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:
(2-8 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:
(2-8 guests)
Join Maria, a warm and passionate home cook and retired architect, for an unforgettable private cooking experience just 20 minutes north of Florence. Your day begins with a scenic drive (included for groups of 2 - 6) from a central Florence meeting point to Maria’s stunning 12th-century countryside home, where your immersive Italian culinary journey begins. This hands-on Florence cooking class is an authentic, local experience where you’ll cook and dine in a real Tuscan home. Learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch using seasonal ingredients, including handmade pasta (like tagliatelle or ravioli), bruschetta, and a classic dessert such as tiramisu. All the recipes are handed down from Maria’s grandmother, and Maria shares stories, tips, and personal touches that make the experience feel like you're cooking with family. After the class, sit down with Maria to enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared together, accompanied by two glasses of Italian wine. Perfect for honeymooning couples, families or groups of friends, this authentic experience offers an inside look at Florentine history, culture, and cuisine through the eyes of a local.
Note for groups of 7 or more: Complimentary transportation is not included - please arrange your own transport to Maria’s countryside home, a 20-minute drive from central Florence.
Market visit:
(2-8 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. Meet your host, Maria, at a central Florence location and follow her through the bustling market as she introduces you to her favorite local vendors. Stroll past colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, cheeses, olive oils, and regional specialties. Along the way, Maria shares fascinating insights into Tuscan ingredients and their role in traditional Italian cooking. You’ll also pick up expert tips on how to choose the best produce, knowledge passed down through generations in Maria’s family. Market tours are not available on Sundays as the markets are closed.
After the market tour, Maria drives you 20 minutes north to her beautiful 12th-century countryside home, where your private, hands-on Florence cooking class begins. Please note that markets are closed 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. Round-trip transfers from the Florence city (Forno Sale Grosso) are included only for guests 6 or fewer as Maria's car can only accommodate a max of 6. Please include your WhatsApp number or local contact number in your booking so that it is easy to communicate, in case of traffic or other delays. For guests 7+ please make your own way to Maria's home and back or if you'd like Maria to organizer round-trip transfers for additional guests for $100, please email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com
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
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
My husband and I traveled to Italy to celebrate my 40th birthday, and the day we spent cooking with Maria was actually on my birthday. Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to celebrate it.
From the moment I met Maria, I instantly knew it was going to be a wonderful evening. She picked us up and drove us through the beautiful hills of Tuscany to her gorgeous countryside home, which felt like something out of a dream.
During the class, we learned how to make fresh pasta, a delicious sauce, tiramisu, bruschetta, fried zucchini flowers (my favorite — and she even stopped on the way to her home to pick some up for me!), and more. Everything was absolutely delicious, but what made the experience truly special was Maria herself.
She was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and so welcoming. She made us feel completely comfortable from the start and kept such great conversation throughout the evening. She even bought a bottle of sparkling wine to help celebrate my birthday, which was such a thoughtful touch.
This was honestly one of the highlights of our trip and such a memorable experience. Thank you, Maria, for hosting us and sharing your home, your cooking, and your kindness with us. I truly hope that someday I’ll return to Italy and have the pleasure of cooking with you again!
Gina
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gina
May 24, 2026
Marie was amazing. She welcomed us into her beautiful country home with open arms. The
cooking class was so informative and the food delicious.
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nancy
May 23, 2026
We had an incredible time learning to cook with Maria just outside the heart of Florence in the countryside. We met Maria at the market, and we picked up a few tips from her, as well as items for our meal. She then drove up to her home, which was built in the 1200s. It was an unforgettable afternoon, making authentic dishes in her beautiful kitchen and sitting outside on her terrace to eat our delicious meal. There is no doubt that when we come back to Florence, we will do it again, just to hang with her!
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dionne
May 18, 2026
Skip the large pasta making/cooking classes in the city and join Cristina for this wonderful experience. This was one of the most authentic activities we have participated in during our trip. Cristina takes you to the “locals” market instead of the larger one for tourists. She takes great care to choose produce in season while also considering the guests’ preferences. Her home is beautiful and cozy in the countryside. She is a wonderful host and very knowledgable.
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chris
May 15, 2026
I highly recommend this tour for a unique opportunity to experience Florence and their daily lives where you feel part of the family and not just a tourist. We strolled through the market and Maria explained about all their fruits, vegetables and meats describing the best food for their Italian dishes. Before departing to her home we enjoyed the best cappuccino we have had on our trip. The drive to her home took us into the beautiful countryside and almost back in time to see her unique villa that she personally renovated. There she teaches you about Tuscan cuisine and you can cook alongside her or just enjoy the experience and marvelous food. Maria is a superb hostess and this tour is truly unique in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
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mark
May 14, 2026
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