Pisa isn’t just about leaning towers and historic piazzas—it’s also a surprisingly lively city for hands-on experiences. What makes Pisa stand out is its authentic approach to food and local culture, often with hosts welcoming you into their homes. Our favorite pick is the Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Pisa, which offers a real taste of daily Tuscan life. Imagine learning regional recipes from a local cook and enjoying your creations with a glass of regional wine—this is an intimate peek into Pisa’s culinary soul. For those interested in making iconic Italian dishes like pizza and tiramisu, the Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class provides a fun, hands-on experience in a local home that’s perfect for families or couples. Lastly, for a change of pace, the Windsurfing lesson on the Pisa coast offers a quick, active way to connect with the sea.
Below, you’ll find a variety of workshops that highlight Pisa’s authentic side—whether you want to master Italian cuisine, make pasta from scratch, or enjoy some beach-based fun.
1. Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Pisa
This 4-hour private cooking class takes you straight into a Pisa local’s home, where you’ll learn about regional cuisine from a “cesarina”—a professional local cook. The experience revolves around hands-on participation, where you prepare three traditional dishes using authentic recipes. Once your culinary creations are ready, you get to sit down and enjoy them paired with regional red and white wines. The host family’s warm welcome and the intimate setting make this a truly special way to connect with Tuscany’s culinary traditions.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on personalized experience—it’s just your group with the host couple, making it more meaningful than larger classes. The reviews highlight the warmth of the hosts and the enjoyment of tasting genuine Tuscan flavors. For $171.29, you get not only a cultural experience but also a souvenir gift to remember your time in Pisa.
Bottom Line: This private class is perfect for food lovers wanting an authentic, immersive culinary experience that combines learning, tasting, and local hospitality.
2. Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting in Pisa
If pizza and tiramisu are your favorite Italian foods, this 3-hour private class in a Pisa local’s home is a must. You’ll learn how to craft fresh pizza from scratch—dough, toppings, and all—and then move on to making classic tiramisu, the famous Italian dessert. The class is led by Elena, a verified cesarina, who welcomes you into her home for a hands-on cooking session that’s suitable for all ages. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention, and after preparing your dishes, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade pizza and tiramisu with drinks provided.
The reviews speak volumes about Elena’s hospitality and the quality of the food. Many mention how much they learned and enjoyed the experience, describing it as both fun and memorable. At just $168.72 per person, this tour offers a great mix of culture and culinary skill-building.
Bottom Line: This is an ideal choice for families or couples interested in learning Italian recipes in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—plus, you get to eat your creations.
3. Share your Pasta Love: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Pisa
For a more interactive, community-driven experience, this small-group pasta and tiramisu class is a fantastic option. Hosted in a home kitchen by Claudio and Flora, the class guides you through making two kinds of pasta from scratch—rolling, filling, and shaping each type—then creating authentic tiramisu. The small-group size ensures plenty of personal attention and the chance to ask questions, making it more than just a cooking lesson. Afterward, everyone gets to taste their work, enjoying the pasta dishes and dessert together.
With 17 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, visitors rave about the authenticity and warmth of the experience. Many mention how it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to learn Italian cooking in a genuine setting. The ingredients are high quality, and the hosts are described as “lovely and welcoming.” At $160.09, this experience offers excellent value for those who want a more personal, engaging culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want to learn authentic pasta techniques and enjoy a cozy, friendly environment.
4. Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting in Pisa
This 3-hour private experience is similar to the previous but emphasizes being welcomed into a Pisa local’s home for a customized culinary journey. You’ll learn to make two types of fresh pasta and a classic tiramisu, then enjoy your handiwork with Tuscan wine and espresso. The focus here is on creating a relaxed, authentic environment where you can connect with a passionate host and learn cooking tips that you can replicate at home.
According to reviewers, Elena and Flora excel at making you feel at home and sharing their knowledge in a friendly manner. They emphasize detailed instructions and high-quality ingredients. At $167.85 per person, this class provides good value—especially considering the personalized service and the combination of pasta and dessert making.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a genuine, home-based cooking lesson with the chance to sit down and savor your dishes in a cozy setting.
5. Private pasta-making class at a local’s home with tasting in Pisa
If you’re eager to master multiple pasta recipes, this half-day private class is a top pick. Led by Flora and Claudia, you learn to make three different types of pasta, gaining insights into traditional Italian techniques. The class is flexible—you can choose morning or afternoon slots—and includes a tasting of all three pasta varieties paired with wine and Italian coffee.
Reviewers praise the instructors for their patience and the memorable experience of crafting pasta in a real Italian home. One describes it as one of their favorite activities during a 12-day trip across Europe. For $170.91, you get personalized instruction and a souvenir package including an official Cesarina and a reusable shopping bag.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies wanting to expand their pasta repertoire and learn from passionate locals in a private setting.
6. Windsurfing lesson on the Pisa coast
For something totally different, the windsurfing lesson offers a one-hour beginner session on the Pisa coast. It’s a short but focused introduction to windsurfing, with quality equipment and a qualified instructor. Even if you’ve never been on a board before, the lesson promises a tailor-made experience that’s more about fun than technical mastery. Changing rooms with hot showers mean you can refresh after your session.
While reviews are not available, this activity suits travelers looking to add a sea-based adventure to their trip—especially those keen to try windsurfing for the first time or improve their skills with professional guidance.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers eager to try windsurfing in a safe, supportive environment with all gear provided.
How to Choose
Deciding between these workshops depends on your interests and schedule. For a deep dive into Italian cuisine, the private cooking and pasta classes (like the Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home) are ideal. If you prefer a smaller, more social experience, the Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. For active outdoor fun, the windsurfing lesson adds a splash of adventure. Consider your budget, interest in cooking vs. outdoor activity, and preferred group size when booking.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class and pasta workshops, as they fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Pisa’s workshops and classes offer a wonderful way to connect with Italian culture beyond the typical sightseeing. Whether you’re eager to learn how to make authentic pasta, enjoy a cozy home-cooked meal, or try windsurfing on the coast, there’s an experience tailored for you. For food lovers, the Private Cooking Class and the Small group Pasta and Tiramisu provide memorable, hands-on lessons. Adventurers should consider the windsurfing lesson, which adds some seaside thrill to your trip.
No matter your choice, booking early guarantees a spot in these sought-after experiences. Each offers a genuine taste of Pisa’s local life, perfect for making your trip truly one-of-a-kind.