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Host: Maria

Florence, Italy

USD
$155-$359 per person

Unique Florence Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Gorgeous Countryside Home

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

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

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 or Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil or Bruschetta with black cabbage
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Tiramisu or Biscuits with jam or Ice cream with cake
  • Local wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (155)
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day. Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes. The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe. We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that. Thanks Maria Sincerely, Bill and Michelle
- bill October 22, 2026
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day. Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes. The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe. We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that. Thanks Maria Sincerely, Bill and Michelle
- bill October 22, 2026
This was such a fun and authentic experience! Christina is so warm and welcoming and while the cooking lesson is so informative, the conversation and setting are equally as engaging!
- lucy October 20, 2026
If I had only one day in Florence, I would only do this. What an experience to be in an authentic Tuscan Farmhouse with authentic cooking. Maria and her husband were so welcoming, I felt like I was with my relatives having Sunday Dinner. The food was so amazing. No need to add any spices as everything was cooked to perfection. We had an appetizer of salami, proscuitto , and mozzarella. The wine was so amazing. We made homemade pasta with homemade tomato sauce, beef with porcini mushrooms and the best homemade tiramasu you have ever tasted. I can't wait for my next trip to Florence as this will be my first stop. Maria, we just felt so at home in your house, and we thank you for such a beautiful experience.
- debbie October 20, 2026
We had a wonderful experience at Maria Cristina’s cooking class at her beautiful farmhouse in Florence, Italy! The evening was truly special, combining delicious food, wonderful wine, and warm hospitality. We enjoyed beef, handmade pasta, delicious pasta sauce, and tiramisu, all prepared with so much care and absolutely delicious. Cristina and her husband were exceptional hosts who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Their beautiful farmhouse was a highlight in itself, offering a unique and authentic glimpse into Italian country life and how locals live. This was so much more than a cooking class—it was a memorable cultural experience filled with great food, wine, and genuine Italian hospitality. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Florence who wants to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a truly special evening!
- melissa October 19, 2026
Read More

Maria

$155-$359 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $179 $155
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $275 $235
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $359 $299
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 $179 $155
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $275 $235
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $359 $299
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

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

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 or Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil or Bruschetta with black cabbage
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Tiramisu or Biscuits with jam or Ice cream with cake
  • Local wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (155)
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day. Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes. The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe. We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that. Thanks Maria Sincerely, Bill and Michelle
- bill October 22, 2026
The entire experience with Maria was exceptional. She is so open and kind. We had a chance to see and feel the energy of the market before we left for her home. This exposure to the local vendors and buyers was enjoyable. It was an authentic look the variety of people and food products that were at this local venue each day. Once we arrived at Maria's home we felt especially welcome. The home is tucked in the hills and is very private. The cooking event involved each of us as we shared cooking responsibilities. The instructions were clear and simple and Maria was open to questions along the way. We made dessert, appetizers, our own pasta and a beef loin and potatoes. The meal was served on the patio which had a pergola was covered with grape vines. The view, the company and the food were excellent. We actually felt that this was one of our favorite meals over 18 days in Europe. We would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this local cooking opportunity. Actually it was much more than that. Thanks Maria Sincerely, Bill and Michelle
- bill October 22, 2026
This was such a fun and authentic experience! Christina is so warm and welcoming and while the cooking lesson is so informative, the conversation and setting are equally as engaging!
- lucy October 20, 2026
If I had only one day in Florence, I would only do this. What an experience to be in an authentic Tuscan Farmhouse with authentic cooking. Maria and her husband were so welcoming, I felt like I was with my relatives having Sunday Dinner. The food was so amazing. No need to add any spices as everything was cooked to perfection. We had an appetizer of salami, proscuitto , and mozzarella. The wine was so amazing. We made homemade pasta with homemade tomato sauce, beef with porcini mushrooms and the best homemade tiramasu you have ever tasted. I can't wait for my next trip to Florence as this will be my first stop. Maria, we just felt so at home in your house, and we thank you for such a beautiful experience.
- debbie October 20, 2026
We had a wonderful experience at Maria Cristina’s cooking class at her beautiful farmhouse in Florence, Italy! The evening was truly special, combining delicious food, wonderful wine, and warm hospitality. We enjoyed beef, handmade pasta, delicious pasta sauce, and tiramisu, all prepared with so much care and absolutely delicious. Cristina and her husband were exceptional hosts who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Their beautiful farmhouse was a highlight in itself, offering a unique and authentic glimpse into Italian country life and how locals live. This was so much more than a cooking class—it was a memorable cultural experience filled with great food, wine, and genuine Italian hospitality. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Florence who wants to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a truly special evening!
- melissa October 19, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $179 $155
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $275 $235
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $359 $299
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 $179 $155
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $275 $235
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $359 $299
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.