Faenza is not just famous for its stunning ceramics; it’s also a fantastic place to explore through guided tours that deepen your understanding of local culture, food, and history. Whether you’re a wine lover eager to discover native grape varieties or a foodie ready to roll up your sleeves in a cooking class, Faenza offers an array of experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. We especially love the Discovering the mystery grape varieties tour for its intimate setting and chance to learn about what makes Emilia-Romagna wines so unique — plus, it’s set against the fascinating backdrop of Oriolo’s medieval tower.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the best options for tours in Faenza, from wine tastings and cultural visits to immersive cooking classes that put you right in the heart of local life. Each offers a different way to connect with the region’s flavors and history, so whether you prefer a short tasting or a full-day culinary adventure, there’s something for you.
The 4 Best Tours in Faenza
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each experience, helping you decide which tour fits your interests, schedule, and budget.
1. Discovering the mystery grape varieties
Rating: 5/5 (reviews)
Price: $25 per person
Duration: 1 hour — check availability for start times
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
This tour transports you to a local winery, where you’ll taste three different wines and sample typical Romagna snacks. What makes it stand out is the focus on native grape varieties, giving you deeper insight into Emilia-Romagna’s winemaking traditions. The setting is charming — in the shadow of Oriolo’s fascinating medieval tower — which adds a fairy-tale quality to the experience.
Your host shares stories about local grapes that aren’t as well-known outside Italy, making this more than just a tasting; it’s a lesson in regional identity. The wines are carefully selected, and the tasting is personal, with plenty of time to ask questions. If you’re curious about wine’s magic and want a short, affordable intro, this is a top choice. The reviews are glowing, praising the warmth of the host and the quality of the wines.
Bottom Line: This is a perfect quick immersion into Emilia-Romagna’s wine culture, ideal for those who want a memorable, intimate experience at a good price.
2. Visita guidata alla Basilica di Sant’Antonio di Padova
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: not specified
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
While technically a visit to Padova’s Basilica di Sant’Antonio, this guided tour is a highlight for those interested in Italy’s religious and artistic treasures. The basilica is described as “a treasure chest where masterpieces from different eras await,” and your guide will take you through the highlights with the aid of radioguide technology to ensure clear storytelling.
You’ll see frescoes by Giotto’s followers, now part of UNESCO’s world heritage, and marvel at the bronzes of Donatello. The tour’s focus on art and architecture makes it a good option for art lovers or those wanting a cultural deep dive. Since reviews are not specified, it’s best suited for travelers interested in art and history rather than casual sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a focused, art-rich experience for visitors wanting to understand Italy’s religious art heritage. It’s well-suited for culturally curious travelers who enjoy guided explanations.
3. Faenza: 3-Course Cooking Class at Local Home
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: not specified
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
For those eager to get hands-on, this cooking class promises an authentic taste of Romagna cuisine. The experience begins with a walk through Faenza’s historic center to shop at local markets, where your host will introduce you to regional ingredients. Once at the host’s home, you’ll prepare a seasonal, three-course meal using fresh ingredients, learning traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Guests rave about the chance to cook like a local, and many appreciate the focus on seasonal, regional produce. The class concludes with a shared meal of your creations, offering an authentic Italian dining experience. The value lies not just in the food but also in the culture — you’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Romagna’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn authentic regional recipes and enjoy a convivial, personalized experience. Ideal for those with a few hours to spare and a love of cooking.
4. Faenza: Cooking Class with Market Tour and Dinner
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: not specified
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
If you want to go all-in on Italian cooking, this full afternoon experience combines a guided market walk, hands-on pasta making, and a sit-down dinner in a historic palace. Led by Chef Giulia, you’ll learn how to make traditional handmade pasta, such as tagliatelle or tortellini, often considered the heart of Romagna cuisine.
The highlight is exploring local markets and botteghe — small shops — to pick the ingredients for your meal. After cooking, you’ll enjoy your creations paired with local wines in a beautifully restored historic setting. Travelers comment on the quality of the food and the engaging nature of the class, making this a rich, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for serious food lovers wanting a comprehensive hands-on experience, including market shopping, pasta making, and a full meal in a beautiful historic setting.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking the best experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re short on time but want a taste of local wine culture, the Discovering the mystery grape varieties tour is an affordable, intimate option. For art and history enthusiasts, the guided basilica visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s artistic treasures. Food lovers should consider the 3-course cooking class at a local home for a more personal, hands-on experience, while those seeking a full culinary immersion will enjoy the market tour and dinner with Chef Giulia.
Remember, whether you prefer wine, art, or cooking, booking early is recommended — especially in busy months — to secure your spot in these authentic Faenza experiences.
Final Thoughts
Faenza offers a rich variety of tours that suit many interests. For a quick, affordable introduction, the discovering native grape varieties tour is a gem. Art lovers will appreciate the guided visit to Padova’s basilica, and foodies will delight in the cooking classes that turn ingredients into memorable meals.
No matter which experience you choose, these tours provide a chance to learn about the flavors, history, and craftsmanship of Emilia-Romagna. To make the most of your trip, consider combining a wine tasting with a cooking class or cultural visit — just remember to book ahead, as these popular experiences fill quickly.
