Accidental Tourist

Accidental Tourist

Accidental Tourist
5
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
2024

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles652 reviews
Excellent
630
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
6

7Monica6
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
Caterina and Gabriela were amazing hosts and now friends. It was such a special experience, especially having full attention to our visit. The short ride to their home in the country was a real treat and rest away from the bustling city center. All the views from the cooking location was breathtaking. Caterina was very gentle with her teaching technique and made it easy to learn a new craft, pasta from scratch. Gabriela made each moment special by coming out and offer advice and critique our progress in a positive way. There was so much love poured into the preparation of the food we had. As we tasted each dish, a story arose and we shared common and not so common nuisances of gardening and cooking differences. All the food tasted clean and fresh. The wine was amazing as well and exquisitely paired for the recipes we had. Gabriela informed us of many local traditions and suggested new treats for us to try during our stay. We will definitely be suggesting this tour to family and friends. Meals were served outside on the patio since we visited in November and the weather was absolutely perfect. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for he wonderful memories you’ve helped us make on our first visit to Italy. Ciao
Written November 5, 2024
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.
MOnica I will make sure Gabriela and Caterina read your review, but I can thank you from right now, we are all thankful to you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feeling in such detail about your experience with the Accidental Tourist!
Written November 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Family W
New York City, NY5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Hello, what a heart-warming review! Shame on me for missing it til today. Thank you most sincerely for such warm appreciative words, I hope you may come and visit again! Majla
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mary D
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Oh please keep thinking about it, and come back! We love return guests, so we can pick up where we left off. Ci vediamo! Majla and Marco
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ryan C
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
I have never had a better cooking experience. It was a beautiful, yet windy day in Florence when our host, Majla, came to pick me and my family up. She first took us to a special, beautiful vineyard where we tasted wine that was grown right outside the palace. I had never seen such beautiful scenery and was already content with the adventure; but then, Majla took us to her beautiful home. When I walked into her house, I was greeted by the most captivating interior I have ever seen. Colors bouncing around the walls, a fireplace to counter the cold, her husband Marco already starting on appetizers and fresh drinks for us before our cooking experience. Her home entranced me; I discovered that every piece of furniture was passed down from her family which made it even more special. She not only taught all of us how to cook the most delicious and decadent pasta but also taught us her heritage and history of Florence. Constantly, from the second we were picked up to the second she dropped us off, I was captivated by her energy and the experience! I have never met such a welcoming, comforting person and I can't wait to come back to study abroad and be able to cook with her again :)

Ryan (18 years old)
Written November 29, 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.
OMG Ryan! To think that I had missed this review! When a Boomer enjoys her visit to my place, I feel I have made a new friend. But when and 18 year old loves their visit, then I get the goosebumps! Unfortunately, no-one will believe you are 18 year old from the way you write... But I do, cause I remember you. ; ) You have a career in professional writing, and such a delicate soul. So thankful you enjoyed, you took the time to express it, and to do it so well. From the bottom of our hearts! Majla and Marco
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scugi
Columbus, OH62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
My husband and I took the evening cooking class. We were at the satellite location with Caterina and Gabriela. They welcomed us and another couple (who we met while waiting for pick-up) into their beautiful home. Caterina showed us how to make two types of pasta. Gabriela prepared the pasta and our dinner. The food and hospitality were both excellent. We felt like we were having dinner in the home of family friends. Both Caterina and Gabriela were very warm and engaging. We took this class the night of our first full day in Italy, and our amazing experience set a really high bar for all of our experiences that followed. This was truly one of the highlights of our time in Italy. We highly recommend the Accidental Tourist and will return again next time we are in the Florence area.
Written November 8, 2024
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.
Thank you for your beautiful review! We are so very fortunate to have Gabriela and Caterina in our Accidental Family.
Written November 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steph G
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Wow, what a fabulous review, thank you so much. Time is the most valuable gift one can hope to receive, and you certainly gave us that, in taking the time to describe your Accidental Tourist experience with such detailed enthusiasm! Thank you most sincerely, hope to welcome you again in our kitchen Majla and Marco
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jennifer W
Dallas86 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Couples
We just returned home from an 11 day vacation in Italy. As my husband and I were reminiscing about our trip, we both agreed that the highlight of our entire vacation, was our time with Caterina and Gabriella on our Accidental Tourist "wine and cook" experience. From the moment that Caterina picked us up in Florence, we felt at home and welcomed. Our first stop at the winery was amazing. We learned so much about wine, and the setting was absolutely breathtaking. The next stop was at their beautiful home where we arrived just before sunset. What a beautiful backdrop for our cooking portion to begin. We lucked out that it happened to be olive harvesting season, and my husband was able to learn a little about olive harvesting. I think he would have stayed all day just to harvest olives! Next up we learned how to make pasta. It was so much fun. Gabriella was the perfect host, and made us feel like we were long time family friends. The food she prepared for us was the best we had on our entire trip. Sitting at their kitchen table, visiting with Caterina and Gabriella, and enjoying food and wine was such a treat. When our time ended, we felt like we were leaving true friends. If we are fortunate enough to return to Italy one day, we would 100% book another adventure with Accidental Tourist. Caterina and Gabriella, thank you again for making our first trip to Italy such a wonderful expereince. We will remember our time with you forever.
Written November 14, 2024
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.
We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing such a a heartwarming review.
Written December 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kristen K
Michigan7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
This experience is outstanding! Our group of 6 enjoyed the authentic, organic Tuscan food experience as much as the company and ambiance of Majla’s tower home. Steeped in rich history, it was the perfect setting for our pasta making class. Steve was a great guide and we had fun visiting while we prepared our pasta dishes. Luisa whipped up the best Tuscan cuisine that my husband, my parents and my chicken enjoyed. This experience is simple but profound…. To connect with people through food, to slow down and savor time and tastes, and to create memories to last a lifetime!
Written August 9, 2024
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.
..."To connect with people through food, to slow down and savor time and tastes, and to create memories to last a lifetime!" You should be writing a commercial for us, thank you!
Written November 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shane Backlund B
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Words cannot express how much we enjoyed our experience in Tuscany with the Accidental Tourist. Everything was authentically perfect. The home and venue were breathtaking, the hosts made us feel like we were old friends just coming over for dinner and the other guests became fast friends. I couldn’t recommend this experience any higher and would encourage you to not just book this trip next time you are in Florence; you should book a trip to Florence just for this experience.
Written July 7, 2024
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.
Wow, Shane, that has to be the most daring recommendation we have received, we will do our very best to make sure we keep deserving it! Thank you wholeheartedly! Majla
Written August 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Taylor A
World4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Hello! I cant believe I let nearly a year go by before discovering this review... Thank you most sincerely for your beautiful review and for bringing your good energy to our home! Majla and Marco
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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