Versilia offers more than just sun and sand; it’s a region bursting with authentic experiences that reveal its true character. Whether you’re interested in learning to cook like a local, tasting world-class wines, or exploring picturesque villages, there’s a tour here for you. We especially love the Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Viareggio, where you get to roll up your sleeves and learn recipes directly from a local cook. This hands-on experience, combined with a hearty meal and drinks, offers an authentic taste of Italy that can’t be beat.
Versilia is rich with unique culinary experiences, scenic wine tastings, historical excursions, and charming village visits. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best tours in the region, each offering something special—whether it’s a private market tour, a guided walk through Cinque Terre, or a marble quarry adventure. Keep reading to find the perfect way to enrich your trip.
Types of Tours in Versilia
Our list covers a wide variety of experiences, including cooking classes in local homes, wine tastings at organic vineyards, explorations of iconic coastal villages like Cinque Terre, and artisanal food walks. For example, you could choose the Lucca wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli, which combines organic wines and local honey with vineyard tours. Or, for a more active day, the Cinque Terre small group tour from Viareggio lets you hop between colorful villages by train or boat, skipping the hassle of travel logistics. For those who want to really enjoy local flavors and traditions, the private market tours and cooking classes stand out, such as the Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Viareggio.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each of these top-rated tours, helping you pick the experiences that best fit your interests, budget, and schedule.
1. Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Viareggio
At number 1, this small-group cooking class offers a genuine taste of Italy, hosted in the home of a local Viareggio cook. The 3-hour experience teaches you how to make two types of pasta by hand and a classic tiramisu, then shares a meal of your creations with drinks included. What makes this tour special is the intimate setting—only a small group—making it easy to ask questions and connect.
Guests rave about Paola and her family’s warm welcome, with reviews praising the personal tips and the delicious food. For around $156, you get not only a hands-on cooking lesson but also a memorable cultural exchange. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to learn authentic recipes directly from locals in a cozy, homely environment.
Bottom Line: A top choice for food lovers eager to master Italian staples and enjoy a heartfelt meal in an authentic home setting.
2. Lucca – Wine tasting at Tenuta Mareli
At number 2, this wine tasting tour offers a relaxed look at Lucca’s organic and biodynamic wines. The experience lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a vineyard tour, a visit to the cellar, and a tasting of four wines, along with local oil and honey under a pergola. Your host, Francesca, shares insights about her family’s natural wine philosophy, making it both educational and delicious.
Guests appreciate the passion and knowledge of the host, who makes the process engaging. The tasting includes croutons and cheeses, and the setting’s beauty enhances the experience. For just over $34, this is an excellent budget-friendly way to explore Tuscan wine culture beyond the usual tourist spots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, sustainable wines in a friendly environment.
3. Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Viareggio
Number 3 on our list is a private cooking demo in a Viareggio local’s home. Over about 2.5 hours, you observe how a family prepares a 4-course meal based on authentic recipes, then enjoy the meal with wine and beverages. This is a personalized experience limited to just your group, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Guests rave about the hospitality of Paola and Massimo, praising the delicious food and the recipes they receive to recreate at home. This experience combines culture with culinary education, making it perfect for foodies who want a deeper connection to local life.
Bottom Line: A wonderful choice for travelers wanting a hands-on, authentic meal in a friendly home environment.
4. Cinque Terre Small Group Tour from Viareggio-Forte dei Marmi
Number 4 offers a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, with hassle-free transportation by minivan and the flexibility to explore by train or boat. This 8-hour tour hits four villages — Manarola, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare — giving you time to soak in the famous colorful scenery, taste gelato, shop locally, and even swim in the sea.
Guests value the personalized itinerary and the convenience of having transportation handled, plus the opportunity to choose between land and sea exploration. Some reviews mention a change in the schedule due to local repairs but still praise the overall experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to see the stunning villages without the stress of navigating public transport or driving.
5. Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Viareggio
At number 5, this private experience combines a visit to a vibrant local market with a cooking class in a home kitchen, lasting about 5 hours. You’ll select fresh ingredients, then prepare three regional dishes with your host, finishing with a shared homemade meal and local wine.
Reviews highlight the personalized attention and the chance to buy quality ingredients at the market. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a true culinary immersion with tailored instruction and authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies eager to learn local cooking secrets in a private, relaxed setting.
6. Private market tour, lunch or dinner and cooking demo in Viareggio
Number 6 offers a less intensive but equally authentic experience—combining a market visit with a private cooking demonstration. Over about 4 hours, you learn how to prepare a four-course meal, including pasta and dessert, while enjoying the warmth of Italian hospitality.
Many reviewers mention the hospitable hosts and superb food. This is a great option if you want a focused, personalized culinary experience without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking quality, private instruction in a shorter timeframe.
7. Wine tour and lunch in Lucca area
Number 7 is for serious wine lovers. This full-day tour visits two wineries in the Lucca and Montecarlo areas, with guided tastings of Chianti and other Tuscan wines, plus a light lunch. You’ll explore the medieval villages and enjoy the scenic countryside, with expert commentary on wine production.
Guests appreciate the insights into both red and white wines and the opportunity to sample several varieties, including some French grapes. The experience is best suited for those who want a comprehensive wine day trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine aficionados who want to explore Tuscany’s diverse winemaking regions.
8. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Viareggio
Number 8 offers a personalized cooking class in a private home, lasting about 3 hours. You learn to prepare three typical Viareggio dishes from scratch, then enjoy your meal with wine.
One reviewer notes it’s a memorable experience for a group of all ages and emphasizes the intimate, private environment. This is ideal if you want a relaxed but focused culinary session.
Bottom Line: Great for small groups or families wanting a private, hands-on cooking experience.
9. Small-group Street food tour in Viareggio
Number 9 is a culinary walk through Viareggio’s artisanal shops, sampling local street food and learning about regional cuisine. The tour visits three shops and offers three tastings, perfect for foodies who want to explore authentic local flavors.
Guided by Maria Paola, you explore the city’s culinary scene in an intimate setting—ideal for first-timers wanting to taste the real Viareggio.
Bottom Line: A fun, relaxed way to sample Viareggio’s street food and local specialties.
10. Carrara Marble Tour Small Group from Viareggio
Number 10 takes you behind the scenes of Carrara’s marble quarries, home of Michelangelo’s marble. This 4-hour tour includes a visit to the quarries, with a view of the Apuan Alps, and a stop at Colonnata to taste its famed lardo.
Guests find it a fascinating look at the source of some of Italy’s most famous sculptures and appreciate the personalized touch of a small group. It’s suitable for anyone interested in art, manufacturing, or simply seeing a different side of Tuscany.
Bottom Line: Unique access to the marble industry with a flavorful stop at Colonnata.
11. Half-Day Chianti Wine and Olive Oil Tour from Viareggio
Number 11 offers a scenic afternoon trip into the Chianti hills, visiting Vinci and a local estate. You’ll sample four wines paired with Tuscan snacks, learn about olive oil production, and explore Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace.
Guests praise the informative guide and the chance to combine sightseeing with tastings without a full day away. It suits travelers who want a taste of Chianti’s flavors and history.
Bottom Line: A compact, educational wine and olive oil experience in Tuscany’s iconic landscape.
12. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Viareggio
Rounding out the list, this small-group culinary tour combines a market visit with a cooking class focusing on pasta and tiramisu. Over five hours, you’ll shop for ingredients, learn recipes, and enjoy your homemade meal.
Reviewers highlight the authenticity and friendliness of the hosts, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to experience local food traditions firsthand.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive culinary experience with a personable touch.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Versilia
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For example, if you’re a dedicated foodie eager to learn authentic Italian recipes, the Cesarine pasta class or the private market and cooking experience will satisfy your culinary curiosity.
If your focus is on regional wine and scenic landscapes, the Lucca wine tasting or the Chianti wine tour are excellent choices.
For those wanting to explore picturesque villages without planning logistics, the Cinque Terre tour offers a hassle-free day on the coast.
Finally, if you’re interested in art and industry, the Carrara marble tour provides a fascinating look at the source of Italy’s sculptural masterpieces.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the small group cooking classes and Cinque Terre trips, to secure your spot.
To sum it up, Versilia offers an impressive array of tours that showcase its authentic flavors, stunning scenery, and local craftsmanship. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, an art enthusiast, or just seeking a memorable day trip, there’s something here for you. Consider your interests, plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to book early—these experiences will surely enrich your visit to this charming region of Italy.
