Pasta, meatballs and ice cream in a villa in the hills of Florence

About this tour

Master Tuscan pasta-making in a countryside villa overlooking Florence. Over nearly four hours, you'll learn to roll tagliatelle and fill ravioli by hand, simmer meatballs in tomato sauce, and churn coffee or fruit gelato from scratch. Sit on the terrace with Tuscan wines and organic local ingredients whilst your host shares family recipes passed down through generations. Small groups keep the atmosphere intimate and unhurried.

Highlights

• Hand-roll tagliatelle and ravioli in a Florentine hillside villa
• Prepare slow-cooked meatballs and tomato sauce from scratch
• Churn smoked-coffee or fresh-fruit gelato yourself
• Eat on the terrace with views across Florence
• Taste curated Tuscan wines, Vin Santo and limoncello
• Hear family stories and see a memory book of recipes
• Use high-quality organic produce sourced locally

What to expect

You'll arrive at a working villa nestled in the hills with countryside around you. The host walks you through each dish—stretching and cutting pasta dough, browning meat, building a sauce layer by layer, then the satisfying work of hand-churning gelato. Between cooking stages, there's time to breathe, chat and taste wines. Lunch happens on the terrace where you eat what you've made, surrounded by olive groves and the Florentine skyline. Expect casual, hands-on instruction rather than formal demonstration. Portions are generous; the pace is relaxed.

Good to know

Transport from your accommodation is included. The villa involves three flights of stairs with no lift—good mobility is essential. Children under 18 don't receive alcoholic drinks. Small groups (usually 6–8 people) are kept intentionally intimate. Wear clothes you don't mind getting flour or sauce on.