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

Florence’s Culinary Charm: A Hands-On Experience You’ll Love

Imagine wandering through Florence’s bustling Central Market with a local chef, selecting the freshest ingredients, then heading to a cozy cooking school to turn those ingredients into authentic Tuscan dishes. For just under $98, you get a 5-hour journey that combines market exploration, skill-building in the kitchen, and a delicious, wine-paired meal. The guides—whose names are often mentioned with praise—make it easy to feel welcome and engaged, creating a warm, educational atmosphere.

What we really adore about this experience is how interactive and authentic it feels. You’re not just watching someone cook; you’re actively involved in choosing ingredients and preparing dishes like homemade pasta and tiramisu. Plus, the unlimited Chianti wine flowing during your meal turns the whole afternoon into a convivial celebration of Italian cuisine. The second highlight is the digital recipe booklet and diploma you receive, allowing you to recreate what you’ve learned back home—worth more than its weight in pasta!

A potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point. Also, it’s not suitable for celiacs, and vegetarians should specify if they require a tailored menu, as some dishes contain eggs or meat. Overall, it’s perfect for food lovers, families, or anyone eager to learn the secrets behind classic Italian dishes in a friendly, small-group setting.

If you’re visiting Florence and want a fun, flavorful activity that’s as educational as it is delicious, this cooking class and market tour will suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Visit: Guided walk through Florence’s Central Market, meeting local vendors and sampling artisanal goods.
• Hands-On Cooking: Learn to make bruschetta, homemade pasta, and tiramisu with expert guidance.
• Wine Paired Meal: Enjoy your creations paired with unlimited Chianti wine during your meal.
• Educational and Memorable: Receive a digital recipe booklet and diploma to remember and replicate your dishes.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for children over 18, with a relaxed, engaging environment.
• Limited Group Size: Max 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a warm atmosphere.

The Reality of the Tour: What to Expect

The adventure begins at the Towns of Italy cooking school in central Florence. You’ll meet your chef-instructor, often praised for their enthusiasm and clarity. From there, the highlight is the market visit, which many reviews describe as lively and informative. You’ll stroll through the Florence Central Market, where vendors eagerly showcase local meats, cheeses, and artisanal products. Roberta, one of the most frequently praised guides, is noted for her warmth, humor, and ability to make everyone feel at ease.

During the market tour, you’re encouraged to sample some of the local delicacies—this adds a layer of genuine insight into Tuscany’s culinary traditions. The market visit isn’t just a shopping trip; it’s an entertaining lesson on how Florentine ingredients are sourced and used.

Once in the cooking school, the focus shifts to practical skills. You’ll don an apron and get your hands dirty on dishes like ravioli from scratch and fresh sauces. The chef offers tips and tricks, making sure even novice cooks leave feeling confident in their pasta-rolling abilities. Many reviews highlight the fun and relaxed atmosphere—people often mention their instructor’s engaging style and patience.

When your dishes are ready, you gather around the table to feast. The meal is paired with unlimited Chianti, contributing to a convivial, hearty experience. The diploma and recipe booklet are a lovely touch, allowing you to recreate your masterpiece at home.

An important part of this experience is the small group size—no more than 20 participants—which fosters a friendly environment and personal interaction. The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, making it a manageable yet deeply satisfying activity.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Market Visit: A Flavorful Introduction

Your journey starts with a walk to Florence’s Central Market, just a short stroll from the meeting point. Here, you’ll meet your guide—often a friendly local chef—who will introduce you to the vibrant world of Tuscan ingredients. The market is lively, filled with vendors selling everything from fresh meats and artisanal cheeses to seasonal produce. As you wander, you’ll learn about the significance of each ingredient in traditional Tuscan dishes, and many visitors note how much they enjoy the sampling of local products.

Reviewers praise the market visit for its engaging and authentic feel. One shared, “Our visit to the market before class was fun and learned about local meats and artisinal goods that are used in local cuisine.” This part of the tour creates a genuine sense of connection to Florence’s culinary roots.

Cooking Class: From Ingredients to Masterpieces

Next, you walk to the cooking school, where your apron awaits. The class is designed to be hands-on, with everyone participating actively. Under the guidance of a professional chef—often described as knowledgeable and engaging—you’ll learn how to prepare bruschetta, from-scratch pasta like ravioli, and a luscious tiramisu.

The emphasis is on technique and tradition, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and fun. Several reviews mention how their instructor, like Alice or Victoria, is excellent at passing on skills with patience and humor. “Our chef was so engaging and made it easy to follow along,” a visitor recalls.

You’ll also get helpful tips on pasta rolling and sauce making—valuable skills to take home. Plus, the chef might share small market samples—this adds a delightful tasting element directly linked to your cooking.

Dining and Wine Tasting: Celebrating Your Creations

Once your dishes are ready, you move to the dining area to enjoy your culinary handiwork. The meal is served with unlimited Chianti wine, which many reviewers describe as a highlight. The wine and food pairing fosters a warm, convivial environment, where everyone shares stories and laughs.

The dishes you’ll savor are typically a selection of pasta, sauces, bruschetta, and tiramisu—all made during the class. Several visitors mention how delicious everything turned out, with one stating, “The pasta and tiramisu were incredible.”

After the Meal: Keepsakes and Memories

When the meal concludes, you’re gifted a digital recipe booklet and a diploma—nice souvenirs that underscore the educational nature of the experience. Many say they plan to recreate these dishes at home, keeping the flavors of Florence alive long after their trip.

The Value of This Tour

At around $97.98 per person, this class offers excellent value for money. It combines market insights, culinary skills, and tasting into one package that’s both fun and educational. Compared to other activities, you get a personalized experience with small groups, which is often a big plus for those seeking authentic connections.

The inclusion of unlimited wine during lunch makes the tasting part of the experience especially enjoyable, turning a cooking lesson into a genuine celebration of Italian food culture. The digital recipe booklet and diploma are thoughtful touches that extend the benefits beyond your trip.

For those who love interactive activities, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups of friends who want more than just sightseeing, but a chance to learn and cook in a beautiful setting.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re looking for a cultural activity that combines culinary learning, local flavor, and conviviality, this tour is perfect. Food lovers who want to roll up their sleeves and taste the results will find it rewarding. It’s also well-suited for families with older children, given the small group size and engaging format.

However, if your dietary restrictions include celiac disease or strict vegetarianism, you might want to specify or consider alternative options, as some dishes contain eggs or meat. If you prefer private tours or transport, you’ll need to arrange your own logistics, since this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at the meeting point in central Florence. You’ll need to organize your own transportation to the start location.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 5 hours, from the market visit to the meal and gift-giving.

Can vegetarians participate?
The class is suitable for vegetarians, but please notify in advance. Some dishes may contain eggs, so dietary restrictions should be specified.

Are children under 18 allowed?
Children and teens over 18 can participate if accompanied by at least one adult. This ensures a relaxed environment for everyone.

What if the market is closed?
On Sundays and bank holidays, when the Florence Central Market is closed, the market visit will be replaced by extra tastings at the cooking school.

Is this activity suitable for celiacs?
No, this tour is not suitable for celiacs due to the presence of dishes containing gluten.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided market visit (depending on your option), the cooking class, unlimited Chianti wine with lunch, a digital recipe booklet, and a diploma.

Final Thoughts

This Wanna Be Italiano experience offers a lively, authentic way to learn about Tuscan cuisine while savoring the flavors of Florence. The combination of market exploration, hands-on cooking, and wine tasting creates a memorable, well-rounded cultural activity. The guides and instructors are praised for their warmth and expertise, making even novice cooks feel at home.

For foodies eager to learn and families seeking a fun, interactive activity, this tour provides a perfect balance of education, entertainment, and delicious rewards. It’s a great way to step behind the scenes of Florence’s culinary traditions and leave with new skills—and a full belly.

If you’re after a lively, authentic, and practical culinary experience that offers more than just sightseeing, this class will serve you well. It’s especially valuable if you want to bring home a taste of Florence—literally and figuratively.

Summary

Wanna Be Italiano stands out as a top-rated, small-group culinary adventure in Florence, praised for its knowledgeable guides, authentic market visit, and delicious food. Whether you’re a culinary beginner or seasoned cook, you’ll appreciate the engaging, hands-on approach. While it requires you to organize your own transport, the experience’s depth and fun make it a worthwhile investment. Perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Tuscany with plenty of wine, food, and learning thrown in.