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Host: Maria (Gluten-free)

Florence, Italy

USD
$166-$391 per person

Private Gluten-Free Pasta Cooking Class in a Gorgeous Florence Home

Host offerings
  • Rural farmhouse
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

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: (2-8 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. 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.
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

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
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Panna cotta
  • Local Italian wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (140)
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.
- Vanessa, FORA Travel Advisor July 20, 2026
Clients shared that it was a highlight experience for their trip in Italy.
- Katie July 15, 2026
Unbelievable experience. Maria was the best. Beautiful house, great food, and she was so generous with our entire family.
- 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
- 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)! 😉
- jessica July 11, 2026
Read More

Maria (Gluten-free)

$166-$391 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
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 $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
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 (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: (2-8 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. 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.
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

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
  • Main: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach or Tagliatelle with ragu or broccoli pesto or arrabbiata or butter and sage with parmesan cream
  • Dessert: Panna cotta
  • Local Italian wine

Traveler reviews

4.98 (140)
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.
- Vanessa, FORA Travel Advisor July 20, 2026
Clients shared that it was a highlight experience for their trip in Italy.
- Katie July 15, 2026
Unbelievable experience. Maria was the best. Beautiful house, great food, and she was so generous with our entire family.
- 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
- 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)! 😉
- jessica July 11, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
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 $196 $166
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $332 $281
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $391 $359
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. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. 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 transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    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.