Fresh Pasta by Hand in a Dante-Era Florence Tower

Fresh pasta the way it was made before machines, taught in a room that has been standing since the 1200s.

The school occupies a medieval tower a short walk from Brunelleschi's dome, in a building that belonged to the family of Dante's wife. It is the kind of setting that Florence usually charges a great deal for.

The class covers the whole process rather than a shortcut. Making the dough, working it, rolling it out and cutting it, with the chef standing next to you at each stage rather than demonstrating from the front. Nobody needs to have cooked before.

Two and a half hours. Everything you make gets eaten at the end, with Tuscan wine and soft drinks, both unlimited. All the equipment is provided.

Up to fifteen people, in English, and the room is accessible throughout.