Food in Italy isn’t just nourishment - it’s identity, history, and connection. Every dish tells a story shaped by region, season, and family tradition. Meals are a ritual, a time to slow down, gather, and celebrate life - something deeply woven into Italian culture.

That’s why an experience-based trip, especially one centred around cooking classes, offers so much more than traditional sightseeing. Instead of just seeing Florence and Tuscany, you live them - shopping in local markets, learning recipes passed down through generations, and sharing meals with locals. It transforms travel from observation into participation, creating deeper connections, lasting memories, and a true taste of what makes Italy unforgettable.

Welcome to the enchanting Renaissance city of Florence, where art, culture, and cuisine come together in unforgettable ways.

Upon arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel for a four-night stay in the historic centre, allowing you to easily explore the city’s charming streets and landmarks on foot.

Each morning during your stay begins with a classic Italian breakfast, typically featuring freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino, flaky pastries such as cornetti, crusty bread with local jams, and seasonal fruit - the perfect way to start your day in Italy.

After checking in and taking some time to relax, meet your knowledgeable local guide in the late afternoon for a walking tasting tour through Florence. As you wander through atmospheric piazzas and narrow medieval streets, your guide will introduce you to the culinary traditions that define Tuscany.

Start your morning with your Italian breakfast at the hotel, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee before immersing yourself in the culinary traditions of Tuscany.

Today begins with a visit to the lively Mercato Centrale, one of Florence’s most vibrant food markets. Here, stalls overflow with colourful produce, fragrant herbs, local cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and freshly baked bread. Accompanied by a local chef, you will learn how Florentines select the freshest ingredients while discovering the stories behind traditional Tuscan foods.

After gathering ingredients, continue to a welcoming Florentine cooking school for a hands-on class dedicated to crafting fresh pasta from scratch. Under expert guidance, learn the techniques of kneading, rolling, and shaping pasta in the traditional Italian way.

Once the cooking is complete, sit down with your fellow participants to enjoy the dishes you have prepared for a relaxed and delicious lunch, accompanied by local wine.

Your afternoon is free to relax or explore more of Florence and walk off that amazing lunch. This evening, return to the kitchen for a second culinary experience focused on preparing a traditional Florentine dinner. Working alongside your chef instructor, you’ll prepare classic Tuscan dishes before sitting down together to savour the meal you’ve created - a memorable and authentic way to experience the flavours of Florence.

After your Italian breakfast at the hotel, depart Florence for a full-day journey into the rolling hills and medieval towns of Tuscany.

Your first stop is the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline of stone towers. Wander through its charming streets, browse artisan shops, and admire panoramic views across the Tuscan countryside.

Continue on to the historic city of Siena, famous for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most celebrated public squares.

Next, visit the enchanting walled village of Monteriggioni, where ancient stone walls and watchtowers evoke the atmosphere of medieval Tuscany. During the day you will also travel through the renowned Chianti wine region, a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads. Here you will stop at a local winery to relax and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, paired with a guided wine tasting featuring the region’s celebrated Chianti wines.

After a day filled with spectacular scenery, historic towns, and exceptional flavours, return to Florence in the early evening.

Tonight is at leisure to explore more of Florence or perhaps revisit one of the many local restaurants our guide introduced us too on the walking tour ….places that the local’s eat at for a delightful meal. (Dinner at own expensive)

Begin your day with another Italian breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Florence at your own pace.

You may pre book at additional cost one or more of the following options

1: Pizza and gelato cooking course

2: Full aperitivo walking tour

3. Pesto & Pasta cooking class

4: Day trip to Pisa and climb the leaning Tower

Or you may wish to visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Florence Cathedral, with its breathtaking dome designed by Brunelleschi.

Art lovers may choose to explore the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with traditional jewellery shops, or wander through Florence’s artisan boutiques and leather markets.

For sweeping views across the city’s terracotta rooftops, consider visiting Piazzale

Michelangelo, particularly beautiful at sunset.

Enjoy your final Italian breakfast at the hotel, perhaps lingering over a cappuccino and pastry while soaking in the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

This morning you have time for some last minute shopping before you check out of your hotel - late morning checkout

After check-out, bid arrivederci to Florence as you continue your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of Tuscan cuisine, historic towns, world-class art, and the timeless charm of Florence.