Pizza and gelato, made the Florence way. This family-focused class pairs hands-on cooking with a real sense of warmth, and I love the small-group attention and making both dishes from scratch. One drawback to note: you are cooking, not just tasting, so if you want a sit-and-watch activity, this may feel too hands-on.

In practice, it works because the class is capped at 12 people and runs about 3 hours, with two start times (12:15 PM and 3:45 PM). You’ll meet at Via Antonio Scialoja, roll up your sleeves, then sit down to eat your pizza and gelato for lunch, with wine included. It’s offered in English, so you can follow along without stress.

Quick hits before you go

• Two dishes in one session: pizza (dough and sauce) plus gelato (two flavors)
• Small group, up to 12 people: more help, more hands-on time
• Chef-led, family-friendly pacing: made to keep kids engaged while adults learn too
• Lunch built around what you make: you actually eat your creations, not just sample
• Wine during the meal: the class includes wine and bottled water

Where You Start in Florence: Via Antonio Scialoja Check-In

The experience begins at Via Antonio Scialoja, 13 R, 50136 Firenze FI, Italy, with the class ending back there. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can get settled before the chef starts organizing the workstations.

Timing matters in Florence. This class runs twice a day, with 12:15 PM and 3:45 PM meeting times. If you’re scheduling around church visits or museum hours, the earlier start can help you avoid a late dinner scramble, while the later start can slot nicely between sightseeing blocks.

Small-Group Cooking in a Clean, Well-Set Kitchen

One reason this class gets such strong marks is the overall setup. The kitchen is described as immaculate and roomy enough that families can work without feeling squeezed. Several families also note the space has a light, modern feel (including a glass staircase and skylights), which makes it easier to keep kids focused while you cook.

With a max of 12 travelers, you’re not stuck shouting over a crowd. You get direct feedback on your dough, sauce, and gelato method—especially helpful if it’s your first time cooking with real technique rather than just following a recipe sheet.

Pizza From Scratch: Dough, Sauce, and Toppings for Everyone

Pizza is the headline here, and you do more than assemble. The class walks you through making authentic pizza dough and sauce from scratch using simple, quality ingredients. That’s a big deal for value: restaurant pizza can be delicious, but this is the part that turns into a skill you can recreate back home.

Expect the hands-on work to be the kid magnet. You knead dough, you shape, you work at your own station, and you get guidance so it doesn’t turn into a flour-covered panic. One of the repeat praise points is that the chef and assistant keep the process clear and step-by-step, so even if you’re not a confident cook, you can still participate.

Then comes the fun part: choosing toppings. Families describe having options and getting to personalize their pizzas, which means everyone leaves with something that feels like theirs—not just whatever ended up on top.

Practical tip: wear clothes you’re okay with getting splashed or dusted with flour. Pizza dough is forgiving, but it is still dough.

Gelato Making: Two Flavors and the Italian Method

After pizza, you shift gears to gelato. The class focuses on making two gelato flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you usually think of gelato as a store-bought dessert, this is where the experience changes from fun to useful.

You’ll learn the Italian approach to gelato, including some background on how it’s made. One chef-host name that shows up strongly in feedback is Niccolò, described as welcoming and attentive, and families note he shares context while he teaches. That matters because it gives you a reason behind the steps—why you mix, what you’re aiming for in texture, and how the flavors should behave once finished.

Gelato flavor choices vary by class, but at least one family highlights a honey gelato selection as a standout. Another notes that the gelato came out very traditional. Either way, the method is what you carry home: you’re not just copying a taste, you’re practicing the technique.

Lunch and Wine With Your Own Creations

The payoff is what you do once everything is ready: you sit down and enjoy your pizza and gelato. Lunch is included, along with tasting of your products and bottled water.

Wine is part of the rhythm of the class. The description mentions a glass—or maybe more—of fine Italian wine, and some families specifically mention Prosecco and Aperol spritz during the lesson. The key practical point: this isn’t a dry, academic class. It’s an easygoing meal experience where everyone eats what they made.

This is also a smart alternative to squeezing in one more meal out in Florence. Instead of paying for lunch twice and hoping the kids behave in a restaurant, you get one coordinated “make-and-eat” block.

Price and Value at About $70.81 Per Person

At $70.81 per person, this class isn’t a budget snack—it’s a paid experience. The value comes from what you get folded in:

• Professional chef instruction (not a casual demo)
• Hands-on cooking for both pizza and gelato
• Lunch included with what you produce
• Tasting of your final results
• Bottled water included
• Small group size that supports real attention

That combination is why families rate it so highly. If you were to buy the same level of instruction, plus a sit-down meal, plus ingredients, you’d likely spend more than the class price. Tips are not included, so keep a little extra aside if you feel like rewarding the chef.

Also, booking tends to be popular—on average it’s booked about 67 days in advance—so if your dates are fixed, it’s wise to lock it in early.

Who This Class Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This is best for people who want a hands-on Florence activity that doubles as a meal.

It’s a strong pick if:

• you’re traveling with kids and want them engaged the whole time
• you want an English-led experience that still feels genuinely Italian
• you’d rather learn a method you can repeat at home than only eat out
• you like small-group settings where the chef can answer questions

It may not fit perfectly if:

• you’re looking for something like pasta-focused cooking instead of pizza and gelato
• you want a mostly observational tour (this one is hands-on by design)
• your group has strict dietary needs you need confirmed ahead of time (the class description highlights pizza and gelato, but it doesn’t spell out specialized substitutions)

Family-Friendly Rules to Know for Kids

The class is described as perfect for children and families, and families do well with the pacing and participation. There’s also a specific policy worth noting: a child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.

If you’re traveling as a mixed group (adults plus kids), double-check how your booking will handle that child rate so you don’t get surprised at checkout.

Should You Book This Florence Pizza and Gelato Class?

I’d book it if you want one memorable afternoon that gives you both a story and a skill. The strongest reasons to choose it are practical: you cook two beloved Italian foods, you get personal attention in a small group, and the class ends with a real lunch you made yourself.

If your schedule allows only one cooking experience in Florence, this is a solid candidate because it covers both sweet and savory, and it’s built for mixed ages. You’ll likely come away with recipes too, since families report taking the recipes home.

If you’re on the fence, decide with this question: do you want Florence to be something you eat, or something you learn to make? For most families, the answer is obvious.

FAQ

How long is the Florence pizza and gelato cooking class?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What are the start times?

There are two meeting times: 12:15 PM and 3:45 PM.

Where do we meet for the class?

You meet at Via Antonio Scialoja, 13 R, 50136 Firenze FI, Italy, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the group size?

The class has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What will I make during the class?

You’ll make pizza (including dough and sauce) and gelato. The gelato portion includes making two flavors.

What’s included, and is wine part of the experience?

Included are the cooking class, lunch, tasting of your products, and bottled water, plus a professional chef. Wine is mentioned as part of the meal experience, and the class description indicates it’s provided during the time you eat.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t be refunded.