La Spezia: Pesto Making Class with Focaccia and Drink

If you’re exploring Liguria and want to get a taste of local culture, this pesto-making class in La Spezia offers a charming way to do it. While it’s not a full-fledged cooking course, it strikes a nice balance between learning a beloved Italian tradition and enjoying some relaxed social time. We’ve seen some great reviews about this experience, and it’s easy to see why it appeals to travelers who want more than just sightseeing—it’s about connection, flavor, and stories.

Two things we really like about this class are the intimate setting (limited to just 8 participants), which makes it feel more personal, and the focus on authentic pesto preparation with a mortar—making it a true hands-on experience. A possible drawback? The total duration is about 1.5 hours, so if you’re after a longer, more in-depth culinary adventure, this might feel a bit brief. Still, it’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into local food traditions without a heavy time commitment.

This experience suits curious travelers who enjoy food, culture, and small-group settings. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a fun, authentic activity during your stay in La Spezia, it’s a charming choice.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the personal feel of the class.
• Hands-on pesto preparation using a traditional mortar and pestle.
• Includes a welcome drink and focaccia to set the relaxed tone.
• Tastes of freshly made pesto combined with trofie pasta.
• Educational storytelling about pesto’s history and evolution.
• Accessible and flexible with free cancellation and pay later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Pesto Making Class

When you arrive at the Pestofiore shop, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a selection of tasty starters. The experience kicks off with a welcome aperitif, featuring stuffed focaccia, a triangle of focaccia topped with pesto, and a gin-based drink (or non-alcoholic version). This initial part helps everyone settle in and get into the relaxed, friendly vibe.

Next comes the fun part—learning to make traditional pesto alla genovese. You’ll use a mortar and pestle, which is the authentic way to grind the ingredients and develop the sauce’s signature texture and flavor. The instructor shares insights into the history and evolution of pesto, giving context to this iconic sauce. Unlike some classes that focus only on technique, this one emphasizes the story behind the ingredients and the importance of tradition.

Once your pesto is ready, you’ll get to try your homemade sauce with freshly cooked trofie pasta. The presentation is simple but satisfying—serving the pesto directly in the mortar adds a homey touch that many participants find charming. Several reviews highlight how delicious the fresh pesto tastes, especially when paired with the perfectly cooked pasta.

The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which means it’s just enough time for hands-on activity, storytelling, and tasting without feeling rushed. The small group size (maximum 8 people) is a real plus—you’re likely to get more personalized tips and a more relaxed atmosphere. This kind of intimacy makes the experience ideal for travelers who prefer quality over quantity, and who want to connect with the instructor and fellow participants.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Welcome Drink & Focaccia

Starting with a stuffed focaccia and a refreshing gin-based drink, you’ll be introduced to local flavors right away. The focaccia with pesto is a clever way to taste the sauce in its simplest form, making you eager to learn how to make it yourself. Participants often mention that the welcome snack is well-balanced and sets a cozy tone for the class.

Pesto Preparation

Using a mortar and pestle, you’ll learn the authentic technique of making pesto—crushing fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The process isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about experiencing the textures and aromas that come from manual grinding. Several reviews mention that the instructor shares useful tips—like how to avoid overmixing or how to select the best ingredients.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Story & Tips

Throughout the class, you’ll hear about the history and cultural significance of pesto. This provides a richer appreciation for what you’re creating, transforming the process from a simple recipe into a symbol of Ligurian identity. These stories make the experience memorable and give you context to reproduce the dish at home.

Tasting & Reflection

Finally, you get to taste your homemade pesto served with trofie pasta. Many find the flavor to be vibrant and satisfying, especially knowing it’s freshly made. The fact that the pesto is served directly in the mortar adds a rustic charm, and some reviews say it’s the highlight of the experience.

The Practical Side: Details & Considerations

The experience is priced to reflect its small-group intimacy and quality—you’re paying for a chance to learn a traditional skill with personal attention. The class is accessible to all as it’s wheelchair friendly, and the instructions are given in both Italian and English, making it suitable for international travelers.

The location, Pestofiore shop, is easy to find with coordinates provided, and the class’s duration of 1.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to learn and taste but short enough to fit into a busy sightseeing day. Since the class is not suitable for babies under 1 year, it’s geared toward adult participants, and the pace is relaxed but not lengthy.

You can reserve your spot with flexibility, thanks to free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later adds peace of mind when planning your trip.

How This Experience Compares to Others

This pesto class is quite focused, offering a deep dive into the making of one iconic sauce, rather than a broad cooking course. Many similar experiences include pasta or other dishes, but this class hones in on pesto, making it perfect for lovers of this specific sauce or those wanting an authentic Ligurian experience.

Compared to other culinary activities in La Spezia or Cinque Terre, it’s less about a full meal or extensive cooking, and more about crafting and understanding one key element of the local cuisine. If you’re after a quick, fun, and educational activity that leaves you with a tangible skill, this is a solid pick.

Who Should Consider This Class?

This experience is ideal if you’re curious about Ligurian food, enjoy small-group activities, or want to learn a traditional technique directly from an expert. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate storytelling, as the instructor shares the history behind pesto while guiding you through the process. Since it’s not overly long, it fits nicely into a day of sightseeing.

It’s perfect for those who prefer hands-on participation over passive tasting, and it doesn’t require any prior cooking skills—just a willingness to learn and have fun. While not specifically aimed at families with young children, adults of all ages interested in authentic food experiences will find value here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting La Spezia and looking for an activity that combines learning, tasting, and cultural insight, this pesto-making class offers a genuine glimpse into Liguria’s culinary soul. It’s a chance to connect with local traditions in an intimate setting, leaving you with not only a delicious sauce but also a deeper appreciation for Ligurian cuisine.

The small-group format, authentic preparation method, and engaging storytelling are what really set this experience apart. Though short, it packs a punch of flavor and knowledge—making it a worthwhile add-on for anyone in the area who loves food or wants a memorable local experience.

And if you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even solo but craving a community feel, you’ll likely find this class both enjoyable and rewarding. Just remember to book in advance, as spots are limited, and come prepared to get your hands a little messy in the pursuit of pesto perfection.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients for pesto—basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil—are vegetarian-friendly, so most vegetarians will enjoy this experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule easily?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking with the “reserve now & pay later” option offers flexibility.

How long does the class last?
The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity during a busy travel day.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour provider states that it is wheelchair accessible.

What language is the class conducted in?
The class is offered in both Italian and English, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Do I need prior cooking experience?
Not at all. This is designed for beginners and those new to pesto making. The focus is on the traditional method and enjoyment, not technical perfection.

If you’re after a fun, authentic taste of Liguria’s pesto tradition in a relaxed and friendly environment, this La Spezia class delivers. It’s a genuine way to take a little piece of Italy home with you, both literally and metaphorically.

You can check availability for your dates here: