Florence Cooking Class and Food Market Tour

Walking Tour

5 hrs

Florence

Led by a local chef and cookbook author, prepare to weave through colorful stalls, inhaling the earthy aroma of fresh Tuscan herbs and feeling the weight of plump, seasonal produce in your hand. With our unique market-to-table cooking class, you can let your senses be your guide as you navigate the bustling Sant'Ambrogio market with an expert.

After selecting the best produce from the market, we’ll whisk you away to your chef’s charming Florentine home, unlocking an exclusive experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Under their culinary guidance, you'll roll your sleeves up and learn the secrets to Florentine cooking, perhaps feeling the satisfying spring of fresh pasta dough beneath your fingertips or crafting a rich, complex traditional stew.

As you cook, your chef will share stories passed down through generations, weaving history, culture, and passion into every step. The reward? A communal table laden with the mouthwatering textures and flavors of your hard work. Now you now have the knowledge and insider tips to recreate these culinary delights back home!

This isn't just a generic Florence cooking class; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Florentine cuisine, from market to masterpiece.

Choose this tour if...

You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to cook like a local Florentine
A pre-planned menu and market experience sounds so boring. Here, you choose your own adventure, with the guidance of a local chef
You’re a fan of unique, authentic experiences over check-the-box tours. Here, you'll step into a charming Florentine home to gain rare insight into the authentic Italian lifestyle through the eyes of a chef.

Sites Visited

Sant'Ambrogio Market – vibrant outdoor market
Local chef's private home kitchen

Logistics

What You’ll Taste
- The best in-season herbs and produce
- Dishes previous guests have made:
  - Hand-rolled pasta or gnocchi
  - Hearty Florentine stew
  - Locally cured meats and Italian cheeses
  - Crostini neri
  - Piselli alla Fiorentina
  - Fagiuoli all’uccelletto
  - Cantuccini
- This experience does replace a meal. You will leave with a full belly and a full heart!
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to adapt the dishes you’ll be making.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

Things that pair well with this tour:
- An empty belly and a comfy outfit for exploring the market.
- Get to know the city further with our Introduction to Florence Audio Guide
- A fully charged phone - you’ll want to snap plenty of photos of this unique experience!

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Please contact us for alternative food tour experiences in Florence if you or any person in your group has mobility concerns.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

Sant'Ambrogio Market is wheelchair accessible, however, the chef's home is on the second floor and there is no elevator.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this tour last?

This is a half-day experience. Begin at 9 or 10 am, and end in the early afternoon. You’ll finish with an enjoyable lunch at the home of your local chef.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please specify any food allergies or intolerances in the "additional details" section of the order. The menu can be adjusted according to your preferences. We are happy to work around dietary restrictions, provided we are notified in advance.

Can I bring a big group of people with me for this cooking experience?

No, the maximum number of cooks we can accommodate at once is 4. Please contact us to discuss other food and wine options in Florence for groups larger than 4 participants.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Sant'Ambrogio Market

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Florence Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

56 Reviews

Patrizia is fantastic! We met near the market to get everything we needed to do the cooking class and make lunch. She was so welcoming in bringing us into her home and into her kitchen. We had a ton of fun learning how to make gnocchi and a rabbit cacciatore (which was not something we would usually eat, and was delicious) and learned skills to use once we got home. She taught us about the local area, we talked about her background and how she got into cooking classes… It was a thoroughly delightful afternoon. I can recommend this trip to anyone going to Florence who is looking for a unique experience with a local. We’ll definitely consider meeting up with Patrizia to make another meal the next time we visit Florence.

Photo Shared by Margot with their review

Margot Dec 8, 2025

Patrizia was wonderful—great to experience the market and prepare the food with her. Who knew making gnocchi was so easy. Can’t recommend enough.

Brian Dec 2, 2025

Our family of four absolutely loved our time with Patrizia. She isa gracious host and an amazing teacher. We learned so much and can't wait to make her recipes at home. We highly recommend this authentic, memorable, experience!

Matthew Nov 26, 2025

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