Verona offers more than just Romeo and Juliet’s balcony—it’s a city full of lively markets, culinary gems, and unique shopping experiences. Since the city’s markets are packed with regional produce, handmade goods, and local wines, they’re a perfect way to learn about the local culture. Our favorite is the Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Verona because it combines a lively market visit with a home-cooked meal prepared by a local. This tour offers a personal glimpse into Verona’s culinary traditions while providing a cozy, intimate setting—something that larger tours often lack. Check out the details here for an authentic taste of Verona.
We also like the Discover the old market and make fresh pasta, which pairs a traditional market visit with the fun of making your own pasta and tasting local wines. This hands-on experience is ideal if you want to get your hands dirty and learn about local ingredients, all while sharing the fun with others. Both experiences highlight Verona’s food scene but do it in very different ways—one focusing on a home-cooked meal with a local chef, the other on creating your own pasta in a lively market setting.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at these top two shopping and market tours in Verona, including what makes each unique, who they are best suited for, and practical tips to help you decide.
1. Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Verona
At number 1 on our list, the Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Verona offers a delightful mix of local shopping, cooking, and dining. For about $131.22 per person, you spend around four hours journeying through Verona’s food scene with a local cook as your guide.
The tour begins with a visit to a Verona market, where your host highlights seasonal produce and regional specialties—think fresh vegetables, regional cheeses, and cured meats. From there, you’ll observe how these ingredients come together in a traditional regional meal, which you’ll then enjoy at the end of the tour. The highlight is the home-cooked three-course meal, paired with drinks, that feels more like a dinner with friends than a tourist activity. What sets this apart is the small-group format, ensuring a personal experience and meaningful interaction.
Reviews reflect this intimacy: one traveler called their host “very welcoming” and the food “lovely,” while another said Michala “made our trip better than expected.” This tour is perfect for food lovers who prefer an authentic, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of storytelling about Italian culinary traditions. The only possible downside is the limited space—book early to secure your spot.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a genuine, intimate experience of Verona’s food culture, ideal for travelers who want to learn and eat in a cozy setting.
2. Discover the old market and make fresh pasta
At number 2, the Discover the old market and make fresh pasta provides a lively, hands-on experience in Lombardy, about a two-hour drive from Verona. For around four hours, you’ll visit a historic market, buy local ingredients, and then roll up your sleeves to prepare your own pasta.
This tour is ideal if you enjoy interactive activities. After shopping for fresh ingredients, you’ll learn how to make traditional Veronese pasta, like tortellini or tagliatelle, under the guidance of local experts. The highlight is tasting your homemade creations alongside regional wines, offering a genuine taste of local life. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with foodies or looking for an activity that combines shopping, cooking, and socializing.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews listed, the focus on creating your own pasta and sampling local wines makes it a memorable hands-on experience. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable in the kitchen and enjoy a lively, participatory atmosphere. Keep in mind, it’s a bit more active and requires some flexibility in cooking.
Bottom Line: This experience is perfect for those who want to get involved directly—shopping, cooking, and tasting in good company, with a focus on authentic Veronese flavors.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When deciding between these options, think about what kind of experience you want. If you prefer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a focus on a local home-cooked meal, the Cesarine tour is your best bet. It’s ideal for food lovers craving personal stories and a cozy setting.
On the other hand, if you’re excited to get involved in the kitchen, craft your own pasta, and enjoy regional wines, then the Discover the old market and make fresh pasta provides hands-on fun and a lively vibe.
Budget-wise, both are comparable when you consider the value of authentic, local experiences. The first offers a more curated, small-group meal, while the second emphasizes participation and socializing.
For travelers with limited time, both tours fit into a four-hour window, making them easy options to fit into a busy Verona itinerary. Booking early is recommended, especially for the small-group Cesarine experience, as it tends to fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the intimate charm of a home-cooked meal or the lively fun of making your own pasta, Verona offers exceptional shopping and market tours tailored to different interests. The Cesarine tour provides a cozy, culturally rich experience, perfect for those who want a relaxed, authentic meal. The pasta-making tour appeals to active travelers eager to participate and learn on the spot.
Both experiences highlight Verona’s culinary traditions and vibrant market life, making them a great way to deepen your connection to the city beyond sightseeing. If you’re planning your trip, consider your interests, budget, and itinerary, and be sure to book early—these tours are popular for good reason. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and enjoy a true taste of Verona.
