Florence Day Trip: Chianti Tour & Cooking Class

If you’re planning a day out from Florence to explore some of Tuscany’s most iconic sights, this Chianti tour combined with a cooking class offers a well-rounded glimpse into what makes this region so special. From stunning medieval villages to savoring your own homemade Tuscan dishes, it’s a full day packed with experiences that will appeal to those who love good food, excellent wine, and scenic views.

What really caught our eye about this experience are two things: first, the expert guides who bring local history and culture to life, and second, the interactive nature of the cooking class, which turns a sightseeing trip into a memorable culinary adventure. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so it’s not ideal if mobility is a concern.

This trip is best suited for anyone eager to enjoy a taste of Tuscany’s countryside — whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or even a family with older children interested in hands-on experiences. It’s a great way to get a lot of value in a single day, especially if you want to combine sightseeing, wine tasting, and cooking into one seamless experience.

Key Points

• Beautiful Stops: The tour visits Certaldo Alto and Monteriggioni, both of which are perfect for photos, walking, and soaking up medieval charm.
• Wine and Oils: You get to sample five wines and two oils at a family-run Tuscan winery, giving you a real taste of local produce.
• Hands-On Cooking: The guided Tuscan cooking class allows you to cook and then enjoy a meal you made yourself, a highlight for food lovers.
• Scenic Drive: The journey by luxury minivan or minibus offers plenty of opportunities for scenic views and relaxing travel.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: The schedule is thoughtfully timed, balancing sightseeing, tasting, and leisure, all within about 9 hours.
• Expert Guides: Vincenzo and the Tuscan chef make the experience more engaging, sharing insights and tips along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at Via dell’Oriuolo, near Florence’s Duomo, which is a convenient central spot. From there, you’ll settle into a luxury minivan or minibus that whisks you away into the Tuscan countryside. The journey is comfortably paced, with a bit over an hour to reach your first stop, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

Certaldo Alto – Medieval Charm & Local Flavors

The first stop is Certaldo Alto, a hilltop town famous for its medieval architecture and historical ambiance. Here, you’ll have around two hours for exploring at your own pace, grabbing a coffee or snack, and browsing local artisan shops. The highlight is the wine tasting and local snacks, where you can sample two different oils and a selection of wines, all at a premium family-run winery. The reviews commend the friendly staff and high-quality wines, with one guest saying their guide, Vincenzo, was especially knowledgeable and engaging.

Scenic Drive to Chianti Hills – Wine, Cooking, and Lunch

Next, you’ll head into the heart of Chianti’s rolling hills, where the landscape is dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Here, you’ll join a hands-on Tuscan cooking class led by a local chef. The class is quite interactive, teaching you how to prepare traditional dishes, which you’ll then enjoy for lunch alongside more wine. The experience is designed to be accessible and fun, making it a hit for couples and those who enjoy culinary activities. Reviewers like Sophia from the UK mention how the day exceeded expectations and how the value for money was excellent — they felt they learned a lot and enjoyed every moment.

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Monteriggioni – Medieval Vista & Free Time

In the afternoon, the group visits Monteriggioni, a small fortress town with well-preserved walls and towers. Visitors can walk the ramparts, take photos of the panoramic views, or browse souvenir shops. It’s a brief but picturesque stop, perfect for capturing the essence of Tuscany’s medieval past. The review quotes an appreciation for the stunning locations visited and the well-paced schedule that allowed enough time for sightseeing and shopping.

Castellina in Chianti – Final Photo Stop & Sunset Views

Your last stop is Castellina in Chianti, another charming village renowned for its views and local wine shops. As the sun begins to set, you’ll have a final chance to enjoy the scenery, pick up last-minute souvenirs, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The hour-long stop is a relaxing way to wind down the day.

Return to Florence

After a full day of exploration, the comfortable bus takes you back to Florence, arriving around sunset. The whole experience is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, with a knowledgeable guide to answer questions and keep things running on schedule.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of sightseeing, wine, and cooking makes this experience more than just a typical day trip. It’s especially appealing to those who want to really connect with Tuscan culture — not just look at it from a distance. The expert guides and local chef add authenticity and depth, turning what could be a rushed tour into a memorable adventure.

Value for money is also a notable highlight. Sophia’s review emphasizes how much they got out of the day, from multiple wine tastings to a full cooking lesson, all within a reasonable price point. The inclusion of five wines, two oils, and a full lunch means you’re not just sightseeing but indulging in the region’s flavors.

That said, it’s essential to note that wheelchair users would find this tour inaccessible, mainly due to the uneven surfaces in medieval villages and the walking involved. So, if mobility is a concern, it’s worth considering other options.

Practical Details & Tips

• Meeting point is central and easy to find with staff holding a panel or wearing green shirts.
• The tour is about 9 hours, making it a long but manageable day.
• Reserving in advance is recommended, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
• The tour is conducted in English, Italian, and Spanish, accommodating a diverse group.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Price reflects the included activities and tastings, which add up, especially considering the quality and variety of wine and food.

Final Thoughts

This Chianti tour with a cooking class offers an excellent taste of Tuscany’s culinary and scenic treasures. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves. The guided visits, expert tastings, and hands-on cooking are big draws, especially if you thrive on interactive, local experiences.

The feedback from past travelers emphasizes how well-organized and enjoyable this day is — with plenty of stunning locations and genuine Tuscan flavors packed into one trip. It provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, tasting, and learning, making it a very satisfying way to spend a day outside Florence.

If you’re a lover of good wine, authentic cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, this tour could be just what you need for a memorable slice of Tuscany, even if you’re short on time. Just keep in mind that it’s not accessible for everyone, and be prepared for a full, lively day of exploration and indulgence.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults and older children who enjoy hands-on activities and wine tastings. The focus on wine and some walking in medieval villages might not be ideal for very young kids.

How long is the driving time?
You’ll spend around an hour on the bus or minivan to reach Certaldo Alto, and about 55 minutes total for the other drives combined, so expect some scenic travel but not too long in transit.

What’s included in the wine tastings?
You’ll sample five wines and two oils at a family-run Tuscan winery, giving you a good range of local flavors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule changes.

Is there free time in the villages?
Yes, each stop allows free time for exploring, shopping, or taking photos, so you can soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

What language is the tour conducted in?
Guides operate in English, Italian, and Spanish, which covers most travelers’ needs.

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, expect the itinerary to last around 9 hours from pickup to return, including all stops and activities.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Due to uneven surfaces and walking involved, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

This tour packs a lot into a single day, making it ideal if you want to experience Tuscany’s landscape, culture, and cuisine without multiple separate bookings. It’s a genuine way to indulge your senses and learn a little about the region’s history and flavors — with the bonus of coming home with some tasty memories and new skills.

You can check availability for your dates here: