Ravenna stands out for its stunning mosaics and rich cultural heritage, but it’s also a fantastic base for exploring Italy’s vibrant markets and local food scenes. While the city itself isn’t known as a shopping mecca, nearby towns like Forlì and Modena offer some of the most authentic and flavorful food experiences in the country. We particularly love the small group market tour and cooking class in Forlì, which combines shopping with hands-on cooking, providing a genuine taste of Italian life. Another excellent option is the Modena Tour, which takes you into its bustling food markets and highlights regional specialties like balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco. Both tours promise intimate insights and delicious bites, making them ideal for food lovers and curious travelers alike.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top shopping and market tours around Ravenna. Whether you want to learn traditional recipes, explore historic markets, or sample local delicacies, these tours deliver authentic experiences that bring Italy’s culinary heart directly to you.
1. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Forlì
At number one on our list is the Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Forlì. This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a hands-on immersion into Italy’s food culture. It starts with a guided stroll through Forlì’s lively morning market, where you’ll learn how to shop for fresh ingredients like a local. The guide, a passionate cook, shares tips on selecting the best produce, cheeses, and meats—an invaluable skill if you plan to cook at home later.
After the market visit, the tour moves to a cozy home kitchen for a pasta-making session and tiramisu preparation. The class is designed to be intimate, with just a small group, so you’ll receive personal attention. Guests rave about the warm, family-like atmosphere and the delicious results, like the “perfectly creamy tiramisu” and freshly made pasta. The value here is high given the comprehensive nature of the experience, including market shopping, cooking, and dining together.
This tour suits foodies who want a true local experience, and it’s especially good for those who enjoy learning skills they can recreate at home. The only potential downside is its limited duration—about 5 hours—so if you prefer a quick overview, this might be more than you need.
Bottom Line: An authentic, hands-on cooking experience that combines local shopping with a shared meal, ideal for curious cooks and lovers of genuine Italian flavors.
2. Modena Tour: Discover Food, Market & Highlights of the City
Next on our list is the Modena Tour: Discover Food, Market & Highlights of the City. This 2.5-hour tour offers a rich introduction to Modena’s culinary scene and history. You start at Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, where your guide introduces you to local highlights before heading to Mercato Albinelli. This historic food market is a feast for the senses, with vendors selling regional specialties such as aged balsamic vinegar, fresh pasta, and regional cheeses. It’s the perfect place to witness authentic local food culture in action.
The tour includes tastings at a local restaurant and a visit to a bakery for a delightful dessert. Sampling regional foods like homemade pasta and gelato makes this experience especially appealing for the flavor-focused traveler. The guide is knowledgeable about Modena’s history and culinary traditions, adding context that enriches the tasting experiences. Guests particularly enjoy the ability to taste Lambrusco wine paired with regional dishes.
While shorter than the Forlì experience, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of the city’s flavors and history. It’s best suited for those with limited time who still crave an authentic food journey. The price offers good value considering the combination of market visits and tastings.
Bottom Line: An engaging, compact tour that combines history, culture, and delicious regional foods, perfect for visitors short on time but eager to savor Modena’s flavors.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between these experiences, consider your priorities. If you’re looking for a deep dive into home cooking and a true local shopping experience, the Forlì cooking class is hard to beat. It’s perfect for those wanting a meaningful culinary skill and a cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, if your focus is on exploring regional specialties and getting a quick but thorough taste of Modena’s food scene, the Modena city tour offers a compact, flavorful introduction.
Think about your schedule: the Forlì experience takes about 5 hours and includes a hands-on cooking component, making it better suited for a full half-day. The Modena tour is shorter, at around 2.5 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy travel plan. Also, if you’re a dedicated food lover who enjoys shopping, sampling, and learning about regional products like balsamic vinegar, the Modena tour’s market visit will appeal.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons, as these small-group experiences tend to fill quickly. Both tours are accessible and cater to different tastes, so choose based on whether you want to cook and dine or explore and taste.
In summary, Ravenna’s surrounds offer rich opportunities to experience Italian food culture firsthand. The small group market tour and cooking class in Forlì is perfect for those wanting a more immersive, hands-on experience, while the Modena tour suits travelers eager to sample the best of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary highlights in a shorter timeframe. Both options promise authentic flavors and memorable moments—so consider what kind of experience will make your trip truly special and book early to secure your spot.
