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VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Massimo

Venice, Italy

USD
$185-$225 per person

Venice with Kids: Mask Painting and Family Cooking Class

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

Meet Massimo

Massimo is an engaging storyteller, passionate foodie, and warm host with a great sense of humor. He comes from a long line of restaurateurs and learned to cook from his mother and nonna, who passed down their love of traditional Italian cuisine. A world traveler and Merchant Navy officer with culinary experience in Germany and France, Massimo finds his greatest joy in welcoming guests into his home and sharing the food, traditions, and stories of the city he loves. For this special family-friendly experience, Massimo is joined by a local professional artist who leads a hands-on Venetian mask painting and decorating workshop. Together, they offer families a fun and creative way to discover two of Venice’s most beloved traditions: its iconic Carnival masks and its food. Children and adults can express their creativity while decorating their own Venetian mask to take home before heading into the kitchen with Massimo to cook, eat, and experience Venetian life like a local. Massimo’s home also holds a colorful collection of vintage Venetian Carnival costumes that guests are welcome to try on. Dress as a gentleman or lady from historic Venice, take memorable family photos, and enjoy another playful connection to the spirit and traditions of Venetian Carnival. The experience takes place in Massimo’s home in a charming 600-year-old building in the heart of Venice, complete with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo especially enjoys welcoming families and creating a relaxed environment where children and adults can participate, learn, laugh, and make lasting memories together.

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.

Cooking experience: (2-9 guests) Discover Venice through two of its most colorful traditions during this private, family-friendly mask painting and cooking experience in a local home. Meet Massimo at the well in Campo Santa Maria and walk a few minutes to his home in the heart of Venice, located in a charming 600-year-old building with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Your 3 hour experience begins with a hands-on Venetian mask workshop led by Massimo's friend, a professional artist. Children and adults will each have the opportunity to paint and decorate a traditional Venetian-style mask, learning about this iconic local craft while creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Once your masks are complete, have fun recreating the spirit of Venetian Carnival! Massimo has a colorful collection of vintage Carnival costumes that guests are welcome to try on. Pair your handmade mask with a costume, dress as a gentleman or lady from historic Venice, and take memorable family photos together—a playful way to bring the traditions of Venice’s famous Carnival to life. After getting creative, head into the kitchen with Massimo for a fun, hands-on Italian cooking class designed to be enjoyable for the whole family. Roll up your sleeves and help prepare a traditional meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Depending on the menu, you might make fresh pasta with a flavorful sauce, focaccia, and a classic Italian dessert. Massimo has a wide repertoire of recipes and can personalize the menu based on your family's interests and children's ages. Once the cooking is complete, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over Italian wine and conversation. Throughout the experience, Massimo will share stories about Venetian food, traditions, and everyday life, creating a relaxed and engaging introduction to local culture for kids and adults alike. This private Venice experience is especially suited to families looking for something fun, cultural and interactive beyond traditional sightseeing. Kids and adults get to paint and decorate their own Venetian mask, dress up and recreate Carnival, cook, eat, and take home a handmade Venetian keepsake—all while spending time with locals in a real Venetian home.

Notes:
1. Massimo is happy to personalize the menu and can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Please share any dietary restrictions or preferences at the time of booking.
2. For groups of 10 or more guests, please contact reservations@travelingspoon.com.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish

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.
  • Homemade focaccia
  • Fresh handmade pasta with a seasonal sauce
  • Seasonal appetizer or vegetable side dish
  • Traditional Italian dessert
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!

Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (122)
10/10 experience with Massimo! We had such an incredible time at his private cooking class, which he hosted right in his beautiful home. From the very beginning, he made the experience feel so personal and special. He took us to the local market and helped us select ingredients based on our preferences and allergies, which we really appreciated. The food was absolutely delicious and unique, and every dish was better than the last. The wine and bubbly were also incredible and made the whole experience even more memorable. Massimo was such a wonderful host — knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about sharing his food and culture with others. If you’re looking for an authentic, intimate, and truly special experience in Venice, we couldn’t recommend Massimo and his cooking class more! 🇮🇹🍷
- cam September 24, 2026
Outstanding experience. Massimo was the ultimate host. We felt like we were family with him. The food preparation was fun, educational and easy! And the food and wine were spectacular! Can’t wait to make at home!!
- ben September 18, 2026
We had a private cooking lesson with Massimo and it was one of the best things we have ever done while vacationing. He made the whole experience feel like cooking with family. The food was delicious and we can’t wait to try out the recipes when we get home. Our son is on the Autism Spectrum and he’s usually grumpy but he didn’t stop smiling the entire afternoon. It was a magical day. When we come back to Venice one day we will definitely be booking another lesson with Massimo.
- ariel September 17, 2026
What an incredibly unique experience to enjoy a meal prepared by a chef who welcomes you into his home in Venice, Italy and then joins you for the meal making you feel like you are family. Massimo was incredible as was the food he prepared for us.
- charlotte September 13, 2026
Very personable. Fun tour of the market and brought some seafood to his home for cooking our lunch. We were able to participate in cooking with his instruction He then presented a full lunch with wine appetizers, salad, focaccia bread and our seafood pasta dish and our goat cheese gelato desert.
- quenie September 13, 2026
Read More

