A wonderful day with Maria learning to cook in her beautifully restored Italian kitchen. She is personable & so eager to teach you about all things cooking pasta & all the foods to go along with it. Her husband joined us in eating lunch & they were such a delight to speak with. Couldn’t recommend this picturesque experience more!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Lunch
Excludes
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- The meeting poi is piazza Ghiberti corner of via della Mattonaia in front of the bakery “ Forno sale grosso.
Return
- The meeting poi is piazza Ghiberti corner of via della Mattonaia in front of the bakery “ Forno sale grosso.
Itinerary
We'll meet at the meeting spot, we’ll visit the market ( remember that the market is closed on Sunday and on national holidays). Then we’ll travel to my country house, which is about 20 minutes away. When we arrive, we'll be ready to begin the cooking session and dine on the terrazza ( summer and spring season is the weather is good)
Food Menus
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
This was so much fun! Christina made this cooking class exceptional! We went to farmer’s market that morning and picked out fresh vegetables that we wanted to cook and eat! Turned out delicious!
My wife and I had the great fortune of booking Maria Christina’s authentic cooking class at her charming countryside home just outside Florence during our honeymoon. The experience was flawlessly arranged from start to finish. The market pickup was straightforward, and the short drive to her warm, inviting home set the perfect tone. Maria Christina welcomed us with genuine hospitality, making us feel instantly at ease, as if we were guests in a close friend’s home. We began with preparing a delectable tiramisù, then moved on to crafting fresh pasta and a sauce that was special to the family. Under her expert guidance, we learned refined pasta-making techniques and a unique sauce recipe that we’ll treasure for years to come. The meal we created together was both beautiful and delicious, a true reflection of Tuscan culinary tradition. The day was filled with laughter, learning, and a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine, creating memories that we will forever remember as part of our honeymoon. Maria Christina’s passion, expertise, and warmth made this experience truly remarkable. For anyone seeking an authentic and sophisticated dive into Italian cooking, I wholeheartedly recommend Maria Christina’s class-she is simply outstanding! -Cooper & Jessica
Excellent in every way! Thank you Maria. Absolutely beautiful 800 year old villa with quaint patio draped with grape vines. Cooking in the Tuscan inspired kitchen was magical. The local recipes were made from scratch. I am sure the menu varies but everything was fantastic. Can’t wait for our next visit.
What an amazing experience! Maria is very sweet, fun to chat with, and a great cook. We met up with her in the morning and she drove us to her (beautiful) house, where she taught us how to make a hummus and kale bruschetta, apple cake, and pasta from scratch with pan fried zucchini. Everything was so delicious! The cherry on top was that we got to eat outside on the patio with a great view. The vibes were perfect! Should I ever return to Florence, I will certainly be asking to join Maria again (:
Spending a day with Christina is like spending a day with your favorite family member. A true renaissance woman - her home is exquisite, like out of a Tuscan dream. The recipes we made will be added to my favorites list and I’m excited to recreate for my family at home. We loved the market experience and every minute of our time together.
This was such a special experience. An amazing time with now friends for a lovely afternoon of pasta cooking and enjoying the warmth of people in Florence. Fabulous food and friendships ante born during this time. Cristina is the most gracious hostess whose talents go far beyond delicious meals. She is an incredible and genuine person. It was a pleasure spending time with her in her welcoming home. The setting is spectacular. Located in the countryside of Florence in a 12th century renovated home. It is just a lovely experience and the essence of Florence not to be missed. We are grateful to have done this. We highly recommend it and would do it again. Grazie, Cristina! You are remarkable.
This class was one of the highlights of our honeymoon in Italy. Cristina’s house was so beautiful and it was such a treat to get out of the busy Florence downtown for a few hours. It was nice that she gave us a few different options on the meals we made. Truly a once in a lifetime experience in the Florence country side! We also appreciated that Cristina emailed us the recipes after the class was over. We loved all the food we cooked with Cristina and can’t wait to try the recipes at home.
Almost don’t want to post this review because it is such a secret wonder!! Christina is not only an amazing cook and teacher but an incredible person whom we are delighted to have met! Well worth the time! Small group, lots of laughter and a memory created we will never forget! Assolutamente meraviglioso!
We had a wonderful time with Christina. Her home is lovely, the food was outstanding, and our whole family enjoyed every part of the day. We can't wait to make Christina's recipes when we get home!
Loved being able to spend time with locals and leave the tourist scene for a while. Spent an authentic afternoon in the home of Cristina and Marco which felt like visiting old friends who happen to live in the heart of Tuscany. On top of the incredible experience, the food was amazing and we left with new recipes to go home with and share. We made new friends not only with the host, but also with the other couple who were also traveling and looking for same type experiences . We have no words to express our gratitude to Cristina for opening her home to complete strangers.
This was one the highlights of our Italy trip! Cristina was our host and met us at the market and introduced us to the local vendors and foods of the area. She picked out fresh vegetables and other foods to use in our dishes. She drove us in her car to her beautiful home in the countryside! It was amazing to visit her personal home where she taught our small group how to prepare Italian appetizers, main dishes and dessert. It was a hands on experience and everyone was able to be involved in the pasta making technique and dish preparations. After the work was complete we sat down family style at the table to enjoy the amazing food that was prepared. We look forward to cooking at home all of the recipes that she shared with us. Cristina was so personable and made everyone feel completely welcome in her home and like we were all life long friends!
We had an amazing time connecting with Maria “Christina” at her countryside house outside of Florence. It was a beautiful setting, with the cooking class part of it being relaxing with great instructions. The food was amazing, from the appetizer, past dish and dessert. We will always remember our day with Christina at her house and the authentic italian experience we had there. It was worth every penny and will be a day you remember for a long time. We can’t wait to try all the methods and recipes at home!
Christina was a fabulous hostess for our cooking class experience. She picked us up near the market in Florence and after a very pleasant ride we arrived at our beautifully restored country home. She shared some local history and much about herself all in near perfect English. Upon arrival she quickly went to work organizing and preparing the dough from scratch for the ravioli which we then let rest while we switched to preparing the tiramisu. Once that was prepared she whipped up some fresh typical bruschetta and a meat & cheese board. We each took turns delicately soaking the lady fingers in a delicious local mocha coffee. We each then took turns creating the pasta for our ravioli. This tour is interactive if you want it to be and instructional if that is what you’re after. The meal was absolutely stunning. Every bit of the meal had a purpose and flowed with the next. The wine was also local and a perfect pairing for our tastes. The four of us agree that we would absolutely recommend this 3-4 hour cooking class in Christina’s lovely home!
Cristina was a delight and we loved seeing her home she restored and the beautiful area. She was very patient teaching us to make wonderful bruschetta and raviolis. We can definitely make at home now. We would recommend to all.
For an extraordinary culinary adventure, Cristina’s private cooking class in her breathtaking Florence country house is a must. From pick-up to drop-off, every moment is infused with warmth, culture, and deliciousness. Cristina, a talented architect, has transformed her historic home into a masterpiece of elegance and charm, complemented by stunning views of the Tuscan landscape. Her husband, an archaeologist and jazz music curator, adds a unique touch to the experience, blending history and culture seamlessly. Cristina is more than a cook—she’s a passionate guide into the heart of Italian cuisine. Her genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of local traditions make you feel like an old friend rather than a guest. Food has always been a form of communication for me, but Cristina’s class elevates this to an art. Each dish you prepare is a story, connecting you with the essence of Italy in a truly heartfelt way. In summary, Cristina’s cooking class is a remarkable fusion of culinary artistry, Florentine culture, and personal connection. It’s an enriching journey that leaves you with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Italian cuisine. If you get the chance, don’t miss out—you’ll be inspired and delighted.
This was a memorable, unique experience that is hard to replicate. We learned to make pasta from scratch and enjoyed our meal with a beautiful view from our host's 12th Century restored porch. This is not to be missed.
Our excursion to the countryside of Florence to learn to prepare and cook pasta was extraordinary. Our hostess, Maria Cristina, picked us up in the city near our hotel and drove us to her lovely secluded country house in the hills outside Florence. The views and scenery on the way were breathtaking. Once at the country house, Maria Cristina gave us a complete demonstration on the making of pasta dough, and the process for making several types of pasta shapes and varieties. She also demonstrated the preparation of delicious sauces and side dishes as well as the freshest fruit salad and gelato imaginable. Maria Cristina was so very warm and friendly, in addition to being quite knowledgeable regarding the geography and history of Florence and the countryside. We had such a wonderful time thanks to Maria Cristina’s continual actions to teach us, feed us, and commune with us, She made us feel like we were visiting a close friend. And now – my wife and I will be able to make pasta. Alan and Teresa Mandell
We cannot recommend this enough! My husband and I loved our time with Cristina. It was so much more than just the food. You will not regret spending an afternoon at her beautiful home. We keep saying we have to come back to Florence simply to have this experience again. Plus we can now cook amazing recipes at home and dream of Florence.
Cristina was so lovely! This was the best ending to our time in Tuscany! We had a wonderful meal, wonderful drinks and learned so much from her! Beautiful home and kitchen.
This whole experience was memorable!! We were picked up in the city and taken to her country home which was beautiful. I really wanted to learn how to make raviolis and all the ingredients were ready. With the extra dough, she also taught me how to make linguine! We learned how to make a sauce and tiramisu! Afterwards we sat outside and had a lovely lunch on the patio. Her husband joined us and it was such a nice afternoon!! We learned all kinds of small tips that make a big difference in your results. I would go back in a second and would recommend it whole heartedly. Great lessons, great food, beautiful home and best of all, beautiful people
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Cristina! This was by far the highlight of our trip! Cristina is so kind, caring, and thoughtful! She treats you like family and you feel warm and welcome in her beautiful villa in the countryside. The view from the villa alone is worth the trip but the food… the pasta is by far the best we had in Italy and probably anywhere ever! Cristina is an excellent cooking teacher and caters the experience to your tastes and cooking comfort level. I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend you book this experience with Cristina! She is wonderful!
For all who those who love cooking this is a must! Cristina picked us up and drove us to her home through the windy roads where we enjoyed a day of fabulous cooking lesson. We made ravioli from scratch, fresh bruschetta, tiramisu and fried zucchini flowers. In the end we enjoyed a delicious lunch and it was so easy. Cristina is patient and explains everything to you. She engages in wonderful conversation and we learned so much about her country. It was such a pleasure meeting her and her hospitality is beyond appreciated.
This experience was booked for my 50th birthday celebration. Cristina went out of her way to make it special! This experience was the HIGHLIGHT of our visit in Florence. HIGHLY recommend you book this very unique personal experience! Met as strangers left as friends ❤️
If I could give Cristina a million stars I would. This was the most awesome experience! She graciously picks you up at a meeting place and drives you to her home in the country. Her home is lovely! She taught us so much. We learned how to make pasta and tiramisu. She was so patient and kind. After it was made she cooked it and then served it to us. She treated us like treasured guests. If you have a chance to book with her do it! You will not regret it!
This was an amazing experience! We were greeted by Cristina in the city of Florence and she provided transportation to her beautiful home. The dishes we prepared were delicious and such a joy to make. After the whole experience, Cristina provided us with the recipes and was kind enough to send us the equipment links too. We are hoping to go back when it is warmer for another class!
Thank you Cristina for sharing the meal and your home with us. It was memorable to hear about the history of the area and chatting about life in the Fiorentine hills away from the city centre.
The private cooking class with Christina was the highlight of our 14 day vacation in Italy. Christina reached out to us a few days prior to our cooking class to go over what we would like to prepare with her. She offered numerous recipes to make. We were given the option to have an appetizer, a pasta dish, and dessert….or two pasta dishes and a dessert and we chose the two pasta dishes and a dessert! We made spinach ravioli and Talgliatelle. She showed us how to make fresh pesto sauce and a butter sauce. For dessert we made a delicious apple cake. Christina set a table outside of her beautiful farm house with views of the beautiful Tuscany country side. We shared wine and great conversation while we ate probably the most delicious food we had during our whole trip to Italy. Christina made us feel totally at home. It was the most relaxing day we had during the whole trip!! I don’t know if you can request Christina but if you can I highly recommend you requesting her! We learned so much. She was just an amazing host. We will never forget our day with Christina!
Our host was amazing!! This is one of the best cooking experience I had in Italy . She customised the menu for us and the food was delicious. The drive to her country house was very scenic and her house was beautiful. It was worth every penny .
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