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Accidental Tourist
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Accidental Tourist

See all things to do
See all things to do
Accidental Tourist
5
612 reviews
#7 of 168 Classes & Workshops in Florence
Cooking Classes • Wine Tours & Tastings
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About
The Accidental Tourist was born in the spring of 1998 offering the first single-day hands-on cooking class in Tuscany. We welcome the curious and open-minded traveler in the heart of our Tuscan home, for an authentic yet magical experience. We take a maximum of 8 people, but will go with as few as one: we never leave the solo traveler behind. We welcome families with children as we know how challenging it can be to travel with the young ones in the Old Country. AND, we charge for our tours only if our guests are happy to pay for their day with us.
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
612 reviews
Excellent
591
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Karen A
Venice, FL11 contributions
A wonderful evening cooking class
Nov 2021 • Family
We connected with Majla a few months before our trip as we wanted to make a reservation November 1st, which is a national holiday. She promptly responded that she was available and was absolutely accommodating for our family of 2 parents with 2 adult (20+) age daughters. We had a delightful evening learning how to make pasta and enjoyed a personal evening dinner. Majla has lived in the US, had excellent English and had very interesting insights into cultural differences between Americans/Europeans and shared she thoughts on Italian culture. We really enjoyed our evening with her as well as the opportunity to stay in the tower. We are looking forward to receiving our olive oil and seeing her again in the future.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MajlaFirenze
Dear Karen, so sorry it took this long to reply to your flattering and descriptive review! I hope it is not too late to thank you heart-fully and wish you the best for this new year, Majla
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family W
New York City, NY2 contributions
Tagliatelle in Tuscany with Accidental Tourist!
Apr 2023
We traveled to Italy in April to visit our oldest daughter studying abroad in Florence for the semester. It was our youngest daughter’s first time in Europe and my husband and I hadn’t been back to Italy in over 35 years. We knew we would visit historical sites and museums and eat our way through each city we visited, but top of my list was taking a pasta making class in Tuscany. I knew my girls would enjoy the experience and was hopeful that my husband would too. We were blown away with Accidental Tourist’s culinary adventure. From the moment Martina (pasta teacher extraordinaire) picked us up in Florence we clicked, laughing and chatting the entire trip to the Tuscany estate. Martina warmly welcomed us into the home and taught us how to make two kinds of pasta with patience and humor. Majla (our host) and Marco (our exquisite chef/host) made our afternoon and evening magical. We went quickly from culinary students to friends with all three of our hosts. Throughout our visit we made homemade ravioli and tagliatelle, laughed, talked, traded stories, learned about their historical property and ate a wonderful meal and drank plenty of wine. We captured the experience with many photos and even watched a beautiful sunset all while connecting with strangers that ended as friends. We knew how fortunate we were when we were leaving to return to our hotel when Majla turned to our oldest daughter and said “if you need anything while you are here in Italy, please don’t hesitate to call us, anything at all!” That sentiment confirmed for us that we have new and forever friends in San Donata or as we playfully learned to call their hometown Holy Donut! Thank you Majla, Marco and Martina - we look forward to returning for another unforgettable experience!
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine
4 contributions
Perfect place to self-isolate!
Jan 2021 • Solo
In these difficult times for travelling, Villa Paoli, as its history demonstrates, offers the perfect respite for those in need. The grounds are beautiful with olive orchards, forests and walking trails, an ancient chapel, and incredible views of Florence and the surrounding valleys. One can walk undisturbed for hours in a tranquil, beautiful and safe environment.

Besides providing a warm and cosy home for me, the hosts arranged transportation from the airport, picked up groceries and even offered a few delicious freshly made meals, not to mention an amazing supply of excellent wine and olive oil! Plus there are tons of books to read in English, French, Spanish and Italian.
I had everything I needed and more!

I cannot say enough about the beauty and hospitality of this place and this family. If one has to quarantine, trust me, this is the best place in the world to do it!!
Written January 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MajlaFirenze
Dear Christine, you have brought your good energy to our home. Please do it again!
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary D
10 contributions
Don’t miss out on Accidental Tourist—this will be the best part of your trip!
Jul 2023 • Friends
This is a MUST-DO for anyone visiting the Florence/Tuscany area! A few friends and I (some couples + singles) signed up for the wine tasting + cooking class combo. It was the best part of our trip! The pickup process was easy, the tasting and class were a blast, and we had such an amazing time getting to know Majla and Marco—they were so kind and welcomed us into their amazing home, kept us laughing all day, and shared a wealth of local Italian wisdom! The winery we went to was so gorgeous and had a ton of history. For the class, it was so fun learning how to make pasta from a local and even though we were all newbies, the meal tasted amazing. Still thinking about this incredible experience.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph G
2 contributions
An Unforgettable Night, The HIGHLIGHT of our Italy trip!
Jul 2023 • Friends
We took a wine and cooking tour with tour guide Martina. It was the absolute best tour we have ever been on and by far the highlight of our entire vacation. We started with a wine tasting and learned how to truly declare if a wine is exceptional or not. Martina not only knew so much history and information about wine, but she was able to explain and share it in such an engaging way leaving us fascinated by the end of it. It was truly an enjoyable experience for wine lovers. Moving on to cooking class, the tour just got even better. We were driven to a gorgeous property and welcomed into a home shared down from generations. The home owners Majla and Marco were welcoming and sweet from the start. We then learned how to make pasta from scratch, made the filling for raviolis, and picked sage from the garden, while taking pictures of their gorgeous Tuscan view. While making the pasta we laughed with Martina, learned more history, ate olives and drank wine, and shared stories. It was such a relaxing and comfortable environment as we felt at home with friends, forgetting we were on a tour for a cooking class. When it was time to sit down for dinner, we were blown away. Marco had made us a few appetizers that were absolutely delicious and cooked our pasta to perfection, pairing it with sauces that complimented them so well. We sat at the dinner table and had one of the best meals of our entire time in Italy. We drank wine and laughed like we were all old friends. Marco made us homemade gelato and joined us for an after dinner drink. I have already recommended this tour to others and am now writing this review to recommend to more. If you want to truly experience Tuscany and have an unforgettable night, I highly suggest this tour. Thank you Marcoo and Majla for opening your home and thank you Martina for being exceptional at your job and truly giving others an unforgettable experience!
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor A
World2 contributions
Unique and Connecting Experience
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was such an amazing and special experience. Majla, Steve, Martina, and Marco, and the whole team made this a day we won’t soon forget! The wine tasting in a literal castle is a one of a kind experience.

Then, the cooking class in their home was just absolutely delightful. Their home is stunning, and the way they have opened it up to strangers to share their unique story and experience is truly special.

Book this now!! Thank you, Accidental Tourist for such a wonderful day.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen Z
21 contributions
Unique, fun, relaxing HIGHLY recommended experience!
May 2021 • Family
Easily a highlight of our family vacation in Italy has been our day with Majla and family in their beautiful and interesting home (circa 1200s!) while learning to cook pasta from scratch, sipping delicious wine and espresso, exchanging stories with our kind hosts. As a family of 5 traveling with 2 teenagers and a toddler, each of us felt instantly at home and engaged by Majla in this unique experience. Even our little one was given a small apron and a step stool to join in the fun alongside the whole family. If you find yourself in Florence, I cannot recommend enough the Accidental Tourist.
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MajlaFirenze
Kristen! Can't believe I hadn't replied to your lovely review! Traveling toddlers speak about brave and caring parents: we loved having your family in our family home, it brought great energy! Thanks so so much to all of you for that. Sincerely Majla
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adrienne
4 contributions
Relaxed pasta class on Florentine hills
Jul 2023 • Family
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making pasta in Italy? If you're in Florence Accidental Tourist are a great choice.

Majla & Marco have been running these cooking classes for over 20 years and have got it down to a fine art.

They have a gorgeous villa up in the hills with a really relaxed vibe. You get picked up from Florence & dropped back again, great to get into the countryside & no need to worry about transport.

Martina took us through making pasta, showing us how to do it & helping us to get it right.

Each stage was demonstrated & explained before we had a go. We made ravioli & fettuccine, which Marco cooked for us.

Dinner was a starters with spelt salad, our pasta in 2 different sauces & homemade berry gelato, all washed down with local wine.

The view from their garden of the sunset over the Tuscan hills was lovely.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabrina K
1 contribution
Delightful Experience and Food, Must Do!
Sep 2023 • Couples
The hostess, Martina, was fabulous. The ride from the meeting point to the villa was great. Martina made sure all of the guests introduced themselves and we go to know each other a little before arriving. She also provided a bit of history. Once we arrived we walked around the villa, the views were amazing. We made fresh pasta and ravioli which was so much fun. The chef prepared an amazing dinner for us along with the pasta we made. It was the best meal we had in Florence.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soniawashere
London, UK24 contributions
A memory to last a lifetime
Jun 2020 • Solo
I actually visited way back in 2017 but as I sit here in full lockdown one of the fondest memories I have is of my vineyard your and cooking lesson with Accidental Tourist. It was one of the best days I ever had.

I was traveling alone and was on the tour with two couples but it did not matter, I felt so included and it was a wonderful experience.

I now regularly make pasta from scratch and I also learnt some other recipes I now use. I hope when this is over I can take my mother there.

It was such a genuine experience with lovely hosts who so graciously invited us to their amazing home and shared their love of food and cooking.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MajlaFirenze
Dear Sonia, My reply comes late, but my gratitude too will last a lifetime! We are honored to have kept you company during lockdown, and we look forward to having you in our home again, with you mom!
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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