Florentine hills: Pasta-Making Class learn with Mamma

Discover Authentic Tuscan Pasta with a Local Mom in Florence

This 4-hour pasta-making class offers a genuine taste of Italy right in the heart of Tuscany. Starting from Porta Romana in Florence, participants are picked up in a vintage Fiat 850 and taken to an intimate cooking experience led by an Italian mom. The tour combines hands-on pasta crafting, a peaceful garden exploration, and a delicious homemade meal, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic, cultural cooking experience.

While the duration is just four hours, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Tuscan culinary traditions, with the chance to learn the secrets of making tortelli and gnocchi from scratch. It’s suitable for all skill levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced home cook. The only consideration is that the tour’s pace involves some travel and walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Italian pasta class led by an Italian mom in Florence
• Learn to make tortelli and gnocchi from scratch
• Includes a homemade pasta meal with rich sauces and espresso
• Pickup in a vintage Fiat 850 from Porta Romana
• Explore the Villa Savonarola garden, a peaceful, historical site
• Flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance

Pickup in Florence with a Vintage Fiat 850

The experience begins at Piazza della Calza, where an instructor waits under the arch of Porta Romana with a charming vintage Fiat 850 van. Travelers can choose to be picked up from this central location, making logistics simple in Florence. The 15-minute drive takes guests through scenic parts of the city toward the villa, setting a relaxed, nostalgic tone for the day.

The vintage car adds a fun, unique touch that enhances the overall experience. This transport option is especially appealing to those who enjoy small, personalized groups and a bit of vintage flair. Once at the villa, the adventure continues with a private exploration of the Villa Savonarola garden, a tranquil spot that once belonged to a 15th-century monastery.

Exploring Villa Savonarola’s Garden and Historical Charm

After arriving at the villa, guests are invited to walk through the Villa Savonarola garden, a hidden gem of Florence. The garden’s peaceful pathways and lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing break from the bustling city. The historical significance of the villa adds depth to the visit, giving insight into Florence’s past.

This garden visit is a highlight for those interested in history and architecture, offering a lovely setting for photos and quiet reflection. The peaceful atmosphere complements the culinary activities, making this tour not just about food but also about appreciating the serene beauty of Tuscan gardens and history.

Learning to Make Tortelli and Gnocchi from Scratch

The core of this experience is the hands-on cooking class led by an Italian mom who shares her tips and traditional techniques. Over 2.5 hours, participants learn how to prepare tortelli, a classic stuffed pasta, and gnocchi, soft potato dumplings. The instructor provides insights into dough preparation, filling, and shaping, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Throughout the class, the host explains secrets of Tuscan sauces, including how to make rich ragù and a butter and sage sauce that perfectly complement the pasta. The focus on authentic methods ensures that participants can recreate these dishes at home, capturing the true flavors of Tuscany.

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Perfecting Pasta Boiling and Sauces

Once the pasta is crafted, the class guides participants in boiling the pasta to perfection. The tortelli are served with rich ragu, highlighting the importance of proper pasta cooking and sauce pairing. The gnocchi are finished with a melting Parmigiano topping and the butter and sage for extra flavor.

This part of the experience emphasizes technique, patience, and attention to detail. Learning how to elevate homemade pasta with simple, flavorful sauces is a key takeaway, giving participants confidence in recreating the dishes later in their own kitchens.

Enjoying a Homemade Italian Meal and Espresso

After the cooking, the group sits down to indulge in the homemade pasta meal prepared during the class. The meal includes the tortelli, gnocchi, and sauces, paired with fresh espresso to conclude the culinary journey. The convivial atmosphere encourages sharing stories and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

This part of the experience showcases the hospitality and warmth typical of Italian families, making the meal a true celebration of Tuscan flavors. The emphasis on homemade, freshly cooked food highlights the importance of tradition and family recipes in Italian cuisine.

The Return Journey and Final Stop at Porta Romana

Following the meal and a 1-hour exploration of the villa’s garden, participants are transported back to Florence in the vintage Fiat 850. The 15-minute return journey allows for reflection on the day’s activities and the scenic views of Florence.

The experience ends at the starting point at Porta Romana, making it convenient for participants to continue their day exploring Florence or heading to other attractions.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

This Florence-based experience is available with a “Reserve now & pay later” option, offering flexibility in planning. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund, making it a low-risk choice for travelers. The tour is conducted in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication for a diverse audience.

Suitable for all skill levels, the class welcomes anyone interested in authentic Italian cooking, history, and culture. The physical activity involves some walking and standing during the class and garden exploration, so comfortable footwear is advised.

Who Will Truly Enjoy This Experience?

This pasta-making tour is perfect for cultural enthusiasts eager to connect with local traditions. Food lovers who want to go beyond typical restaurant meals will appreciate the hands-on approach and home-style ambiance. The added charm of vintage transport and garden visits makes it a comprehensive experience.

While the four-hour duration keeps it manageable, participants should be prepared for some short travel and walking. This tour offers a genuine, intimate look into Tuscan culinary and garden traditions, making it a memorable addition to any Florence itinerary.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Tuscany’s Culinary Heart

This Pasta-Making Class learn with Mamma in Florence delivers more than just a cooking lesson — it offers an immersion into authentic Tuscan life. The blend of hands-on pasta crafting, local history, and homemade meal creates a well-rounded, enriching experience that appeals to foodies, culture lovers, and curious travelers alike.

The vintage Fiat ride, garden walk, and family-style meal add unique touches that elevate this experience from standard cooking classes. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to bring home authentic recipes, enjoy beautiful scenery, and connect with Italian traditions in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup included in the price?
Pickup from Piazza della Calza at Porta Romana is available, and the vintage Fiat 850 is part of the experience.

Can I participate if I have no cooking experience?
Yes, the class is suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll learn to make tortelli and gnocchi, along with Tuscan ragù and butter and sage sauce.

How long is the entire experience?
The total duration is 4 hours, including travel, cooking, and garden exploration.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking and walking in a garden is recommended.

Is the experience conducted in English?
Yes, the class is offered in English and Italian.

Are meals included?
Yes, after cooking, you enjoy the homemade pasta meal with espresso.

Where does the experience end?
The tour concludes back at Porta Romana in Florence.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Yes, with the reserve now & pay later option, last-minute bookings are possible, subject to availability.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby