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
This cooking class is a must do for food lovers and those who enjoy cooking! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and one of the most delicious and memorable meals!
Our group of four, husbands and wives, all very much enjoyed our day with Maria. She is so knowledgeable and welcoming.
We opted to meet Maria at the local market, where she showed us how to pick the best produce and meats. We then traveled to Maria's beautiful countryside home, where we learned how to make homemade pasta with a delicious yellow pepper sauce, fried zucchini flowers, steak, involtini and tiramisu. She thoroughly explained all the ingredients and where to find them, as well as the proper tools to use.
We then enjoyed the perfectly prepared meal and conversing with Maria and her husband on their beautiful patio overlooking the countryside.
Maria provided us with the recipes and detailed information on the ingredients and cooking tools, so that we can easily prepare the meals at home.
I would highly recommend this experience!
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jenny
October 11, 2026
Maria and Marco were extremely hospitable in welcoming us into their home. Maria explained all the dishes as we made them. and we enjoyed sitting out on their patio enjoying the food and conversation. She walked us through the central market which was fabulous and with her knowledge we learned more about the local culture and foods.
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rose
October 11, 2026
The cooking class with Maria exceeding our expectations! This was the biggest highlight of our honeymoon trip and cannot recommend it enough. Maria is so down-to-earth and invites you into her countrywide Florence home. She is patient with you, involving you as much as you want to be included. You make a delicious meal, while she gets to know you more. I will go back to Florence just to see Maria again.
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jordan
October 05, 2026
Was one of our best days of our Italy trip, great market experience, the drive to our host's lovely and scenic home , excellent hands on cooking and enjoyable lunch and conversation with Maria and husband made for a wonderful day. She even emailed the recipes for what we cooked along with several of her other favorites.
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gary
September 29, 2026
Maria was a great host and instructor! My wife and I enjoyed our trip to the market and the wonderful cooking experience at her home, north of Florence! The pasta was so fresh and the pepper sauce we made was delicious! Our lunch in the Tuscan country side was exquisite, highly recommend!
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blake
September 06, 2026
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