Florence: Gelato Making Class

If you’re heading to Florence and craving a fun, authentic activity that offers both learnings and treats, this Gelato Making Class might just be your ticket. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the info available, it looks like a genuinely engaging way to get a behind-the-scenes peek at Italy’s beloved dessert. Plus, you get to make your own gelato — a sweet souvenir that lasts longer than a photo.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s held at one of Florence’s oldest gelato academies, run by a local family — so you’re not just learning from anyone, but from seasoned artisans with a real passion for their craft. Second, it’s a small, intimate group (limited to six participants), which means plenty of personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

One thing to keep in mind: the class lasts only about an hour, which is enough time to get a good overview but maybe not enough for full-blown mastery. Still, if you’re looking for a fun, interactive activity that’s both educational and delicious, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for anyone curious about Italian food traditions or just eager to scoop their own gelato in Italy’s birthplace of the treat.

Key Points

• Expert-led class at a family-run gelato academy in Florence.
• Hands-on experience making your own gelato flavor from scratch.
• Learn the secrets behind the ingredients and techniques that make authentic gelato special.
• Small group size ensures personalized guidance and a relaxed vibe.
• Taste your own creation and learn professional scooping techniques.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Gelato Making Class

Setting out from your accommodation or a central meeting point, you’ll meet your instructor in front of I Gelati del Bondi, a place renowned for its artisanal gelato. From the moment you arrive, the vibe is casual and friendly—perfect for learning in a no-pressure environment.

The Learning Part: Secrets of Gelato

The class kicks off with a brief intro about what makes gelato different from ice cream—fewer fattening ingredients, more milk, less air, and a focus on natural, fresh ingredients. You’ll learn the measurements, ingredients, and techniques that experienced gelato makers rely on. Expect to hear stories about the tradition and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

The Hands-On: Making Your Own Flavor

Once you’ve soaked up the basics, it’s time to get your hands dirty. You’ll choose your favorite flavors and work alongside the instructor to create your own gelato from scratch. What’s great about this part is that the class is not just about following a recipe but understanding how different ingredients, like fruit, nuts, or chocolate, can be combined and balanced.

Reviews highlight how interactive and engaging the process is. One guest mentioned, “We made a few flavors and each tested multiple flavors,” which shows the emphasis on experimentation and fun. You’ll be involved in mixing, churning, and tasting, giving you a real sense of accomplishment.

Beyond Making: Mastering the Art of Scooping

While your gelato churns, you’ll step behind the counter to learn how to serve and scoop like a true professional. This is more practical than it sounds—perfect if you want to impress friends back home or just feel more confident buying gelato on subsequent days.

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Tasting Your Creation

Finally, you get to taste the gelato you’ve made. Many reviews, like Christine’s, note how the gelato is made with all-natural, fresh ingredients and is “incredible.” That’s a strong selling point if you’re picky or just love supporting artisanal producers.

The Atmosphere and Group Size

One of the most praised aspects of this experience is its small group setting. Limited to six people, it offers a relaxed environment where the instructor can give personalized tips. Reviewers also mention the friendly, engaging guides—some even call them “authentic” and “generous,” which makes the experience feel genuine and warm.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The class is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, making it suitable for a range of travelers. You’ll need to reserve in advance, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. The duration is about one hour, but some guests report that it can last a little longer, especially if you’re involved in flavor experimentation or chatting with the instructor.

Is It Worth the Price?

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, reviews suggest that the experience offers good value, especially considering the quality of instruction and the ability to take home your own gelato. It’s not a cheap activity, but many feel the hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn a traditional craft justify the price.

From the Reviews: What Travelers Say

• Christine from the U.S. called it “an AMAZING time,” praising the generous host Aldo and the quality of the gelato.
• Richard from the U.K. enjoyed how kids and families find the class engaging, calling the instructor “fantastic.”
• Maria loved that her daughter was “utterly charmed,” and they even returned for more gelato later.
• Murray appreciated how the class combined science and flavor, although he noted some inaccuracies in the event description, which didn’t affect the overall enjoyment.
• Others highlighted the friendly atmosphere and “authentic” feel thanks to the instructor’s personality.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This gelato-making class offers a genuine taste of Italian tradition in a friendly, small-group setting. It’s perfect if you love hands-on activities and want to gain a bit of culinary knowledge during your trip. It’s also a fantastic way to involve kids or a small group of friends in a fun, delicious activity.

However, if you’re expecting a lengthy course or a broad sightseeing experience, this may be a bit narrow in scope. The hour-long session is more about learning and tasting than mastering gelato-making, so if you’re after a quick, engaging activity, it fits perfectly.

Those who value authentic, family-run establishments and enjoy interactive experiences will likely find this a highlight of their Florence trip. Plus, the reviews consistently praise the expert guides and the quality of the gelato, making it a memorable treat.

FAQ

Is the class suitable for children? Many reviews mention families with children participating happily, especially since the instructor makes the experience engaging and fun. It’s a hands-on activity that kids can enjoy, particularly if they like sweets.

How long is the class? The experience lasts about one hour, but some guests noted it can extend slightly longer, especially if you’re tasting and experimenting.

Do I get to choose my flavors? The description states that you make your own flavor from scratch, but some reviews mention that flavor choices are limited or predetermined, with the focus on understanding the process rather than selecting anything you want.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of guests.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Do I need to pay upfront? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is helpful if you want to keep your options open.

In all, this Florence gelato-making class offers a delightful blend of education, hands-on fun, and tasty rewards. It’s particularly well-suited for those wanting a relaxed, small-group activity that dives into Italy’s sweet heritage, leaving you with new skills and a delicious souvenir.

You can check availability for your dates here: