Do I need prior cooking experience?

No, this class welcomes all skill levels and provides step-by-step instruction.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, inform the operator in advance to tailor the menu to your needs.

What language is the class conducted in?

The class is conducted in English, suitable for international guests.

Is wine included in the tasting?

Yes, regional wines are paired with your meal to complement the dishes.

How large are the groups?

Groups are kept small, typically 8–12 participants, for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring to the class?

Just bring your enthusiasm; all cooking equipment and ingredients are provided.

Tuscan Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence | Guided Tour | Food Tour

Florence, Italy, known as Firenze locally, is a city steeped in Renaissance art, rich history, and vibrant culinary traditions. At the heart of this cultural and gastronomic capital, the Small-Group Market Visit and Cookery Class offers an intimate dive into Tuscan cuisine that goes beyond the usual tourist fare. This experience begins with a guided tour of the San Lorenzo Market, one of Florence’s oldest and liveliest food markets. Here, you get hands-on selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients like heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and locally cured meats. The market itself is a bustling mix of colorful stalls and local vendors who have upheld their family recipes for generations.

Once equipped with your carefully chosen ingredients, the class transitions to a charming nearby kitchen where expert chefs teach you to craft signature Tuscan dishes, including hand-rolled pasta and authentic bruschetta. The instruction is detailed yet accessible, suitable for beginners and food lovers alike. Participants learn about the importance of ingredient quality and traditional techniques that have shaped Florentine cuisine. The session culminates in a convivial meal where you savor your culinary creations paired with regional wines, deepening your appreciation of Toscana’s flavors.

What makes this experience particularly special is its connection to Florence’s cultural fabric. The market is a living piece of history, and the cooking class emphasizes sustainable, seasonal eating inspired by centuries-old recipes that reflect the region’s identity. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, this trip offers a genuine taste of Tuscan life.

The group format keeps it personal, encouraging interaction and shared stories beyond just cooking. From the lively market chatter to the warm kitchen ambiance, this adventure places you at the crossroads of history, culture, and gastronomy in one of Italy’s most beloved cities.

About Keys of Italy

Keys of Italy is a Florence-based tour operator offering curated day trips, private tours, and guided experiences across Italy. Founded to connect visitors with Italy’s regional highlights, the company organizes departures from Firenze to destinations including Cinque Terre, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Chianti, Val d'Orcia, and the Ferrari Museum, as well as long-distance departures to Milan, Venice, Turin, Naples, Bari, and Sicily.
Tours range from walking and food tours to wine tastings, cooking classes, museum guided visits, skip-the-line access, private transfers, and active adventures such as 4x4 Etna excursions.
The portfolio includes thematic experiences—historical city walks, art and gallery tours (Uffizi, Accademia, Pinacoteca), and specialist itineraries like Egyptian Museum guided visits and automotive museum tours. Food-focused offerings cover pasta, pizza, gelato, Mozzarella, arancino, cannoli, and street-food tastings. Wine experiences highlight Chianti, Brunello, Val d'Orcia, Bolgheri, Franciacorta, and Langhe regions.
Many tours explicitly list private options, train transfers, and skip-the-line museum access where indicated. Departure cities identified in tour titles include Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples, Turin, Bari, Catania, Lecce and Palermo-area experiences, making the company’s reach national in scope.
Keys of Italy provides practical options such as transfers, tailored private days, and classes alongside classic sightseeing. The collection of over one hundred offered itineraries reflects a broad catalogue of experiences centered on Tuscany and extending throughout Italy.
All descriptions above are based on the published trip titles and summaries provided for Keys of Italy and reference only factual elements listed. Information reflects provided trip names, summaries, and stated departure locations accurately.