Florence in 1 Days - Hands-on fresh pasta making with expert English-speaking chefs
In Collaboration with MaMa Florence Cooking School. Updated on February 23, 2026.
Hands-on 3.5-hour pasta making class with English-speaking chefs at Mama Florence. Learn to make fresh pasta, prepare traditional sauces and a dessert, then enjoy a seated 4-course tasting with Italian wines. Recipe e-booklet provided.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with MaMa Florence Cooking School, inspired by the tour Pasta Making Cooking Class. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hands-on fresh pasta making with expert English-speaking chefs
- Prepare a 4-course menu including seasonal appetizer, fresh pasta dishes and dessert
- Seated tasting of your dishes with curated Italian wine pairings
- Comfortable, air-conditioned kitchen and recipe e-booklet to take home
More than 36 itineraries in Florence.
Itinerary
Day 1
Class runs at 10:00 (sample schedule below). An identical session is also run daily at 17:30; start time will be confirmed on booking.
Arrival & Welcome at Mama Florence
Meet the chef, brief orientation to the kitchen, safety and hygiene overview. Settle in and enjoy a welcome glass of wine or soft drink.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes before start time to check in and settle; doors open at the stated meeting address.
- Bring a printed or digital booking confirmation to speed check-in.
- Carry a light jacket—kitchen areas can be cooler than dining spaces even in spring.
Introduction & Demonstration
Chef explains ingredients, dough technique and demonstrates key steps for pasta shapes and basic sauce methods.
Tips from local experts:
- Listen for demonstrations closely—chefs show small technique details that save time when you cook.
- If you have mobility or hearing needs, request a front-row station on arrival for best visibility.
- Note ingredient names shown by the chef if you want to source them later in local markets.
Hands-on Pasta Dough and Shaping
Work in pairs or small teams to mix dough, roll and shape fresh pasta under chef supervision. Practice at your own pace with one-on-one guidance.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes—you'll stand and move around workstations for much of this segment.
- If you prefer a particular pasta shape (e.g., tagliatelle vs. ravioli), tell the chef early so you can be guided accordingly.
- Keep a small towel or napkin handy to wipe flour from hands; chefs provide aprons but personal items should be kept off work surfaces.
Sauce Preparation & Dessert Assembly
Prepare traditional sauces to match your fresh pasta and assemble a classic Italian dessert under chef guidance.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergies), remind staff before this segment so alternatives can be provided.
- Take photos of the plating steps—the chefs demonstrate finishing touches that are helpful to replicate at home.
- Ask about local ingredient substitutions recommended by the chef to adapt recipes after you return home.
Seated 4-course Tasting with Wine Pairing
Enjoy the dishes you prepared in a relaxed, seated tasting. Italian wines are provided to pair with each course; social atmosphere encourages sharing and questions with the chef.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask servers about the wines served if you prefer a lighter or non-alcoholic option—alternatives are usually available.
- Sit back and enjoy the pacing; the tasting is designed so you can sample multiple dishes without rush.
- If you want to take leftovers, bring a small, sealable container or ask staff for packing options at the end.
Farewell, Recipe Booklet & Questions
Final Q&A, distribution of the recipe e-booklet, and time to pack belongings and say goodbye.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep questions ready—chefs often share short tips for reheating, storing and scaling recipes.
- Collect the e-booklet file details or link as given so you can recreate dishes at home.
- Confirm pick-up arrangements for any personal items left at the venue before you leave.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Meal, Break |
Why this experience
You want to understand Florence from inside its kitchen, not through a museum. This hands-on cooking class puts you at a counter with flour, eggs, and guidance from an English-speaking chef. You make fresh pasta from scratch—rolling, shaping, learning why Florentine pasta is made the way it is. Then you eat what you made, course by course: a seasonal appetizer, your fresh pasta, a dessert, all in the context of an Italian meal.
You're not watching a demonstration. Your hands are in the dough. You're tasting what you created. By the end, pasta-making stops being mysterious and becomes yours—a skill you can replicate at home, a memory you can eat over and over. This is Florence's heart: the intersection of craft, flavor, and tradition, experienced at arm's length.
Before you go
- Best time: Year-round. Cooking classes work in any season. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures for walking to/from the venue.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. The class, all ingredients, and the full meal are included. No additional costs.
- Difficulty: Easy. You'll be standing at a counter for 3–4 hours. Minimal physical demands. The pace is leisurely and instruction is clear.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind getting flour on. An apron is typically provided. Bring a small notebook if you want to jot notes on techniques or recipes for home.
- Getting there: Meet at the cooking school location (confirmed by operator). Most are centrally located in Florence, within walking distance or a short taxi ride from accommodations.
- Accessibility: Discuss any accessibility needs with the operator. Counter heights and standing requirements can often be modified for comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cooking experience? No. The class teaches from the beginning. Beginners are welcome and often the majority. The instructors walk you through every step.
Is the meal included or just instruction? The full meal is included. You eat what you make, course by course, in a convivial setting with your fellow students.
Can I take the pasta home? Typically, no—the pasta is cooked and eaten during the class. However, your instructor can teach you the recipe so you can make it at home. Ask if there's an option to prepare extra pasta to take with you.
What language is the instruction? English-speaking chefs lead the classes. Italian is sometimes heard, but instruction is in English so you understand techniques and can replicate them.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes: hands-on fresh pasta-making instruction from a chef; all ingredients for the pasta and meal components; a 4-course meal (seasonal appetizer, fresh pasta course, dessert, and beverages); and recipes to take home for reference.
Complete your trip in Florence
Balance hands-on learning with tasting experiences and cultural exploration.
- Private Walking Food Tour of Florence - Sant'Ambrogio — A 3.5-hour progressive food and wine walk through Florence's markets and eateries.
- Florence Exclusive VIP Wine Tasting Tour with a Special VIP Gift — A wine-focused experience to complement your culinary learning.
- The Four Seasons in Florence — A classical music performance to round out your cultural immersion.
Browse all Florence itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
