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
Traveler reviews
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.
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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!
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melissa
October 19, 2026
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