Learn how to make pizza and Gelato cooking class in Florence

Discover the joy of Italian cooking with this 3-hour pizza and gelato class in Florence, priced at $114.95 per person. Led by a knowledgeable local chef, the experience emphasizes hands-on participation, including kneading dough, preparing tomato sauce, and crafting homemade gelato. The class is designed for all skill levels and ages, with small group sizes ensuring personalized attention and a fun, engaging atmosphere. The tour starts at Via Panicale, 43r, and concludes at the same point, making it easy to access via public transport.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of learning traditional recipes and sampling your own creations in a friendly environment. Plus, you receive a participation certificate and recipes to recreate these dishes at home. However, potential participants should be aware that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the experience may not satisfy those expecting a comprehensive cooking lesson beyond the basics.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience in making both pizza and gelato with a local chef
• Small-group setting limited to 20 participants for personalized attention
• All ingredients are provided, and participants enjoy dinner with drinks included
• Recipes and a participation certificate are given for home cooking
• Tour operates most days, booked on average 26 days in advance at around $115 per person
• Suitable for all ages and skill levels, except for gluten intolerance

Starting Point in Florence for Authentic Italian Cooking

This Florence-based tour begins at Via Panicale, 43r, a location easily accessible via public transportation. The meeting point is conveniently near public transit options, making it straightforward for visitors to join the class without needing hotel transfers.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, during which you will learn the entire process of making traditional Italian pizza from scratch, including how to stretch the dough and prepare a light, flavorful tomato sauce. After mastering pizza, the focus shifts to crafting homemade gelato, where you’ll learn about selecting quality ingredients and the basic raw components needed for delicious frozen treats.

This experience ends back at the original meeting point, allowing participants to continue exploring Florence or relax after the class. The small group size ensures a warm, intimate setting where everyone can participate actively.

What You Learn About Making Perfect Italian Pizza

The pizza-making segment is comprehensive yet accessible. The chef demonstrates how to make tender, flexible yeast dough and shows the proper technique for stretching the dough. Participants are encouraged to knead, sauce, and top their own pizzas, creating a personalized dish that is then baked to perfection.

The emphasis is on techniques and tips for recreating authentic Italian pizza at home. The light tomato sauce, made with expert guidance, complements the fresh dough and toppings. The result is a pizza that is said to be better than typical takeout, thanks to the quality ingredients and fresh preparation.

While some reviews note that the dough is prepared for participants, the hands-on experience in sauce spreading and topping selection makes this a memorable activity. The class culminates in sitting down together to enjoy the hot, freshly baked pizza with drinks, which are included in the price.

Secrets to Crafting Creamy Gelato from Scratch

After pizza, attention turns to gelato making. The chef introduces the basic raw ingredients and shares tips on selecting high-quality produce. Participants get the chance to prepare the gelato mixture, which involves understanding the raw components and how to process them into a smooth, delicious dessert.

The gelato workshop is designed to help you understand how simple ingredients come together to produce an authentic Italian treat. The vanilla gelato served at the end is often praised as tasty, with some reviews highlighting the heavenly aroma during preparation. Participants leave with recipes to replicate this at home, along with a participation certificate as a keepsake.

Included Food, Drinks, and Takeaways

All necessary ingredients for both pizza and gelato are provided, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience. The meal features the pizza and gelato participants prepare, accompanied by free drinks, which include wine or soft drinks.

The recipes shared at the end of the class are practical tools for recreating the dishes. The participation certificate adds a sense of achievement, making it a great souvenir from your Florence trip. The included beverages and the opportunity to sample your work make the experience both enjoyable and satisfying.

Group Size and Atmosphere

This small-group experience limits participation to 20 people, fostering a friendly and interactive environment. Several reviews describe the class as fun and engaging, with professional yet personable guides. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention, helpful tips, and lively interaction, making the activity suitable for families, couples, or small groups.

The chef acts as both instructor and entertainer, sharing tips that help recreate authentic Italian dishes with confidence. The relaxed pacing ensures everyone has enough time to knead, stretch, and cook without feeling rushed.

The Chefs and Their Teaching Style

Based on review insights, the chefs are praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. One review describes Alice and Stefano as professional and fun, highlighting their ability to make the experience enjoyable for all skill levels. Others mention Chef Jon as fantastic, and Chef Emanuel as very good.

The guides provide clear instructions on pizza dough preparation, stretching, and sauce spreading, making it suitable even for beginners. The chefs also share useful tips and tricks that participants can take home, helping to recreate the experience independently later.

The Pacing and Timing of the Class

The 3-hour duration is generally appreciated, with most of the time dedicated to hands-on activities. Participants are guided through each step, from kneading dough to baking, followed by gelato preparation and tasting.

However, some reviews point out variability in timing. For example, one class begins at 6:30 pm and ends around 11:30 pm, including a longer dinner and wine tasting segment, which may extend the experience beyond three hours. Others mention wait times, especially if the class involves groups of 14 or more, or if the activity is held at a restaurant rather than a dedicated class venue.

Despite this, the pacing is designed to balance hands-on participation with enough time to relax and enjoy your culinary creations.

Experience Logistics and Accessibility

Participants meet at Via Panicale, 43r, a location near public transit options. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers should plan accordingly. The activity is suitable for all skill levels and ages, but those with gluten intolerance should note that the class involves gluten-containing ingredients.

The tour is operated by myTour in Italy and is subject to availability, with booking advised approximately 26 days in advance. The activity is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size and personalized experience.

The Real Value and Potential Drawbacks

Most reviews agree that the experience offers good value, especially considering that drinks, recipes, and a certificate are included. The ability to learn authentic recipes and enjoy the dishes you make adds to the appeal.

However, some reviews mention disorganization, long wait times, or the experience feeling more like a wine tasting with a cooking activity. There are also complaints about overpriced experiences or the activity not matching the description in certain cases, especially when the class involves less hands-on activity than expected.

It’s important to manage expectations regarding the level of participation in gelato and pizza making, particularly if the class involves pre-prepared dough or is conducted at a restaurant rather than a dedicated cooking school.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This pizza and gelato class is perfect for families, couples, or small groups wanting to experience authentic Italian cooking in a relaxed, friendly environment. It suits beginners and those looking for a fun activity, rather than a comprehensive culinary course.

Food lovers who appreciate freshly made dishes, and wine enthusiasts who enjoy pairing food with drinks, will find this experience particularly enjoyable. It is less ideal for those seeking a more structured, in-depth cooking lesson, or travelers with strict dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, this experience does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Participants meet directly at the Via Panicale, 43r meeting point.

Can I participate if I have gluten intolerance?
This tour is not recommended for people with gluten intolerance because of the ingredients used for pizza and gelato.

Does the tour include wine and drinks?
Yes, wine or soft drinks are included with the meal, and there is a wine tasting segment during the gelato preparation, which many reviews highlight as a fun part of the experience.

What do I get at the end of the class?
Participants receive a participation certificate and recipes to recreate the dishes at home.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is around 3 hours, but some classes may extend longer due to additional activities like wine tasting or social time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for all ages, as long as children are comfortable with the activities and ingredients involved.

Can I book this tour last minute?
It’s recommended to book about 26 days in advance, as the class typically fills quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

This pizza and gelato cooking class in Florence offers a friendly, hands-on opportunity to learn authentic Italian recipes, enjoy delicious food, and take home skills for recreating these dishes. While some reviews suggest variability in the experience, the overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 reflects its popularity and inherent value for food lovers and curious cooks alike.