Perugia is a treasure trove for food lovers who want to go beyond the typical pasta plate and really get a taste of Umbria’s culinary soul. Its countryside provides the perfect backdrop for authentic cooking classes where you learn traditional recipes, sample local wines and olive oils, and often work directly with family-run farms. Among our favorite options is the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes, which offers a full immersion into Umbrian cuisine with a flavorful five-course meal you prepare yourself—featuring the very recipes that define the region.
While each experience is unique, they all share a common goal: giving you practical skills and a genuine taste of local life. Whether you prefer a farm-based experience, a private villa class, or a family-friendly hands-on session, Perugia offers a cooking adventure for every type of traveler. Below, we’ve rounded up the nine best options, highlighting what makes each one special.
A quick overview of the tours in this guide
This list includes hands-on cooking classes, farm-to-table experiences, and family-friendly workshops, each with its own flavor and style. Some focus on traditional Umbrian recipes, like pasta and truffles, while others combine local wine tastings, market visits, or private villa lessons. For a comprehensive look, check out options like the Organic cooking class with a sommelier, perfect for wine lovers, or the Family cooking class that’s ideal for traveling with kids. Now, let’s dive into each experience and what makes it worth your time.
1. Hands on Italian Cooking Classes
This popular class is a true crowd-pleaser, especially for those who want a full hands-on experience. Led by an English-speaking instructor, you’ll spend about 4 hours at a working farm in Perugia, learning how to make a five-course meal from scratch. The class begins with instruction on traditional Umbrian recipes, including pasta, sauces, and regional specialties. The highlight? You get to enjoy a feast of your own making, paired with estate-grown red wine. The experience also includes a recipe book to take home, so you can replicate your new skills later.
What makes this class stand out is the personal, family-run farm atmosphere. Guests rave about the warm hospitality and the chance to be completely immersed in local food traditions. The reviews mention how informative and fun the experience is, with one noting, “We learned pasta tips and enjoyed it with homegrown wine.” At just over $157 per person, it offers good value for a memorable, authentic experience. This is perfect if you enjoy cooking in a rustic setting and want to leave with practical skills.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, hands-on experience that offers a full meal and a taste of Umbrian farm life—ideal for foodies eager to learn and eat.
2. Organic Cooking Class with a Sommelier in an Olive and Wine Farm
Nestled in the scenic Umbrian countryside, this 3-hour organic farm experience combines culinary skills with wine and olive oil tastings. Starting with a welcome coffee, you’ll tour the farm’s award-winning olive oil production, visit the wine cellars, and then jump into preparing fresh pasta with ingredients you select from the garden. A major plus? The class is flexible—gluten-free options are available—and suitable for both adults and kids.
The highlight is the opportunity to sample award-winning olive oils and Sangiovese wines during the tasting sessions, making this more than just a cooking class. The buffet lunch featuring your creations is served in the farm’s rustic dining area, completing a full farm-to-table experience. Reviewers describe it as a gorgeous setting and praise the instructor’s warmth and knowledge, with one saying, “It was a beautiful farm, amazing food, and an incredible host.”
At $141, this experience offers excellent value for a multi-sensory day that combines culinary learning with wine and olive oil tasting—perfect for those wanting to explore Umbrian food in depth.
Bottom line: For lovers of good wine, olive oil, and fresh pasta, this class offers a relaxed, flavorful experience in a stunning rural setting.
3. Family Cooking Class
Traveling with kids? The Family cooking class provides a family-friendly, hands-on experience at an organic farm in the hills between Tuscany and Umbria. Up to four people can participate for around $440, making it ideal for a family or small group looking for interactive fun. The class focuses on making two types of pasta or gnocchi, followed by a sweet treat—perfect for kids’ attention spans and taste buds.
This experience shines in its personal touch, as you get to connect with a local farming family. The host guides you through simple, kid-friendly recipes, and the entire experience culminates in an al fresco lunch featuring your creations paired with local wines. Reviewers appreciate the patience and passion of the instructor, describing it as a wonderful experience even for small children.
At around $110 per person, the value lies in the personalized attention and authentic farm atmosphere. This is best suited for families or groups wanting a fun, educational outing that combines cooking with cultural exchange.
Bottom line: An engaging, family-oriented way to learn Italian cooking and enjoy a scenic meal outdoors, especially suitable for those with kids.
4. Colorful Tagliatelle & Walnut Ravioli – Home Cooking in Spoleto
Located just 5 minutes from Spoleto’s historic center, this home cooking class is perfect for those wanting a personalized, intimate culinary experience. The host, Paula, guides you through making colorful tagliatelle and walnut ravioli, two classic Umbrian dishes. The class lasts about 3 hours, where you’ll uncover secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, natural setting, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Guests highlight the warm hospitality and the chance to prepare a delicious meal that is later enjoyed with local wine. The reviews mention how much fun it was to make the pasta and how satisfying the meal afterward was, with one saying, “The ravioli and tagliatelle were so good, and the wine complemented everything.” The class’s smaller size (6 reviews, 5/5 rating) makes it feel very personal.
For around $126, you get a high-quality, hands-on cooking experience paired with scenic views. It’s ideal for those seeking authentic Italian home cooking with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Bottom line: A charming, small-group experience ideal for couples or small groups wanting to learn regional pasta recipes in a friendly environment.
