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
The cooking experience with Maria was a highlight of my client's entire trip! Justin works in the real estate sector, and Jarrett has similar interests, so they loved chatting with Maria about her experience as an architect. They said the food was delicious and her home was absolutely beautiful. I'll be adding this experience to all of my clients' Florence itineraries moving forward.
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Chantel, Travel Advisor
June 11, 2026
Our cooking class in the hills of Florence was a highlight of our trip. Maria Christina was incredibly welcoming, kind, and patient, making the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.
She taught us how to make fresh gluten-free pasta, homemade sauce, beef filet, and tiramisu, guiding us every step of the way. Everything was delicious, but what made it truly special was her warmth and passion for teaching.
An authentic and unforgettable experience—I highly recommend it!
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greta
June 05, 2026
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
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