Cooking Masterclass & Food Walking Tour

Tuscany’s culinary reputation precedes itself, drawing foodies from around the world. Now, you can dive into the region’s time-honored traditions and acclaimed ingredients through a captivating cooking masterclass and guided food exploration in the historic heart of Florence. Stroll through charming bottegas, handpick premium local produce, and master classic Tuscan dishes alongside an expert chef. The day culminates with a homemade lunch paired with regional wines, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the art of Tuscan cuisine. Where will this flavorful journey take you next?

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Key Points

Immersive food experience exploring Florence’s historic bottegas and mastering techniques to prepare classic Tuscan dishes like gnocchi, cannelloni, and risotto.
Guided tour of family-run bakeries and specialty cheese shops, offering a window into Florentine culinary heritage and opportunities to sample artisanal goods.
Selection of premium, locally-sourced ingredients for the hands-on cooking class, including seasonal vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood, and artisanal products.
Savoring a homemade Tuscan lunch complemented by regional wines and receiving a graduation certificate and recipe booklet as mementos.
Small group activity with a focus on Tuscan cuisine and culture, accommodating food allergies and intolerances, and accessible for strollers but not wheelchairs.

Tuscany’s Culinary Renown

Tuscany’s reputation as a culinary powerhouse is well-deserved, as the region’s diverse landscapes and rich agricultural heritage have long produced some of Italy’s most acclaimed ingredients and dishes.

From the olive groves that dot the rolling hills to the vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, Tuscany is a foodie’s paradise.

The area’s commitment to seasonality, artisanal production, and time-honored traditions has earned it a global reputation for gastronomic excellence.

Whether it’s the hearty, rustic flavors of Florentine cuisine or the delicate, nuanced tastes of Chianti, Tuscany’s food culture is a reflection of the region’s natural bounty and the pride of its people.

Immersive Food Experience

This tour offers an immersive culinary experience that allows travelers to truly understand and appreciate the flavors of Italy.

Guests will explore Florence’s historic bottegas, shop for fresh local ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes under the guidance of expert instructors.

The highlights of this hands-on adventure include:

Strolling through the charming Oltrarno district and visiting iconic food purveyors
Selecting premium ingredients for the cooking class
Mastering the techniques to make classic dishes like gnocchi, cannelloni, and risotto
Savoring a homemade Tuscan lunch paired with local wines
Receiving a graduation certificate and recipe booklet to recreate the experience at home

Florence’s Historic Bottegas

Where can visitors find the time-honored food purveyors that have long supplied Florence’s kitchens? Along the charming streets of the Oltrarno district, historic bottegas continue to operate much as they’ve for generations.

On this immersive food tour, guests will explore these beloved establishments, stepping back in time as they browse the shelves stocked with artisanal goods.

From family-run bakeries to specialty cheese shops, each bottega offers a unique window into Florence’s culinary heritage. Visitors can chat with the passionate proprietors, sample their wares, and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich food culture.

It’s a chance to connect with the beating heart of Florentine gastronomy.

Purchasing Fresh Ingredients

As part of the cooking masterclass, participants venture out to purchase the fresh, local ingredients needed for their hands-on culinary experience. They explore the vibrant Oltrarno district, browsing the shelves and stalls of historic food purveyors to carefully select the finest seasonal produce, cheeses, and other artisanal products. This immersive shopping expedition not only provides the essential components for the cooking class, but also offers an intimate glimpse into the city’s time-honored food traditions.

The participants gather:

Seasonal vegetables and herbs
Locally-sourced meats and seafood
Freshly-made pasta and sauces
Artisanal cheeses and cured meats
Fragrant spices and olive oils

Cooking Class Activities

After gathering the fresh, local ingredients, participants head to the cooking school for the hands-on culinary experience. They don the provided aprons and learn to prepare a variety of traditional Tuscan dishes, from gnocchi and cannelloni to risotto. Under the guidance of an expert chef, they’ll master the techniques required to create these beloved Italian specialties. The cooking class is an interactive and immersive experience, allowing participants to fully engage with the flavors and traditions of Tuscan cuisine.

Mood	Reaction
Excitement	"I can’t wait to start cooking!"
Curiosity	"I wonder what secrets the chef will share."
Satisfaction	"This is going to be a delicious lunch."

Included Tour Highlights

This immersive tour includes a guided food exploration of Florence’s historic bottegas, where participants can sample an array of Tuscan delicacies.

The experience offers a chance to:

Walk through the charming Oltrarno district and discover the city’s renowned food purveyors
Purchase fresh, local ingredients to use in the cooking class
Learn to prepare classic Tuscan dishes like gnocchi, cannelloni, and risotto
Savor a homemade lunch complemented by regional wines
Receive a graduation certificate and recipe booklet as mementos of the day

Regardless of prior cooking experience, this tour provides an authentic taste of Tuscan cuisine and culture.

Tour Details and Logistics

The tour is a small group activity, with a maximum of 10 travelers. Prior cooking experience isn’t necessary, as the focus is on immersing participants in Tuscan cuisine and culture.

The meeting point is in the heart of Florence, and the tour ends back at the same location. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to enjoy the wine tasting. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are permitted.

Anyone with food allergies or intolerances should inform the organizers ahead of time.

If any of the historic bottegas are closed, the cooking school will provide a special introduction and extra tastings instead.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring participants have all the necessary details.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to enjoy the wine tasting, as the minimum drinking age is enforced.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are permitted, accommodating families.

Anyone with food allergies or intolerances should inform the organizers ahead of time, so appropriate arrangements can be made.

If any of the historic bottegas are closed, the cooking school will provide a special introduction and extra tastings instead, maintaining the immersive experience.

Key Highlights:

Confirmation provided at booking
Minimum drinking age of 18 years
Stroller accessible, not wheelchair accessible
Inform of any food allergies/intolerances
Alternative arrangements if bottegas are closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Large Group?

The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 travelers. While larger groups can’t be accommodated on this specific activity, the company may be able to arrange a private tour for your group. It’s best to check with them directly.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Option Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and vegan menu options. Guests can request these dietary accommodations when booking the tour, and the cooking class will be tailored to their needs.

Can I Take the Leftovers From the Cooking Class Home?

The tour does not allow participants to take leftovers home. Any food prepared during the cooking class is intended to be enjoyed together as part of the lunch experience. Leftover portions cannot be packaged for takeaway.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Cooking Class?

You don’t need to bring any special equipment for the cooking class. All the necessary aprons, utensils, and cooking tools will be provided by the instructor for you to use during the hands-on lesson.

Is There an Option to Customize the Dishes We Cook?

The cooking class allows participants to customize the dishes they’ll make. The instructor is flexible and can accommodate requests or dietary needs. However, the core menu is set to provide an authentic Tuscan cooking experience.