Massimo

$185-$225 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
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $225 $185
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $225 $185
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Massimo

Massimo is an engaging storyteller, passionate foodie, and warm host with a great sense of humor. He comes from a long line of restaurateurs and learned to cook from his mother and nonna, who passed down their love of traditional Italian cuisine. A world traveler and Merchant Navy officer with culinary experience in Germany and France, Massimo finds his greatest joy in welcoming guests into his home and sharing the food, traditions, and stories of the city he loves. For this special family-friendly experience, Massimo is joined by a local professional artist who leads a hands-on Venetian mask painting and decorating workshop. Together, they offer families a fun and creative way to discover two of Venice’s most beloved traditions: its iconic Carnival masks and its food. Children and adults can express their creativity while decorating their own Venetian mask to take home before heading into the kitchen with Massimo to cook, eat, and experience Venetian life like a local. Massimo’s home also holds a colorful collection of vintage Venetian Carnival costumes that guests are welcome to try on. Dress as a gentleman or lady from historic Venice, take memorable family photos, and enjoy another playful connection to the spirit and traditions of Venetian Carnival. The experience takes place in Massimo’s home in a charming 600-year-old building in the heart of Venice, complete with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo especially enjoys welcoming families and creating a relaxed environment where children and adults can participate, learn, laugh, and make lasting memories together.

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.

Cooking experience: (2-9 guests) Discover Venice through two of its most colorful traditions during this private, family-friendly mask painting and cooking experience in a local home. Meet Massimo at the well in Campo Santa Maria and walk a few minutes to his home in the heart of Venice, located in a charming 600-year-old building with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Your 3 hour experience begins with a hands-on Venetian mask workshop led by Massimo's friend, a professional artist. Children and adults will each have the opportunity to paint and decorate a traditional Venetian-style mask, learning about this iconic local craft while creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Once your masks are complete, have fun recreating the spirit of Venetian Carnival! Massimo has a colorful collection of vintage Carnival costumes that guests are welcome to try on. Pair your handmade mask with a costume, dress as a gentleman or lady from historic Venice, and take memorable family photos together—a playful way to bring the traditions of Venice’s famous Carnival to life. After getting creative, head into the kitchen with Massimo for a fun, hands-on Italian cooking class designed to be enjoyable for the whole family. Roll up your sleeves and help prepare a traditional meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Depending on the menu, you might make fresh pasta with a flavorful sauce, focaccia, and a classic Italian dessert. Massimo has a wide repertoire of recipes and can personalize the menu based on your family's interests and children's ages. Once the cooking is complete, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over Italian wine and conversation. Throughout the experience, Massimo will share stories about Venetian food, traditions, and everyday life, creating a relaxed and engaging introduction to local culture for kids and adults alike. This private Venice experience is especially suited to families looking for something fun, cultural and interactive beyond traditional sightseeing. Kids and adults get to paint and decorate their own Venetian mask, dress up and recreate Carnival, cook, eat, and take home a handmade Venetian keepsake—all while spending time with locals in a real Venetian home.

Notes:
1. Massimo is happy to personalize the menu and can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Please share any dietary restrictions or preferences at the time of booking.
2. For groups of 10 or more guests, please contact reservations@travelingspoon.com.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish

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.
  • Homemade focaccia
  • Fresh handmade pasta with a seasonal sauce
  • Seasonal appetizer or vegetable side dish
  • Traditional Italian dessert
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!

Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (122)
10/10 experience with Massimo! We had such an incredible time at his private cooking class, which he hosted right in his beautiful home. From the very beginning, he made the experience feel so personal and special. He took us to the local market and helped us select ingredients based on our preferences and allergies, which we really appreciated. The food was absolutely delicious and unique, and every dish was better than the last. The wine and bubbly were also incredible and made the whole experience even more memorable. Massimo was such a wonderful host — knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about sharing his food and culture with others. If you’re looking for an authentic, intimate, and truly special experience in Venice, we couldn’t recommend Massimo and his cooking class more! 🇮🇹🍷
- cam September 24, 2026
Outstanding experience. Massimo was the ultimate host. We felt like we were family with him. The food preparation was fun, educational and easy! And the food and wine were spectacular! Can’t wait to make at home!!
- ben September 18, 2026
We had a private cooking lesson with Massimo and it was one of the best things we have ever done while vacationing. He made the whole experience feel like cooking with family. The food was delicious and we can’t wait to try out the recipes when we get home. Our son is on the Autism Spectrum and he’s usually grumpy but he didn’t stop smiling the entire afternoon. It was a magical day. When we come back to Venice one day we will definitely be booking another lesson with Massimo.
- ariel September 17, 2026
What an incredibly unique experience to enjoy a meal prepared by a chef who welcomes you into his home in Venice, Italy and then joins you for the meal making you feel like you are family. Massimo was incredible as was the food he prepared for us.
- charlotte September 13, 2026
Very personable. Fun tour of the market and brought some seafood to his home for cooking our lunch. We were able to participate in cooking with his instruction He then presented a full lunch with wine appetizers, salad, focaccia bread and our seafood pasta dish and our goat cheese gelato desert.
- quenie September 13, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $225 $185
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $225 $185
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
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 24 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 24 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 24 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.