5. Cooking Class of Spoleto Recipes, Fresh Pasta, and Truffles
This 3.5-hour class offers a peek at Umbrian culinary heritage, focusing on regional recipes that include fresh pasta and truffles. While the detailed menu isn’t specified here, the emphasis is on making some of the region’s most characteristic dishes—perfect for truffle lovers or those interested in local delicacies. The class is hosted in Perugia, near Spoleto, providing an authentic, hands-on environment.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on historical recipes and regional ingredients, giving you a real taste of Umbrian food traditions. With only four reviews, all 5-star, it’s a more intimate experience, ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to explore specialty ingredients like truffles.
At $114, it offers good value for a specialized cooking session. It’s best suited for travelers who want to immerse in Umbrian flavors and aren’t overly concerned with a large group or modern comforts.
Bottom line: Perfect for truffle aficionados or those wanting a deeper dive into Umbrian culinary history.
6. Cooking Class in Umbria in Any Location at Your Private Villa
Imagine having a personal chef come to your villa and teach you to cook classic Italian dishes like “nonna-style” pasta or regional specialties. This private villa experience is flexible, lasting around 4 hours, with fully customizable menus—you pick four courses, and the chef handles shopping, prep, and clean-up.
What makes this experience exceptional is its convenience and personalization. You don’t have to leave your villa, and the lesson can be tailored to your skill level and interests. Guests rave about the professionalism and authenticity of the chefs, with one noting, “Lucia and her assistant arrived right on time and showed us how to make pasta and bread with ease.”
At $142, this is a great value for a private, all-inclusive culinary adventure in the comfort of your vacation home. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups who want a luxury, stress-free cooking class that ends with a delicious meal in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: Ideal for those staying in a villa who want a customized, private culinary experience without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.
7. Fun Cooking Class, Let’s Make Lasagna! – Umbria
This 5-hour class is a delight for pasta lovers, especially if you’re eager to master the art of homemade lasagna. Starting with a tour of the farmhouse, you’ll then meet your chef, who will teach you the secrets to making traditional Italian pasta and lasagna. The process culminates in cooking and enjoying your creation as the main course of a hearty lunch.
Though it’s just one review with a perfect 5-star rating, it highlights how engaging and fun this class is, especially for those who want to focus on a single, iconic dish. The class’s length and focus make it a great choice if your goal is to perfect your lasagna skills and enjoy a delicious meal afterward.
Costing about $325, it’s on the higher end, but that includes the entire experience from farm tour to meal. This class suits those who want an in-depth, hands-on pasta-making day with a focus on lasagna.
Bottom line: Best for pasta fans wanting to crack the code on homemade lasagna in a lively, immersive setting.
8. Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Gubbio
For a culinary adventure with a local twist, this market tour and cooking class in Gubbio offers a fantastic blend of shopping and cooking. Over about 5 hours, you’ll first visit the local market with your host, learning how to select seasonal, fresh ingredients. Then, you’ll head back to their home for a hands-on cooking session, where you’ll prepare traditional Umbrian dishes.
The appeal is the insight into local ingredients and the authentic home environment. It’s a great pick if you’re interested in understanding regional produce and want to actively participate in creating your meal. The reviews are glowing, one noting, “We learned how to pick the best ingredients and then enjoyed cooking in a warm, friendly atmosphere.”
At $156.50 per person, it’s a solid value for a full day of engaging, local culinary discovery—ideal for foodie travelers eager for experiential learning.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want to combine market shopping, culinary skills, and authentic Umbrian flavors.
9. Spoleto Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
This 3-hour combo blends cultural sightseeing with hands-on cooking. Starting with a guided walk through Spoleto’s medieval streets, you’ll explore local markets and food shops, soaking in the culinary culture. The walk leads to a home kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare classic Umbrian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The experience concludes with a wine pairing, enhancing the flavors of your meal.
Guests appreciate how this tour combines history, culture, and cuisine seamlessly. It’s ideal for those wanting a multi-layered experience—a taste of Spoleto’s past while learning to cook its flavors. The review quote highlights its charm: “We visited markets and then cooked a wonderful meal in a local home.”
At just under $120, it offers great value for a compact, enriching experience. Suitable for history buffs and food lovers alike, it’s a versatile choice.
Bottom line: An excellent option for travelers who want culture, walking, and cooking combined in one short but memorable tour.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Perugia
When deciding which cooking class to book, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a comprehensive hands-on experience that includes a full meal, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed, farm-based setting with wine tastings, the Organic cooking class with a sommelier offers great value. Families or those traveling with children should look at the Family cooking class, which combines fun with learning.
For those wanting a private, customizable experience in their villa, the Cooking class in Umbria in any location at your private villa provides maximum flexibility. If your goal is specialized regional dishes like truffles or lasagna, the corresponding classes deliver focused skills and memorable meals.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, as popular experiences tend to fill quickly. Also, check whether the class offers special dietary options if needed.
Final thoughts:
Perugia’s cooking classes offer a rich variety of options, from authentic farm-to-table experiences to family-friendly workshops. If you want a deep dive into Umbrian cuisine, the Hands on Italian Cooking Classes is a top pick. For a romantic, scenic day, the farm and vineyard experience is ideal. Families and groups can enjoy the personalized lessons at their villa or the lively market tour and cooking class.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you secure a spot in these popular classes. Prepare to roll up your sleeves, learn some Italian culinary secrets, and enjoy some of Italy’s best flavors right in Perugia.
