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)
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:
(2-8 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. 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. 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
I spoke to my client Glenn last week, and he said that he and his family really enjoyed their cooking class with Maria! Glenn even said that his son made bruschetta last week based on what he learned during the cooking experience.
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Vanessa, FORA Travel Advisor
July 20, 2026
Clients shared that it was a highlight experience for their trip in Italy.
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Katie
July 15, 2026
Unbelievable experience. Maria was the best. Beautiful house, great food, and she was so
generous with our entire family.
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bryan
July 14, 2026
Fantastic experience. Not inexpensive, but with a wonderful host and such a unique experience I would recommend Maria was warm and fun, and made the experience hands on for all of us. The house is amazing and a great departure from the busy city scene. Food was delicious. Highly recommend
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barry
July 11, 2026
This experience was the highlight of our family’s trip! Maria Christina was fantastic! From the moment we met her at the market in Florence she made us feel at home. Her countryside home is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. It was like stepping back in time. The food was amazing, and she was a great teacher! She shared with us old family recipes and everything was made with pride and love, and you could taste that in each bite. All of us can’t wait to make the recipes again, or at least attempt to live up to what she made! lol! Thank you Christina from the bottom of all of hearts for giving us all one of the most memorable days as a family, and cheers to making new friends (even the bees and hornets)! 😉
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jessica
July 11, 2026
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