Wanna Be Italiano – The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence

An Authentic Florentine Cooking Adventure for $97.98

The Wanna Be Italiano tour offers a true taste of Florence’s culinary scene in just 5 hours. For $97.98 per person, this experience combines a lively visit to Florence’s Central Market with a hands-on cookery class led by a professional local chef. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to learn traditional Tuscan dishes such as homemade pasta, bruschetta, and tiramisu, all paired with unlimited Chianti wine.

This tour is highly recommended, with 97% of reviewers giving it a five-star rating based on over 1,300 reviews. Booking typically occurs 56 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. While there’s no hotel pickup included, the meeting point at Towns of Italy – Cooking School is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access.

If you want a lively, interactive, and educational glimpse into Florence’s food culture, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded experience. Keep in mind that it’s suited for vegetarians but not for those with gluten sensitivities, as eggs are included in some dishes.

Key Points

• Price: $97.98 per person for a 5-hour experience
• Includes: Visit to Florence’s Central Market, cooking lessons, unlimited Chianti wine, and a digital recipe booklet with a diploma
• Highlights: Learn to prepare classic Tuscan dishes like bruschetta, ravioli, and tiramisu
• Group size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere
• Suitability: Vegetarian-friendly but not suitable for celiacs; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Booking: Usually booked 56 days in advance; free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Visit Florence’s Central Market with Local Chefs

The tour begins at the Towns of Italy – Cooking School in Florence, where you meet your professional chef-instructor and fellow participants. The first activity is a guided visit to Florence’s Central Market, a vibrant hub filled with vendors selling local meats, artisanal goods, and fresh produce.

During the market tour, you learn about the ingredients that form the backbone of Tuscan cuisine. Some market visits are replaced with an introduction and tastings at the cooking school when the market is closed, such as on Sundays and holidays. This offers a chance to explore local flavors in a more classroom-focused setting.

Expect to nibble on market samples as your guide shares insights into regional ingredients, making this part of the experience both tasty and educational. This lively start sets the tone for the hands-on cooking that follows.

Hands-On Cooking with a Professional Chef

After gathering fresh ingredients, the group proceeds to the cooking school. Here, donning aprons and getting hands-on with the food is the core of the experience. The chef provides step-by-step guidance on preparing bruschetta, different types of fresh pasta, such as ravioli, and a dessert like tiramisu.

Throughout the lesson, the chef shares useful tips—from pasta shaping techniques to sauce preparation—ensuring everyone learns practical skills. The recipes are tailored to be accessible but authentic, making this suitable even for those with limited cooking experience.

The class emphasizes interaction and fun, with the instructor engaging the group and encouraging questions. Some guests comment that the cooking skills and presentation are excellent, which helps build confidence to recreate these dishes at home.

Sampling and Pairing of Italian Classics

Once your culinary creations are complete, it’s time to enjoy your work. The dining area offers a relaxed setting where you sit down to feast on the dishes you helped prepare. The unlimited Chianti wine flows freely during the meal, adding an authentic touch to the experience.

This part of the tour is more than just eating; it’s about sharing a toast with newfound friends and appreciating the flavors of Tuscany. The wine pairing complements the fresh sauces, pasta, and desserts, making for a satisfying and convivial meal.

Guests report that the food tasted fantastic, with many mentioning that they could recreate these dishes at home using the digital recipe booklet and diploma received after the class.

The Digital Recipe Booklet and Certificate: A Lasting Keepsake

At the end of the experience, participants receive a digital recipe booklet. This resource allows you to reproduce your favorite dishes back home, ensuring the memories and skills gained are lasting.

Plus, a graduation diploma is provided as a fun token of achievement, making the experience feel complete. The takeaway materials are especially appreciated by those who want to continue practicing Italian cuisine after their trip.

The Atmosphere and Guide Personalities

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism and warmth of the guides, often highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging nature of the chefs. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with some tours even customized for vegetarians.

The atmosphere is described as relaxed and friendly, perfect for families, couples, or groups. Many mention that the class is fun and interactive, making it suitable for all ages, including teenagers. The chef’s humor and storytelling style add to the enjoyment.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The meeting point at Via Panicale is easily accessible and close to public transportation. Since the tour does not include hotel pickup, travelers should plan to arrive at the designated location on time.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised. There are some dietary restrictions to note—vegetarians are accommodated, but no meat or fish, and eggs cannot be excluded due to the nature of the recipes. Celiacs are not suited for this class.

Participants should be prepared for a physically active session with some standing and light movement involved in pasta shaping and other tasks.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

The Wanna Be Italiano class stands out for its combination of market exploration and hands-on cooking led by expert local chefs. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food, the knowledge of the guides, and the fun atmosphere.

Compared to other classes, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Tuscan cuisine within a manageable time frame and price point. It’s especially valued for its personalized attention and authentic ingredients.

Final Thoughts on the Florence Cooking Class & Market Tour

The Wanna Be Italiano tour offers a rich, interactive experience for anyone interested in learning traditional Italian dishes in Florence. The combination of a market visit, cooking lessons, and shared meal provides a well-rounded, enjoyable day that leaves you with practical skills and delicious memories.

While it does not include hotel pickup and is limited to vegetarian dishes, the quality of instruction, food, and atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for foodies, families, and first-time visitors eager to dive into local flavors.

If you want an authentic, fun, and educational culinary experience, this class delivers on all counts, with excellent reviews confirming its popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the class is vegetarian-friendly. No meat or fish is used, though some dishes contain eggs. Please notify the organizers in advance if you have specific dietary needs.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point at Via Panicale is easy to reach via public transportation.

Can children participate in this class?
Yes, children and teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is engaging for families, with many reviews noting how much younger participants enjoy the class.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The market visit combined with hands-on cooking, the expert guidance of professional chefs, and the unlimited Chianti during the meal all contribute to a memorable, authentic experience in Florence.

What should I wear or prepare for?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for all weather conditions. Expect to stand, knead, and shape pasta, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Vegetarians are accommodated, but those with gluten sensitivities should note that eggs are used in some recipes.

How far in advance should I book?
Most reservations are made about 56 days ahead, reflecting its popularity. Booking early is advised to secure a spot.

This detailed review highlights the authenticity, educational value, and fun atmosphere of the Wanna Be Italiano tour, making it a standout choice for anyone eager to bring a piece of Florence’s culinary magic home.