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Host: Maria (Gluten-free)

Florence, Italy

USD
$166-$391 per person

Private Gluten-Free Pasta Cooking Class in a Gorgeous Florence Home

Host offerings
  • Rural farmhouse
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Round-Trip Transfers
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

Meet Maria (Gluten-free)

Maria is a retired architect with a passion for cooking and painting, who learned traditional Italian recipes growing up in Sardinia. She delights in hosting guests from around the world in her country house near Florence, teaching hands-on gluten-free pasta making while sharing family recipes passed down through generations. Maria loves connecting with people over food, making her classes warm, personal, and full of authentic Italian flavor.

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 home-cooked gluten-free Italian meal made from her grandmother’s family recipes. You may savor traditional dishes including gluten-free pasta such as black cabbage and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle with ragu, or pasta with broccoli pesto or arrabbiata. End your meal with a classic dessert like panna cotta or gelato, paired with two glasses of local Tuscan wine.

Cooking experience: (2-9 guests) Join Maria, a passionate home cook and retired architect, for a hands-on gluten-free pasta cooking class 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 12th-century countryside home, where your immersive Italian culinary journey begins.

In this authentic Florence cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including handmade gluten-free pasta (tagliatelle or ravioli), an appetizer, and a classic dessert. Maria shares family recipes passed down from her grandmother, along with stories, tips, and personal touches that make you feel like part of her family.

After the hands-on class, enjoy a meal featuring the dishes you prepared together, paired with two glasses of Italian wine. Perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends, this experience offers a true taste of Tuscan cuisine, Florentine culture, and local traditions.

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.

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.

Notes: 1. Please note that markets are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
2. Maria can accommodate lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets upon request in addition to the gluten-free class. Please inform her of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking your Florence cooking class online.
3. 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. Please provide a WhatsApp or local contact number in case of traffic or delays.
4. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.
5. This home has a cat.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Appetizer: Tuscan salami, ham and cheese
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Panna cotta
  • Local Italian wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (149)
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- blake September 06, 2026
Read More

Maria (Gluten-free)

$166-$391 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:00am-3:00pm

Meet Maria (Gluten-free)

Maria is a retired architect with a passion for cooking and painting, who learned traditional Italian recipes growing up in Sardinia. She delights in hosting guests from around the world in her country house near Florence, teaching hands-on gluten-free pasta making while sharing family recipes passed down through generations. Maria loves connecting with people over food, making her classes warm, personal, and full of authentic Italian flavor.

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 home-cooked gluten-free Italian meal made from her grandmother’s family recipes. You may savor traditional dishes including gluten-free pasta such as black cabbage and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle with ragu, or pasta with broccoli pesto or arrabbiata. End your meal with a classic dessert like panna cotta or gelato, paired with two glasses of local Tuscan wine.

Cooking experience: (2-9 guests) Join Maria, a passionate home cook and retired architect, for a hands-on gluten-free pasta cooking class 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 12th-century countryside home, where your immersive Italian culinary journey begins.

In this authentic Florence cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including handmade gluten-free pasta (tagliatelle or ravioli), an appetizer, and a classic dessert. Maria shares family recipes passed down from her grandmother, along with stories, tips, and personal touches that make you feel like part of her family.

After the hands-on class, enjoy a meal featuring the dishes you prepared together, paired with two glasses of Italian wine. Perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends, this experience offers a true taste of Tuscan cuisine, Florentine culture, and local traditions.

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.

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.

Notes: 1. Please note that markets are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
2. Maria can accommodate lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets upon request in addition to the gluten-free class. Please inform her of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking your Florence cooking class online.
3. 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. Please provide a WhatsApp or local contact number in case of traffic or delays.
4. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, this residence does not have air conditioning.
5. This home has a cat.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Appetizer: Tuscan salami, ham and cheese
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Panna cotta
  • Local Italian wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (149)
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- blake September 06, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:00am-3:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transfers are typically charged on a per car basis, not per person. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer round-trip transfers as an optional add-on. A driver collects you from your hotel or residence, takes you to the experience, and brings you back at the end. Pricing is quoted per car, not per person, so a group shares one fare. Your host's exact pickup instructions come with your confirmation details once the booking is accepted. A few hosts arrange transfers differently — a one-way ride, or a pickup from a central meeting point — and where that is the case their profile says so in place of the round-trip wording.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.