Montecatini Alto: Cook & Taste Experience
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Your experience begins with a welcome drink and a meeting with the Chef, who will guide you through the stories and secrets behind two icons of Italian cuisine: Carbonara and Tiramisù.
The atmosphere will be enriched by a small appetizer platter paired with a glass of Tuscan wine, introduced through a storytelling moment that will take you across the historic winemaking areas and the excellence of the territory. Then it’s time to put on your apron and step into the kitchen. Here, carefully selected ingredients – from guanciale and fresh eggs to mascarpone and other local products – will take center stage. The Chef will lead you step by step in preparing the grandmother’s tiramisù (or, alternatively, a cheesecake) and what we like to call “the best carbonara in the world.” The experience concludes around the table, where you will taste your own creations: the carbonara paired with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by dessert accompanied by a glass of Vinsanto.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Number of participants: minimum 2 adults
What To Expect
Montecatini Terme
Take a pleasant walk from your accommodation to the Funicolare Station and ride up to Montecatini Alto — the best way to get there — , the charming medieval part of Montecatini set on top of a hill, offering a breathtaking panoramic view.
Montecatini Alto
Gastronomic Experience The experience starts with a warm welcome, a complimentary drink, and a personal meet-and-greet with the chef, who introduces the iconic Carbonara and Grandma’s Dessert. Then, join a hands-on cooking session of about 1h15', to prepare these traditional dishes, learning about the key ingredients and family recipes. Afterwards, enjoy a typical Tuscan appetizer and a guided tasting of local wines. Finally, savor your freshly made Carbonara paired with sparkling wine, followed by homemade tiramisù with a sweet glass of Vinsanto.
Options
cook & taste
What‘s Included
Dessert with Vinsanto - water and coffee included
Tuscan appetizer and tasting of a glass of red
Welcome drink
Pasta alla Carbonara with tasting of a glass of sparkling wine
Lunch or dinner
Meet and greet with the chef
Roundtrip Funicular tickets
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Girls lunch adventure
Papacon13,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were on a trip a deal tour and a group of us decided to go together. It was a fun day learning the traditional ways of cooking, eating, laughing and having fun. Our hosts were great and we had a beautiful day. Highly recommend.
Perfect Tuscany Activity
Katherine W,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chef Simone is so personable. He truly loves what he does. He treated us like family. My niece and I wanted a true Tuscany activity and this was it. Got to be in the kitchen before service. Learned the Italian simplicity to cooking pasta and tiramisu. Lovely afternoon with great people.
Cooking on Montecatini Alto
Pat M,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent! Chef is very passionate about what he does and the knowledge he transfers! His attention to detail, not only for what he does, but what he hopes you do, is amazing. And, he’s funny, engaging and makes you want to know the what’s and why of each step. He involves and engages you to help you learn, and enjoy the experience. But it’s his passion for what he does that you learn from. The ease of preparation for standard dishes was tranferred to us in an easy to understand and replicate way - quality of what we prepared was fantastic, and something we could easily replicate at home. But mostly, the chef was what made this experience so worth while. Oh, and his team (mom included!), also contributed to this great experience!
Fabulous family, fun experience, delicious food!
Jenna C,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This cooking class and tasting experience took place at Casa Gala Restaurant. The restaurant itself is adorable with a wonderful ambiance. It is owned and operated by the nicest family, they truly make you feel welcome and cared for! Be sure to arrive with a big appetite, the experience begins with a Prosecco aperitif and antipasti - so delicious! Afterward, Chef Simone taught us about the history of carbonara as we cooked together. He is a skilled and passionate chef, we loved learning from him! We enjoyed our carbonara along with a bottle of white wine. We ended the night by learning to make tiramisu from Chef Simone’s mother, she was clearly the dessert master! We had a great time from start to finish and would definitely recommend this experience! We rate this 11/10
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Operated by Ranieri Tour operator