If you’re visiting Florence and want to do more than trawl through world class art museums, you can go the foodie route.
It’s possible to spend an afternoon learning to make pasta in the historic centre of Italy‘s Renaissance jewel.
A small-group class held inside a medieval tower near the Duomo offers hands-on instruction in shaping and cooking fresh pasta from scratch, followed by a sit-down meal with unlimited wine.
👉 Book the Cooking Art Brunelleschi pasta-making class here
What the class involves
The session takes place at Via Matteo Palmieri 31R, in a kitchen space attached to a historic tower. Led by a professional chef, the group learns to prepare three types of fresh pasta, each matched with a traditional sauce. According to the course listing, these include ravioli with butter and sage, tortello all’arrabbiata, and pappardelle with a Tuscan ragù.
The class runs for about three hours in total. After the cooking portion, participants sit down to eat what they’ve made. The meal is accompanied by Tuscan wine, soft drinks and water.
Group size and atmosphere
This is a group class, usually limited to 15 to 19 participants depending on the day. The session is taught in English and the atmosphere is relaxed, with an emphasis on practical instruction rather than demonstrations. There’s time for questions, and the class is designed to be beginner-friendly. Children are welcome, and infant seats are available on request.
The class is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Recipes and techniques are explained step by step, so no previous cooking experience is needed.
What’s included in the booking
The price includes all ingredients, cooking equipment, tuition from a chef, the pasta lunch, wine, and drinks. There’s no need to bring anything apart from a willingness to learn—and wear something you don’t mind getting a bit of flour on.
Where to go
The class meets and ends at the same location:
Cucina In Torre, Via Matteo Palmieri 31R, Florence
The location is within easy walking distance of major Florence landmarks such as the Duomo. The tower dates from the 1200s, adding a historic atmosphere to the kitchen setting.
Booking and cancellation
The class can be booked in advance and usually fills quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s possible to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
👉 Check availability and book the Florence pasta-making experience
Who this is for
This activity suits frankly anyone looking for a break from museum visits and sightseeing. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples, families, or groups of friends who want to spend an afternoon doing something hands-on and food-focused.
Unlike more advanced culinary workshops, this one is structured to be accessible and enjoyable whether or not you have kitchen experience. The focus is on learning by doing, and getting a real sense of how fresh pasta is made in an Italian home.
More Tuscany travel
Other Tuscany travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Pisa for first time visitors.
- How much does it cost to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
- Why a Pisa food tour is a great way to explore beyond the Tower.
- A guide to Siena for first time visitors.
- Why do hot air balloon flights in Tuscany leave so early?
- How to visit two Chianti Classico wineries from Florence in one afternoon.