The Italian Way: Pizza and Gelato Class with Unlimited Wine

Introducing the Pizza and Gelato Class in Florence

If you’re dreaming of bringing a bit of Italy home—or simply want to enjoy a fun, authentic experience while visiting Florence—this Pizza and Gelato Making Class could be just what you’re looking for. Based on glowing reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, this tour offers a laid-back, practical way to dive into Italy’s beloved culinary traditions without needing prior cooking skills.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and engaging it is—you’re learning from professional chefs in a relaxed environment, and you’ll get to enjoy your own creations with unlimited wine (or soft drinks if you’re with kids). Plus, the location in a cozy local pizzeria in the heart of Florence makes it feel genuine and intimate. A possible consideration is that at just around 3 hours, this is a compact experience—so if you’re craving a full day of sightseeing, it might be best to schedule this activity earlier or later in your day.

All in all, this class is perfect for anyone who enjoys hands-on activities, good food, and a little bit of vino. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll come away with new skills and tasty souvenirs to take home.

Key Points

• Authentic Florence setting in a local pizzeria
• Hands-on experience kneading dough, making gelato, and cooking pizza
• Unlimited wine included, making it a relaxed, fun atmosphere
• Tasty results: eat what you make, including pizza and gelato
• Learn from professional chefs in a small, friendly group
• Great reviews highlight the delicious food and engaging teaching style

What to Expect from the Experience

This class offers a well-balanced combination of learning, tasting, and socializing—all in about three hours. Once you arrive at the meet-up point on Via della Mattonaia, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable chef who will guide you through every step of the process. The atmosphere is intimate, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which allows for plenty of personal attention and interaction.

Learning to Make Pizza from Scratch

The core of this experience is pizza dough preparation. You’ll start by mixing flour, water, and yeast—simple ingredients, but with the right technique, they transform into a dough worthy of Florence’s best pizzerias. The chef will share tips on kneading and shaping your pizza, whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan-style or want to experiment with your own shapes.

While your dough rests, you’ll switch gears to prepare authentic Italian gelato. The chef demonstrates how to make gelato using fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on simple, high-quality components. If you’ve ever wondered what sets gelato apart from regular ice cream, this is your chance to find out firsthand.

Hands-On Cooking and Tasting

Once your dough has rested, you’ll top your pizza with seasonal ingredients selected for quality and flavor. While baking in a traditional pizza oven, you’ll have plenty of time to chat, take photos, and enjoy the lively environment. The goal is not just to cook but to understand how to recreate these dishes at home.

The highlight, of course, is tasting your work. You’ll enjoy your freshly baked pizza hot from the oven, complemented by a generous serving of homemade gelato. The included unlimited wine helps create a convivial atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and sharing your culinary successes with new friends.

Additional Details

The experience includes all necessary utensils, aprons, and ingredients, so you can focus on learning and having fun. At the end of the session, you’ll receive a graduation certificate—a nice touch that makes for a memorable keepsake of your Florence culinary adventure.

The Value of the Experience

At just over $45 per person, this class offers surprisingly good value considering everything included: expert instruction, ingredients, utensils, wine, and most importantly, the opportunity to eat your own creations. Reviewers often mention how delicious their homemade pizza and gelato turned out, which underscores the quality of the instruction and ingredients.

The reviews also highlight the friendly, knowledgeable chef and the welcoming atmosphere. One visitor praised the experience as “great for groups of friends,” and another called it “a magical experience,” emphasizing how well the setting and instruction make for a memorable time. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for those who prefer a more intimate learning environment.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is designed to be accessible for all skill levels—no prior cooking experience needed.
• Located conveniently near public transportation, making it easy to reach.
• The tour is highly booked in advance—about 33 days ahead on average—so plan early if you want a spot.
• The activity ends back at the starting point, so you won’t need to arrange additional transportation.

Who Is This Experience Ideal For?

This class suits travelers who want a relaxed, interactive way to connect with Florence’s culinary scene. Foodies, of course, will love the focus on authentic ingredients and techniques, but it’s also perfect for those who simply want a fun, social activity. Families with older children could enjoy it, especially considering the hands-on nature and the chance to learn a skill together, though very young children might find the pace a bit slow.

If you’re after a quick, delicious taste of Florence’s food scene without the fuss of a full restaurant meal, this adds a meaningful experience to your trip. It’s also a wonderful way to meet fellow travelers and share a memorable afternoon—plus, you get to bring home new skills and recipes.

The Itinerary, Step-by-Step

Arrival and Introduction

You’ll meet at the cozy Cucineria La Mattonaia, right in Florence’s lively center. The welcoming vibe sets the tone for a relaxed and friendly session. Expect to start with a quick overview from your chef, who will introduce the ingredients and outline the plan for the next few hours.

Pizza Dough Preparation

The core of the class involves kneading your own pizza dough. You’ll be guided through the process of mixing flour, water, and yeast—simple ingredients that, when combined correctly, become the base for countless Italian dishes. The chef emphasizes technique, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll soon be rolling out your own pizza.

Gelato Making

While your dough is resting, it’s time to switch to gelato. You’ll learn how to craft this iconic Italian dessert using fresh ingredients, with the chef sharing insider tips to get that smooth, creamy texture. Watching the gelato take shape is fun, and you’ll feel proud tasting your finished product.

Assembling and Baking

Once your dough has risen, you’ll top your pizza with seasonal ingredients, then slide it into the pizza oven. The smell alone is worth the price. While it bakes, you might observe other participants shaping their pizzas or preparing their gelato.

Tasting and Cheers

The best part comes when you sit down to enjoy your homemade pizza and gelato, paired with unlimited wine or soft drinks. Many reviews mention how tasty everything turned out and how enjoyable the convivial atmosphere makes the experience special.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a modest price, this class packs in a lot of value. You’re not just sitting back and watching; you’re actively creating and tasting, which makes the experience far more memorable. The combination of pizza and gelato captures two of Italy’s most famous culinary staples, and doing so in a local pizzeria adds authenticity.

If you love food, enjoy learning new skills, or want a hands-on experience that’s both fun and flavorful, you’ll likely find this class to be a highlight of your trip. Plus, with glowing reviews praising the professionalism of the chef and the quality of the food, you can feel confident you’re in good hands.

However, if you’re looking for a long, comprehensive cooking course or an activity that lasts an entire day, this might feel a bit brief. It’s designed for a relaxed, introductory experience—perfect for a fun afternoon rather than a culinary deep dive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for kids?
While not explicitly geared towards children, the hands-on nature and social atmosphere can be enjoyable for families with older kids who are interested in cooking. Soft drinks are available for kids, and the activity is generally family-friendly.

How long does the class last?
The class runs approximately 3 hours, making it a flexible addition to your day without taking up too much time. It ends back at the starting point, so you can plan your next activity easily.

Do I need any cooking experience?
Not at all. The class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced cooks. The chef provides step-by-step guidance throughout.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers all ingredients, utensils, aprons, and water. You also get unlimited wine (or soft drinks for kids), the food you prepare, and a graduation certificate as a keepsake.

Is it easy to book in advance?
Yes, this experience is quite popular and on average gets booked 33 days ahead. Booking early ensures you secure a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

What’s the location like?
The meeting point is in a charming local pizzeria in the heart of Florence, near public transportation, making it convenient to reach from most city accommodations.

This class offers a practical, enjoyable way to get a taste of Florence’s culinary soul, all while sharing good food and good company. Whether you’re a food lover or just after a fun experience, it’s a solid choice that’s likely to leave you both satisfied and inspired to make Italian dishes back home.