Workshops in Florence connect you directly with the city’s proud traditions. Instead of just watching, you can roll up your sleeves and actually craft something memorable. The best hands-on experiences include pasta-making in family kitchens, leather crafting in traditional workshops, and painting classes in artists’ studios.
I especially love the small-group cooking workshops where grandmothers share generations-old pasta recipes, and the intimate leather workshops in the historic Santo Spirito quarter where skilled artisans teach time-tested techniques.
These are our favorite workshops that deliver authentic Florentine experiences.
Key Points
- Immersive pasta cooking classes in central Florence and the Chefactory Cooking Academy, featuring hands-on preparation of fresh pasta and sauces.
- Comprehensive market tours and cooking classes that teach participants to prepare classic Italian dishes like bruschetta and tiramisu.
- Diverse art workshops including painting classes, from “Sip & Paint” to Van Gogh-inspired sessions, with personalized instruction in small group settings.
- Artisan workshops focused on creating custom leather wallets, emphasizing sustainable practices and an intimate learning environment.
- Small-group pasta and wine classes that provide authentic Tuscan cooking secrets and wine pairings, culminating in a shared meal.
Florence Pizza or Pasta Class With Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm
Nestled amidst the picturesque Tuscan countryside, this half-day culinary experience invites travelers to don aprons and learn the art of crafting authentic Italian dishes.
Under the guidance of a professional chef, you will create three types of fresh pasta or Neapolitan pizza, complete with traditional sauces.
The hands-on class also includes making homemade gelato with various toppings.
Afterwards, guests can savor a 3-course meal featuring the dishes they prepared, complemented by wine and beer, while taking in the stunning views of the Tuscan estate.
With rave reviews and a maximum group size of 26, this immersive culinary workshop promises an unforgettable taste of Italy.
Read our full review: Florence Pizza or Pasta Class With Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence: Sip & Paint – Painting Class & Local Wine Tasting
For those seeking a more creative and relaxing culinary experience in Florence, the “Sip & Paint” class offers the perfect blend of art and local wine.
During this 3-hour session, you will learn the basics of painting while sipping on delicious Tuscan wines. No prior painting experience is required, making it an accessible activity for all levels.
The class takes place in a small group setting, allowing for personalized attention from the instructor. At the end, guests will leave with their very own masterpiece and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of wine and painting.
Priced at $66.64, this class provides an immersive and memorable way to explore Florence’s creative side.
Read our full review: Florence: Sip & Paint – Painting Class & Local Wine Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence
The “Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence” offers a comprehensive culinary experience that allows visitors to enjoy the rich gastronomic traditions of the region.
With over 4,300 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this full-day tour includes a visit to a local market, followed by a hands-on cooking class at a picturesque Tuscan farmhouse.
Under the guidance of an expert chef, participants learn to prepare classic Italian dishes like bruschetta, handmade pasta, and tiramisu.
The experience culminates in a delightful 4-course lunch, accompanied by Tuscan wine.
Guests depart with a cooking diploma and recipes, ready to recreate the flavors of Italy at home.
Read our full review: Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Leather Workshop in Florence
Alongside the rich culinary experiences Florence offers, visitors can also explore the city’s vibrant artisanal culture through a hands-on Leather Workshop.
This 2.5-hour class allows you to create a custom leather wallet from scratch, with personalized instruction in a small group setting. You’ll learn about different materials, leathers, and colors, then choose your favorites to craft a unique souvenir.
Enjoy refreshments as you work, and take home your handmade wallet at the end. With excellent customer reviews and a focus on sustainable practices, this workshop is a great way to learn about Florence’s creative traditions.
Secure your spot in advance, as group sizes are limited.
Read our full review: Leather Workshop in Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence Pasta Making Class
Enjoy the art of fresh pasta-making during a hands-on Florence Pasta Making Class.
Located along the picturesque Arno River, this highly-rated 99% traveler-recommended workshop guides you through crafting three iconic Italian pasta varieties – ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortellini.
Led by engaging and knowledgeable instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques while enjoying a delectable sit-down dinner featuring your homemade creations, paired with organic Tuscan wine.
Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this interactive experience provides printable recipes to take home, ensuring you can recreate the delicious flavors of Florence.
With a perfect 5.0 rating, this class is a must for anyone seeking an authentic culinary adventure in the heart of Italy.
Read our full review: Florence Pasta Making Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class With Optional Market Shopping
Exploring Florence’s culinary delights, this hands-on Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class invites guests to craft authentic Italian dishes from scratch.
Over 3.5 to 4.5 hours, participants’ll learn to make tagliatelle, ravioli, and tiramisu under the guidance of an expert local chef.
The class includes a visit to the Sant’Ambrogio market, where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients.
You’ll then return to the Tuscan trattoria to knead pasta dough, prepare sauces, and assemble the dessert.
At the end, enjoy your creations paired with house wine.
This small-group experience costs $72.99 per person and has earned a perfect 5-star rating from past participants.
Read our full review: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class With Optional Market Shopping Review
Book now: Check availability
Wanna Be Italiano – the Original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
For those seeking an authentic Italian culinary adventure, the “Wanna Be Italiano – the Original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence” offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by over 1,275 travelers, this hands-on experience takes participants to Florence’s Central Market to shop for fresh ingredients alongside local chefs.
Under their expert guidance, you’ll learn to prepare Tuscan favorites like bruschetta, homemade pasta, and tiramisu.
Unlimited Chianti and a digital recipe booklet ensure you’ll leave with both knowledge and newfound skills.
Whether you’re a foodie or a budding home chef, this class promises a delicious and immersive exploration of Italian cuisine.
Read our full review: Wanna Be Italiano – the Original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence
The Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence offers an immersive culinary experience for foodies.
Held in a palace near Piazza Santa Trinita, the hands-on class focuses on the region’s renowned cuisine under the expert guidance of a local chef and their assistant.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention.
The 4-course menu typically includes starters, main dishes like truffle risotto and beef meatloaf, and decadent desserts, all paired with Tuscan wine.
Participants will also receive a recipe booklet to recreate the dishes at home.
This English-only class is available from November to March, but spaces fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Read our full review: Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence: Make Your Wine Workshop Ponte Vecchio
A unique opportunity awaits wine enthusiasts in Florence – the “Make Your Wine Workshop Ponte Vecchio.”
This hands-on experience invites participants to craft their own personalized bottle of Chianti wine right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
During the 3-hour workshop, you’ll learn the art of blending and bottling wine under the guidance of expert sommeliers.
The small-group setting allows for personalized attention as you create a one-of-a-kind Chianti to take home as a memento of your Florentine adventure.
At just $66.64 per person, this workshop offers an immersive and affordable way to deepen your appreciation for Tuscan winemaking.
Read our full review: Florence: Make Your Wine Workshop Ponte Vecchio Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence Small-Group Pasta Class With Seasonal Ingredients
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Florence shouldn’t miss the renowned Small-Group Pasta Class with Seasonal Ingredients.
This hands-on class focuses on making various pasta types, from ravioli to spaghetti, while learning authentic Tuscan cooking secrets and wine pairings. Led by engaging chefs, the class has received an impressive 5-star rating from 492 reviews.
Participants can expect to craft seasonal dishes like pumpkin ravioli and spaghetti with porcini mushrooms, then enjoy a shared meal featuring the homemade pasta.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s an intimate and interactive learning experience suitable for all cooking levels.
Read our full review: Florence Small-Group Pasta Class With Seasonal Ingredients Review
Book now: Check availability
Palette Knife Painting Class Florence
One of the must-try art classes in Florence is the Palette Knife Painting Class. Priced from $158.66 per person, this 3-hour private class teaches the palette knife painting technique to create textured, expressive art.
Led by experienced instructors, the class is suitable for all skill levels and covers mixing oil paint colors, developing depth, and finding your unique style. Held in the Geko studio’s welcoming atmosphere, the class provides all materials, including oil paints, palette knives, and a 20 cm x 20 cm canvas panel.
With flexible scheduling from 10 am to 8:30 pm and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this class is a great way to explore your artistic side during your Florence visit.
Read our full review: Palette Knife Painting Class Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence: Pasta Cooking Class With Unlimited Wine
Nestled within the medieval charm of Florence, the Pasta Cooking Class With Unlimited Wine offers an immersive culinary experience for those seeking to master the art of homemade Italian pasta.
Hosted in a charming tower in central Florence, this hands-on class welcomes travelers of all skill levels to prepare three types of fresh pasta, from Tortello all’arrabbiata to Ravioli with butter and sage.
With the guidance of professional chefs and unlimited Tuscan wine, participants emerge with not only a full stomach but also the knowledge to recreate these dishes at home.
Highly praised for its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly environment, this class is a must for any pasta enthusiast visiting Florence.
Read our full review: Florence: Pasta Cooking Class With Unlimited Wine Review
Book now: Check availability
Watercolor Painting With Gold Leaf Workshop
For those seeking to unleash their artistic flair, the Watercolor Painting with Gold Leaf Workshop in Florence offers a captivating opportunity.
Lasting 3 hours, this private class caters to beginners and experienced artists alike, with the exception of children under 10. Participants will learn watercolor techniques, gold leaf application, and ink pen drawing, focusing on layering, blending, and creating texture.
All necessary materials are provided, and the instructor offers individualized feedback. The workshop also includes a coffee break and transportation to and from the Atelier.
Guests will leave with a unique, gold-adorned watercolor painting, ready to display or gift. With an outstanding 5/5 rating, this workshop is a must-try for art enthusiasts visiting Florence.
Read our full review: Watercolor Painting With Gold Leaf Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
Authentic Pasta Class in Florence
The Authentic Pasta Class at Chefactory Cooking Academy in Florence provides a captivating opportunity for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy the art of traditional Italian pasta making.
Located in the heart of the city, the class accommodates a cozy group of up to 15 participants, who’ll learn from experienced chefs.
Over the course of the hands-on session, attendees will craft three types of pasta, sauces, and delectable desserts like panna cotta or tiramisu.
Equipped with aprons, bottled water, and wine, participants rave about the fun, informative atmosphere and the exceptional quality of the homemade dishes they prepare.
It’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Florence.
Read our full review: Authentic Pasta Class in Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence: Watercolor Painting Class in a Local Art Studio
Hosted at the charming Geko Art Studio in the heart of Florence, the Watercolor Painting Class invites visitors to enjoy the vibrant world of this captivating medium.
The 3-hour session, priced at $158.66 per person, covers a range of techniques, from wet-on-wet to glazing, with personalized guidance from an instructor fluent in English, Italian, and Ukrainian.
Participants will have access to professional-grade materials and create a completed painting to take home.
Complementing the creative experience, the class includes a coffee break with refreshments.
With a 5/5 rating and positive reviews, this workshop promises an enjoyable and enriching artistic journey in the city of Florence.
Read our full review: Florence: Watercolor Painting Class in a Local Art Studio Review
Book now: Check availability
Handmade Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Florence
One of the must-try culinary experiences in Florence is the Handmade Pasta and Tiramisu Class. Rated 4.7 from 84 reviews and recommended by 90% of travelers, this small group class led by a local Cesarina immerses you in Italian culinary traditions.
You’ll learn to roll fresh pasta by hand and prepare two iconic pasta dishes from scratch. Then, master the art of making classic tiramisu.
Enjoy an Italian aperitivo with prosecco, wines, and nibbles as you sample your creations. At just $105.72 per person, it’s a budget-friendly, hands-on way to discover authentic Italian cuisine.
Health and safety protocols are in place, making this a memorable, worry-free experience.
Read our full review: Handmade Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Florence: Cinque Terre, Pesto Cooking Class & Carrara Marble
Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, the Cinque Terre region offers a captivating blend of picturesque seaside villages, hiking trails, and culinary delights.
One of the popular experiences in Florence is the “Florence: Cinque Terre, Pesto Cooking Class & Carrara Marble” tour. This full-day excursion takes you to the charming villages of Cinque Terre, where you’ll learn to make authentic pesto in a hands-on cooking class.
You’ll also visit the iconic Carrara marble quarries, the source of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. With a duration of 5.5 hours and a rating of 4.5 from 7,338 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and culinary mastery.
Read our full review: Florence: Cinque Terre, Pesto Cooking Class & Carrara Marble Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa With Transfer
Discover the charm of a private cooking class nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Escape the crowds of Florence and enjoy a hands-on experience at a Florentine villa.
Work alongside a local chef to prepare classic Florentine dishes, including ricotta and zucchini flan, tagliatelle or gnocchi, pork tenderloin, and tiramisù.
Relax over a four-course lunch with wine on the villa’s terrace, savoring the delicious flavors of your creations.
With round-trip transportation from Florence, this class offers an unforgettable opportunity to learn about the culinary traditions of the region.
Praised for its hospitality and engaging atmosphere, this private cooking class is a must-do for foodies seeking an authentic Tuscan experience.
Read our full review: Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa With Transfer Review
Book now: Check availability
Modern Art in Florence: Van Gogh Painting Workshop
Step into the world of modern art at the GEKO ART STUDIO in Florence, where a captivating Van Gogh Painting Workshop awaits.
Over 3 hours, you’ll explore the Dutch master’s techniques and style, creating your own masterpiece under the guidance of personalized instruction.
No prior painting experience is necessary, as all materials – from canvases to oil paints – are provided.
Enjoy a coffee break with refreshments as you learn about the artistic process.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this workshop offers a chance to channel your inner Van Gogh in a private, flexible setting.
Read our full review: Modern Art in Florence: Van Gogh Painting Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
4 – Courses Dinner Interactive Cooking Lesson In Florence
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can indulge in a 4-course interactive cooking lesson at InTavola in Florence.
With a 4.6 rating from 106 reviews and a 91% traveler recommendation, this hands-on cooking class is ideal for foodies. The menu includes classic Italian dishes like potato gnocchi, Hunters chicken, and panna cotta, accompanied by local Tuscan red wine.
Located near iconic landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, the class accommodates up to 16 travelers with a minimum age of 7. Accessibility by public transport and ample parking make it convenient.
Positive reviews highlight the engaging instructors, enjoyable atmosphere, and generous portions, though some mention chaotic instruction and shortage of wine for larger groups.
Read our full review: 4 – Courses Dinner Interactive Cooking Lesson In Florence Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Florence offers an impressive array of workshops and classes for visitors to enjoy the city’s rich cultural traditions. From pizza and pasta making to leather crafting and painting, there’s something to suit every interest. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or simply enjoy a unique experience, Florence’s workshops provide an excellent opportunity to discover the heart and soul of this enchanting Italian destination.