THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend two days mastering authentic Tuscan pasta, pizza, and second courses with Cooking with Carlotta, set in a garden overlooking Florence. Discover how fresh, local ingredients bring Italian cuisine to life in this hands-on culinary journey.
Spend two days mastering authentic Tuscan pasta, pizza, and second courses with Cooking with Carlotta, set in a garden overlooking Florence. Discover how fresh, local ingredients bring Italian cuisine to life in this hands-on culinary journey.
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Operated by Cooking with Carlotta · San Martino Alla Palma, Toscana
Located in the heart of Tuscany just outside Florence, Cooking with Carlotta offers a hands-on culinary retreat that blends authentic Italian tradition with stunning outdoor surroundings. San Martino Alla Palma, a small village in the Toscana region, provides an idyllic setting where rolling hills meet vibrant gardens and breathtaking views of Florence’s historic skyline.
At the core of this experience is The Total Experience, a two-day immersive workshop that turns fresh, seasonal ingredients into memorable dishes. Participants begin with a warm welcome of Prosecco and a classic aperitivo, setting the tone for what’s to come. Over the course of two full days, guests dive deep into making handmade pasta varieties such as gnocchi, stuffed pasta, and lasagna alongside perfectly crafted pizza doughs. The classes also include complex second courses that showcase traditional Italian marinades, sauces, meats, and desserts—recipes often too intricate for typical day classes.
What truly sets this experience apart is the backdrop: a beautifully maintained garden offering panoramic views of Florence. When the weather permits, meals conclude as a shared dinner in this serene setting paired with carefully selected local wines, tying together the tactile joy of cooking with the satisfaction of dining outdoors.
The workshop welcomes all ages from 3 years old upward, making it a rare family-friendly outing in the Tuscan countryside. Small groups ensure personalized instruction tailored to tastes and dietary preferences, including vegetarian options inspired by Italy’s rich produce.
The location’s proximity to Florence, combined with the authentic approach to Tuscan cooking and convivial outdoor dining, cements Cooking with Carlotta as a standout option for travelers seeking a true taste of Italy’s food culture integrated with its scenic landscapes and warm hospitality.
easy.
2 days.
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages including children from 3 years old
Yes, children aged 3 and up are welcome to participate with an accompanying adult.
Vegetarian options are available upon request. Please notify Cooking with Carlotta in advance to arrange alternatives.
No previous experience is required. The classes are designed to be accessible to beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Transportation can be arranged on request with advance notice to ease your travel to San Martino Alla Palma.
You’ll craft handmade pasta (including gnocchi and stuffed pasta), pizza, second courses with meats and sauces, plus desserts.
Yes, you enjoy a full meal together in a garden setting overlooking Florence, paired with selected Italian wines.
San Martino Alla Palma is part of Tuscany’s rich agricultural tradition, historically known for family farms producing olive oil and wine.
Cooking with Carlotta emphasizes seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from nearby sustainable farms to 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.
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