Cortona isn’t just a pretty hilltop town with stunning views; it’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Tuscan cooking. What makes it special? Many classes focus on simple, hearty dishes that reflect local traditions. We particularly like the Pasta and Pizza Cooking Class, which combines hands-on experience with stunning outdoor dining. It’s perfect if you want a fun, interactive way to bring home some Tuscan flavor—plus, you get to enjoy your own creations on a terrace overlooking the countryside.
For those who want to dive deeper into traditional Italian baking, the Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzoni Cooking Class offers a longer, more comprehensive experience with step-by-step instructions. Both classes showcase authentic ingredients and techniques that will have you impressing friends back home with your new skills. Below, we detail what each tour offers so you can choose the one that best suits your culinary curiosity.
1. Cortona: Pasta and Pizza Cooking Class
At number one on our list, the Cortona: Pasta and Pizza Cooking Class earns a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 44 reviews. This 2.5-hour class emphasizes making fresh pasta, pizzas, and focaccias, all in a relaxed Tuscan setting. You’ll learn how to knead dough by hand, prepare Mediterranean sauces, and create classic toppings—skills that translate well to home kitchens.
What sets this class apart? Its intimate outdoor terrace makes for a memorable environment—think of learning to toss pizza dough while overlooking olive groves and rolling hills. The instructor strikes a good balance between demonstration and hands-on participation, making it suitable for both beginners and those with some cooking experience. The class is especially popular because of its focus on simple, authentic recipes that don’t require fancy gadgets, just good ingredients and a bit of patience.
Many students comment that the emphasis on making your own dough from scratch is a highlight, along with eating their own creations in a beautiful setting. The value for the duration (just 2.5 hours) is excellent, especially considering the quality of the experience and location.
Bottom line: This class offers authentic Tuscan cooking in a friendly atmosphere, ideal for travelers who want a quick but memorable culinary introduction. It’s especially good for those who love pasta and pizza—the staples of Italian comfort food.
2. Cortona: Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzoni Cooking Class
Sitting at 3 hours long, the Cortona: Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzoni Cooking Class offers a more comprehensive dive into Italian baking. This experience is designed to teach you how to prepare pizza, focaccia, and fried calzones just like a traditional Tuscan grandma.
The class stands out for its step-by-step approach to both baking and frying, giving you flexibility in how you prepare these beloved dishes. You’ll work with fresh, authentic ingredients, and learn different methods including baking in a traditional oven and frying on the stovetop—skills that will serve you well back home. If you’ve always wanted to master crispy focaccia or flaky calzones, this is the class for you.
The instructor’s friendly style makes it easy to pick up techniques, and the recipes are designed to be accessible even for home cooks. The class’s longer duration allows for more demonstration and practice, which many find valuable for truly mastering these recipes. While the reviews are not explicitly detailed, the focus on real Tuscan flavors and cooking traditions makes it a compelling choice.
Bottom line: This class offers a richer, more detailed experience for those eager to learn multiple dishes, especially if fried foods and baked bread are your favorites. Perfect for serious food lovers wanting to take home authentic recipes.
How to Choose
When deciding between these classes, consider your time availability and culinary interests. If you prefer a quick, fun introduction focused on pasta and pizza, the first class is a perfect pick. It’s shorter, more relaxed, and ideal for travelers with limited time. On the other hand, if you’re a passionate baker or want to learn a broader range of dishes like focaccia and calzones, the second offers a deeper experience with more techniques and hands-on time.
Think about your budget too—both are good values, but the longer class offers more comprehensive skills. For a more immersive experience, opt for the Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzoni Cooking Class. If you want a taste of Tuscan simplicity with less commitment, go for the Pasta and Pizza Cooking Class.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, since these classes tend to fill up quickly. Consider your fitness level—these are all hands-on classes, but moderate physical activity is involved in kneading and tossing.
In summary, Cortona offers excellent options for learning authentic Italian cooking. From quick lessons focused on pasta and pizza to more detailed courses covering focaccia and calzones, there’s something for every food lover. If you’re eager to bring home a new skill or simply enjoy a delicious, hands-on meal with spectacular views, these classes are well worth signing up for early.
