Meet
Maria
Maria is an architect who has specialized in bio-architecture and restoration. She is now retired and has dedicated her time to enjoying her passion for painting and cooking. She learned to cook at a young age when living in Sardinia, where it is tradition to hand-down family recipes from one generation to the next. Maria’s mother was an exceptional cook, and it is from her that she learned to cook traditional Italian food. She is not only passionate about cooking, but also enjoys hosting as well. Maria looks forward to meeting people from all over the world, hosting them in her country house and cooking her favorite recipes together. When asked why she would like to be a Traveling Spoon host, this is what Maria had to say, “I love to cook and I love people. I would really like to share my recipes and spend time together with the guest in my country house – cooking and sharing good food”.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(2-10 guests)
Join Maria and her husband in their beautiful Tuscan countryside farmhouse to share stories and enjoy a traditional meal cooked using family recipes. You can expect to share a home-cooked Italian meal using Maria's grandmother’s recipes. A few traditional Tuscan dishes that you might be served are bruschetta with tomatoes and basil or black cabbage and ravioli with ricotta and spinach or tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata. End your meal with a dessert such as tiramisu or ice cream with cake. Two glasses of local wine (included) will be served with your traditional Tuscan meal.
Cooking experience:
(2-10 guests)
Meet your host, Maria, at a central Florence meeting point and enjoy a scenic drive (included for groups of 2–6) to her beautifully restored 12th-century Tuscan home. Along the way, Maria, a retired architect and passionate home cook, shares fascinating insights into Florence's architecture, history, and culture before welcoming you into her home for an unforgettable private cooking experience.
This private, hands-on Florence cooking class is an authentic local experience where you'll cook and dine in a real Tuscan home just 20 minutes north of the city. Learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch using seasonal ingredients, including handmade pasta such as tagliatelle or ravioli, bruschetta, and a classic dessert like tiramisu. Every recipe has been passed down through Maria's family, and she shares the stories, techniques, and personal touches behind each dish, making you feel as though you're cooking with family.
After the class, sit down together to enjoy the meal you've prepared, accompanied by two glasses of Italian wine. Perfect for honeymooners, families, and groups of friends, this private experience offers an authentic taste of Tuscan hospitality while providing a unique perspective on Florence's history, architecture, and culinary traditions through the eyes of a local.
Note for groups of 7 or more: Complimentary transportation is not included. Please arrange your own transportation to Maria's countryside home, located about 20 minutes from central Florence.
Market visit:
(2-10 guests)
Begin your immersive culinary journey in Florence with a guided walking tour of the vibrant San Lorenzo Market, a must-visit destination for food lovers. If you're looking for one of the best food experiences in Florence, this private market tour and cooking class offers an authentic way to experience Tuscan culture. Meet your host, Maria, at a central Florence location and explore the bustling market as she introduces you to her favorite local vendors. Stroll past colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olive oils and regional specialties while learning how to select the finest ingredients using tips passed down through generations of Maria's family.
Unlike many cooking classes held in commercial kitchens, you'll then drive just 20 minutes into the Tuscan countryside to Maria's beautifully restored 12th-century home, where you'll prepare traditional family recipes, dine together over local wine, and experience genuine Italian hospitality in a real home. (Market tours are unavailable on Sundays and public holidays.)
Notes:
1. Maria can accommodate lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets upon request. Please inform her of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking your Florence cooking class online. For a gluten-free experience, be sure to book her dedicated Gluten-Free Pasta Class on our website.
2. Price includes round-trip transfers from Forno Sale Grosso, a café in central Florence, approximately a 20-minute drive from Maria’s home, for groups of up to 6 guests. For groups of 7+, please make your own way to and from Maria’s home, or Maria can arrange round-trip transfers for the additional guests for $100. To request additional transfers, please email reservations@travelingspoon.com. Please provide a WhatsApp or local contact number in your booking in case of traffic or delays.
3. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.
4. This home has a cat.
Languages spoken:
English, Italian
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
What is there not to say?! It was a wonderful and educational experience to learn how to cook Tuscan style. Maria gave us easy skills to make our own dishes at home. She was so welcoming and warm and even our non cooking friend loved it! We can’t wait to try some of her recipes. We all got to sit and share the delicious food we helped make. Her home and surrounding countryside was beautiful! Amazing experience that we will never forget! Honestly, we would pay again to spend time and cook with Maria again!
-
karen
November 05, 2026
Maria Cristina is an erudite teacher and a wonderful host. Her home is the perfect setting that sets you at ease, extremely cozy and an incredible place you won’t find anywhere else. She scales to your experience and comfort level, letting you get as involved as you’d like at different points throughout. She makes every part of the process simple, but also extremely enjoyable; her explanations are concise and understandable, no matter how familiar you are with the recipe style or in the kitchen as a whole. Above all though, Maria Cristina is an absolutely delightful person to spend an evening with, the meal together (whether with friends, family, partner, or solo) is the best part of the entire experience. If you have any culinary inclinations, or simply love food, beautiful homes, and wonderful conversation, please book this on your trip to Florence. I promise you will not regret it!!
- Henry K, Carey K, Leslie H
-
henry
November 03, 2026
This experience in Maria's home was the best experience we had in Florence! Firstly, she is an incredibly kind, warm, and welcoming woman. We drank wine, made pasta, and cooked multiple courses. This felt authentically Italian and we were honored to be welcomed into her home and share dinner with her and her husband. Great experience! I highly recommend!
-
jonna
October 29, 2026
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day.
Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes.
The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe.
We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that.
Thanks Maria
Sincerely,
Bill and Michelle
-
bill
October 22, 2026
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day.
Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes.
The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe.
We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that.
Thanks Maria
Sincerely,
Bill and Michelle
-
bill
October 22, 2026
Read More
