torn between sightseeing and food experiences. Fortunately, the Wanna Be Italiano tour offers a perfect blend of both, combining a lively market visit with a hands-on cooking class. With excellent reviews and a balanced approach, this 5-hour experience promises to teach you the secrets of Tuscan cuisine while enjoying local flavors and wine in a friendly, intimate setting.

What I love most about this tour is how it seamlessly blends education with fun—you’re not just watching a chef cook, but actively involved in creating authentic dishes alongside fellow travelers. Plus, the market visit adds a colorful, sensory dimension that makes the entire experience feel rooted in local life. One thing to consider: it’s designed for those without gluten restrictions or meat allergies, as some dishes contain eggs and no fish or meat is included.

This experience suits food lovers, travelers eager for an authentic cultural encounter, or anyone wanting a memorable, interactive activity to complement their Florence trip. If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized cookery session led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Experience: Guided visit to Florence’s bustling Central Market with local vendors.
• Hands-On Cooking: Learn to prepare classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta, bruschetta, and tiramisu.
• Inclusive Experience: Enjoy unlimited Chianti wine with your meal.
• Educational & Fun: Receive a digital recipe booklet and a diploma to take home your new skills.
• Family Friendly & Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians, with no meat or fish, but limited for celiacs and those avoiding eggs.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 20 travelers, making it intimate and interactive.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Meeting Your Chef & Setting Off to the Market

The journey begins at the Towns of Italy – Florence Cooking School, located conveniently in the city center. From there, you’ll walk to the nearby Central Market—a hive of activity, filled with vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal meats, cheeses, and more. A highlight here, according to reviews, is the chance to meet local vendors and learn about traditional ingredients. One reviewer noted, “our visit to the market before class was fun and learned about local meats and artisanal goods used in local cuisine.”

The market visit typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, depending on the day and whether it’s a holiday or a Sunday when the market might be closed. In that case, the market visit is replaced with extra tastings at the cooking school, ensuring you still get a taste of Florence’s culinary spirit.

Collecting Ingredients & Moving to the Cooking School

After browsing the stalls, you’ll pick up ingredients for your dishes under the guidance of your chef. These include fresh bread, ripe tomatoes, herbs, and possibly local meats or cheeses. The reviews underscore how engaging this part is—many guests say they enjoyed learning about regional ingredients and even tasting market samples along the way.

Walking from the market to the cooking school takes just a few minutes, keeping the momentum lively and allowing you to start thinking about your upcoming culinary adventure.

Learning to Cook Tuscan Classics

Once at the cooking school, you’ll don your apron and get hands-on. The chef guides you through making bruschetta, homemade pasta (like ravioli from scratch), and a classic tiramisu. According to reviewers, the instruction is clear, friendly, and infused with useful tips. One guest mentioned, “Victoria did a great job presenting this,” emphasizing the professionalism and approachability of the chef.

The pace is relaxed but engaging, with plenty of tips from the chef that elevate your cooking skills. Some dishes, like pasta from scratch, involve kneading, rolling, and filling, which guests find both satisfying and educational. The chef also shares insider insights into traditional Tuscan flavors and techniques.

Tasting & Dining

After all the hard work, you get to sit down and enjoy the meal you helped create, paired with unlimited glasses of Chianti wine. Many guests note how generous the wine offering is—it’s not just a sip but a good pour, making the meal feel festive. Reviews mention that being able to eat what you cooked was a highlight, and the dishes, including pasta and tiramisu, consistently receive praise.

The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and convivial. Guests often comment on how enjoyable it is to share a meal with new friends, a sentiment echoed by reviewers who called the class “fun” and “a highlight of their trip.”

Learning & Taking Home Your New Skills

As the experience concludes, you’ll receive a digital recipe booklet and a diploma—handy keepsakes to remind you of your culinary adventure and to try recreating these dishes back home. Many reviewers appreciated that they could revisit the recipes later, with one saying, “we loved the way the chef explained everything clearly, and now we can cook like this at home.”

The Value of the Experience

At approximately $98 per person, this tour offers significant value. You’re not just paying for a cooking class, but also for an authentic cultural experience that includes a guided market tour, expert instruction, and unlimited wine. The small group size (maximum 20 travelers) fosters a personalized environment, which many guests find makes it easier to learn and ask questions.

Guests frequently praise the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the food prepared. Many also mention how the experience is suitable for families and those with vegetarian preferences, with some dishes catering specifically to vegetarian needs (just notify ahead). The only notable limitation is that celiacs or those with egg allergies may find it difficult to fully participate, as some dishes contain eggs.

Practical Points to Keep in Mind

• The tour operates rain or shine—be prepared for all weather.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the designated spot.
• The tour is best booked at least 56 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• The group size maxes out at 20, ensuring an intimate experience.
• It’s suitable for those over 18, with minors needing to be accompanied by an adult.

Authenticity & Expertise: What Sets This Apart

One aspect that guests repeatedly praise is the professional yet friendly guidance. Many mention guides like Alice and Victoria as being engaging, knowledgeable, and able to pass on tips that make home cooking easier and more authentic. The market visit is often highlighted as a real highlight—learning about local ingredients from vendors and sampling artisanal products makes the experience feel genuine.

The unlimited wine component adds a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere that enhances the bonding experience. Guests often say they felt they learned more than just recipes—they gained insight into Tuscan food culture and traditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies, couples, families, or solo travelers eager to engage in a fun, interactive activity. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning new skills and want a taste of local life beyond typical sightseeing. The small group setting ensures plenty of interaction, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate a more personalized experience.

However, if you have specific dietary restrictions like celiac disease or strict vegan needs, consider the limitations. Also, those seeking an entirely gluten-free or meat-inclusive experience may want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

Wanna Be Italiano offers a highly valued, well-rounded culinary journey into Florence’s food scene. With its mix of lively market visits, expert guidance, and generous wine tastings, it provides not only cooking skills but also a taste of local culture. Guests consistently report having a fun, informative, and delicious experience, often calling it a highlight of their trip.

If you’re after an activity that combines learning, authentic flavor, and a convivial atmosphere, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a rare chance to create something delicious with your own hands, enjoy great company, and bring home recipes to impress your friends back home.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians? Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarians, and some dishes are vegetarian. Just be sure to notify the organizers when booking.
Are there any gluten-free options? The tour does not accommodate celiac restrictions, as some dishes contain eggs, and gluten is used in pasta and bread.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Do I need to bring anything? All ingredients, equipment, and recipes are provided. Just wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for a hands-on cooking class.
What is included in the price? The guided market visit (depending on the day), cooking lesson, unlimited Chianti wine during lunch, recipe booklet, and a diploma.
What if the market is closed? When Florence’s Central Market is closed, the experience includes extra tastings at the cooking school, ensuring you still get a taste of local ingredients.
How long is the class? Around 5 hours, from meeting to concluding the meal with drinks and recipes.
Is transportation provided? No, you need to meet at the designated spot; hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What is the group size? Max 20 travelers, fostering a more personalized and interactive experience.
Can children participate? Minors over 18 are allowed if accompanied by an adult. No specific mention of younger children, so check with the provider if bringing kids.

In summary, this Florence cooking tour offers a delightful mix of market exploration, hands-on cooking, and local wine—delivering an authentic, educational, and convivial experience that’s well worth the price. Ideal for those curious about Tuscan cuisine and eager to learn in a relaxed environment, it promises both fun and useful skills to keep the taste of Florence alive long after your trip ends.