THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into Tuscany’s culinary heart with The Full Treat, a hands-on Italian cooking class just outside Florence. Prepare a three-course meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients and enjoy your creations in a garden with stunning views.
Step into Tuscany’s culinary heart with The Full Treat, a hands-on Italian cooking class just outside Florence. Prepare a three-course meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients and enjoy your creations in a garden with stunning views.
Book with Cooking with Carlotta
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cooking with Carlotta · San Martino Alla Palma, Toscana
Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Florence, The Full Treat offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Italian cuisine while surrounded by the gentle Tuscan countryside. Situated in San Martino Alla Palma, a charming village in Toscana, Italy, this four-hour cooking experience combines hands-on culinary instruction with the pleasure of savoring a genuine three-course Italian meal prepared from seasonal, fresh ingredients sourced from nearby organic farms.
What sets The Full Treat apart is its warm, intimate setting and personalized guidance tailored to small groups—perfect for families, couples, and food lovers alike. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a glass of crisp Prosecco and carefully chosen amuse-bouches, setting the stage for a festive and engaging afternoon. Under the expert supervision of your host, you’ll master the art of making iconic Italian dishes such as delicate handmade pasta, including gnocchi, stuffed pasta, and classic lasagna, alongside thoughtfully prepared second courses and desserts.
Beyond just cooking, this experience is about sharing. When weather permits, the meal is enjoyed in a scenic garden overlooking Florence’s rolling hills, creating an atmosphere that blends heritage, nature, and gastronomy. A friendly orange cat often acts as the unofficial concierge, adding a cozy local charm to the gathering.
The Full Treat is especially accommodating for dietary preferences, offering alternatives for fish lovers and vegetarians, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. The class is open to guests from age three and up, making it an enriching cultural activity for travelers with children. Babysitting services can be arranged upon request to provide parents a relaxed environment.
San Martino Alla Palma, nestled in Toscana, is not only the ideal backdrop for this immersive cooking adventure but also introduces visitors to a slower pace of life, rich with history and tradition. Toscana is renowned for its rolling vineyards, olive groves, and sun-dappled landscapes, enhancing the overall charm of this culinary journey.
Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or an experienced home cook longing for authentic regional recipes, The Full Treat provides hands-on experience, approachable instruction, and a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary heart. This trip promises more than just a meal—it’s a welcoming invitation to partake in a time-honored Italian tradition and create lasting memories near one of the world’s most celebrated cities.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels—mainly standing and light kitchen work
Yes, children aged three and up can join. The class is family-friendly with hands-on involvement tailored to different ages.
Absolutely. The host accommodates various dietary needs upon prior notice to ensure a satisfying experience.
Transportation isn't included but can be arranged upon request if you contact the host a few days before your booking.
Groups are capped at eight people to maintain an intimate and personalized atmosphere.
No prior skills are needed; the class is designed to teach and guide all skill levels through the recipes.
Yes, menus are updated seasonally using fresh, local ingredients to reflect Toscana’s culinary rhythms.
San Martino Alla Palma dates back to medieval times and has maintained its agricultural heritage, reflected in its local food traditions.
The experience emphasizes seasonal, organic ingredients sourced locally to support sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Cooking with Carlotta is a family-run culinary school based in San Martino Alla Palma, Toscana, offering hands-on cooking classes and dining in a garden with views over Florence. Carlotta leads intimate classes focused on traditional Tuscan recipes and seasonal ingredients. Guests learn to make handmade pasta, gnocchi, pizza and classic second courses, then enjoy the meals with local wines and welcome Prosecco. Experiences include short workshops and extended formats: "Steak & Fire" featuring Florentine steak and fresh pasta; "Pasta Galore" centered on first courses and seasonal specialties; "The Total Experience (2 days)" and "The Total Experience (1 day)" for comprehensive pasta, pizza and second course preparation; the family-oriented "Just a Bite" Experience for children and adults making gnocchi or egg pasta; and "The Full Treat" combining a traditional three-course dinner with handmade desserts. Classes are hands-on and suitable for a range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks seeking authentic Tuscan techniques. Seasonal, local ingredients are emphasized throughout each menu, and sessions include aperitivo and wine pairings where noted. Cooking with Carlotta is featured on The Adventure Collective, and bookings are managed per experience to keep group sizes intimate and the teaching personalized. The school’s location in San Martino Alla Palma provides convenient access to Florence while offering a relaxed countryside setting. Guests can expect step-by-step instruction, a focus on regional flavors, and opportunity to dine on creations in a picturesque garden. Recipes, practical skills and an appreciation for Tuscan food culture are central to the experience.
Book with Cooking with Carlotta