This market tour and cooking class is an absolute must-do when visiting Florence or anywhere in Tuscany. Truly top notch—authentic, eye-opening, engaging, and completely family-friendly. You walk away with practical tips and real insight into Tuscan cooking that you can actually use at home, no matter your skill level. Our guide Luca was hilarious and endlessly entertaining, but he’s also deeply passionate about preserving Tuscan food traditions, language, and recipes. He’s Florentine through and through and believes great Tuscan cooking should stay simple and delicious. His restaurant and gelato recommendations alone are worth it—do this tour early in your trip so you know where (and where not) to eat. The market tour was fascinating. We learned why Tuscans don’t salt their bread, how to choose the best tomatoes, and picked up recipes along the way while meeting local vendors, butchers, and craftspeople. After a short bus ride into the Tuscan hills, we cooked at a beautiful estate with a full kitchen team supporting us. Chef Erica led our class and was both an incredible instructor and a genuinely warm, wonderful person. We made fresh pasta, rich ragu, pork loin, and tiramisu—and worked together as a group, which turned into a really fun bonding experience. This was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of our entire Italy trip—and surprisingly, one of the most cost-effective tours we did in all of Europe. The price is fair, the food and wine are outstanding, and the people make it unforgettable. Thank you for an amazing Florentine food adventure.
