Italy is a country where food, craft, and tradition are woven into everyday life. For those who love hands-on experiences, Italy excels beyond its famous sights with unique workshops that bring you closer to local culture. Whether it’s learning to make authentic pasta in Milan, crafting Ligurian pesto, or creating pottery in Tuscany, these classes offer a chance to taste Italy with your hands. Some experiences, like the Pizza or Pasta and Gelato-Making Class in Milan, combine excellent reviews (4.9/5 from over 800 travelers) with fun family-friendly formats. Others, like the Ligurian cooking classes, focus on regional specialties and small-group intimacy. Whether you want a quick lesson or a full-day immersion, Italy offers options for every culinary and craft interest.
Here’s a quick look at what types of tours made our list: cooking classes in regions like Tuscany and Liguria (see here), craft workshops such as pottery in Mugello (more info), and regional specialty experiences like olive oil tasting in Campania (details here). Below, we explore each in detail, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which one fits your travel style.
1. Milan: Pizza or Pasta and Gelato-Making Class with Wine
At number 1, this hands-on cooking class in Milan is a favorite for its lively atmosphere and great reviews—4.9/5 from over 800 travelers. You’ll learn to make authentic Italian pizza or pasta with a professional chef in the heart of Milan. The class lasts about 3 hours and includes discovering the secrets behind perfect gelato, churned fresh in front of you. The fun part? You get to sit down and enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine. Perfect for solo travelers, families, or foodies craving a hands-on experience, this class offers flexibility with a choice between pasta or pizza at checkout. The relaxed, friendly environment and high satisfaction rating make it ideal for those wanting an authentic taste of Milan’s culinary scene without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-reviewed class that delivers genuine Italian cooking combined with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
2. Pesto Experience, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting in Sestri Levante
Topping our list at number 2 is the private pesto experience in Liguria, rated a perfect 5.0/5 with 119 reviews. For just around $58, you’ll be greeted with a glass of Vinaccieri wine, which sets a relaxed tone for this roughly one-hour class. You’ll learn about the history of pesto, then produce your own Genoese pesto using a traditional mortar—an experience that makes the dish taste even better. You’ll taste your freshly made pesto and take some home in a special container. The class also features a pasta experience with Ligurian specialties like I Corzetti and potato gnocchi, plus focaccia and bread making. The personalized attention from the chef and the intimate setting make this a top choice for food lovers wanting regional authenticity in a fun, short session.
Bottom Line: Excellent value with a focus on regional flavors, perfect for a quick yet memorable culinary adventure.
3. Ligurian cooking classes
Number 3 on our list is a deep dive into Ligurian cuisine with Anna, taking about 5 hours in her private home. This experience appeals to those wanting a full immersion into regional cooking traditions and culture. Guests praise Anna’s warmth and her wealth of knowledge about the area’s food history. The class features dishes like veggie Pansotti with walnut sauce, stuffed roasted veggies, and even a layered fig and rum dessert. The appeal? Cooking in a private home, learning authentic techniques, and sharing your creations with new friends. The personalized approach results in a more authentic, heartfelt immersion, making it suitable for serious foodies or those interested in regional recipes.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, authentic Ligurian cooking experience in a welcoming home environment—perfect for a meaningful culinary day.
4. Valnerina/Pasta cooking class in a 12th century location
Number 4 is a 3-hour class set in a serene, historic setting in Umbria. You’ll learn traditional pasta recipes, with the backdrop of the Relais Abbazia San Pietro In Valle, a 12th-century venue. The tour emphasizes authenticity and hands-on learning, giving you the confidence to recreate these dishes at home. A highlight is the chance to visit a historic location while cooking, adding a sense of stepping back in time. The class is perfect if you enjoy regional history as part of your culinary experience, and the setting makes for a memorable atmosphere. The focus on practical skills and regional recipes makes this a good fit for those who want a quiet, authentic experience.
Bottom Line: An intimate, historical setting combined with hands-on pasta-making—ideal for lovers of history and good food.
5. Cooking Class: Italian Authentic Recipes with Lunch
In Tuscany’s Chianti region, this 3-hour class pairs cooking with wine tasting at a vineyard estate. Led by a professional Italian chef, you’ll learn how to prepare classic Tuscan dishes. The experience culminates in a full lunch featuring the food you cooked, paired with Poggio ai Laghi wines, oils, and vinegars. A wine expert also shares insights on the region’s culinary heritage, adding depth to the experience. This class is perfect for those wanting to combine culinary skills with wine, making it a well-rounded cultural experience. The value lies in the combination of hands-on cooking and tasting premium local products, making it suitable for wine lovers and foodies alike.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, flavorful taste of Tuscany — great for those who want a full day of cooking, eating, and drinking.
6. Pottery wheel workshop in Mugello, Tuscany
Number 6 offers a 2-hour pottery class in Borgo San Lorenzo, a small town in Mugello. You’ll work with professional materials and equipment in a real ceramic workshop, suitable for beginners and those curious about ceramics. The setting in a historic Tuscan town allows you to combine art with regional charm. The instructor focuses on practical skills, offering a chance to create your own ceramic piece, which you can take home. This experience is ideal if you want a creative break and enjoy tactile activities. The small-group format ensures personal attention, and the historic location adds a cultural layer to your craft.
Bottom Line: An accessible, hands-on pottery experience perfect for beginners looking to try a traditional craft in Tuscany.
7. From Portofino: Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Italian Riviera
Number 7 is a 3-hour class in Zoagli, just a short ride from Portofino. This class offers a fun, home-cooked approach to Italian cuisine, focusing on two dishes: pasta and tiramisu. Guided by a passionate local host, you’ll learn to make two iconic pasta shapes from scratch and finish with a classic Italian dessert. The intimate setting and personal touches make this a memorable experience. The class is perfect for travelers staying in the Riviera who want to learn regional dishes without complex recipes. It’s also highly rated, with a glowing review highlighting the warmth of the hosts.
Bottom Line: A cozy, approachable class ideal for those seeking authentic Ligurian flavors in a relaxed environment.
8. Calabria: Maccarruna Pasta Making Class with Nonna
Number 8 offers a 5-hour experience in Calabria with a local nonna. This immersive class involves making maccarruna pasta from scratch using traditional techniques, including rolling each piece with a ferro (metal rod). You’ll visit an ancient stone mill, where the smell of freshly ground wheat adds to the atmosphere. The class emphasizes regional traditions and stories, providing a meaningful connection to local life and craftsmanship. Guests appreciate the patience and warmth of the nonna, as well as the opportunity to learn authentic regional pasta recipes.
Bottom Line: A heartfelt, traditional experience perfect for those interested in deep regional culture and hands-on pasta making.
9. Mugello, Tuscany. Majolica decoration technique workshop
Number 9 is a 2-hour workshop focused on the famous Italian ceramic art of majolica. You’ll experiment with professional materials and create your own design, possibly receiving your piece at home. The class is suitable for beginners curious about this ornate painting technique, and the instructor emphasizes personal creativity. This experience offers an artistic side of Italy’s craft traditions, ideal for those who enjoy decorating or want a keepsake of their trip.
Bottom Line: An engaging, beginner-friendly ceramic painting class that results in a personalized souvenir.
10. Cooking class in a private medieval village
Number 10 takes you into a medieval Tuscan village for a unique cooking experience. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll learn traditional Italian recipes in a historic setting, with scenic views and a rustic atmosphere. The class offers an authentic slice of rural life, with the added charm of the village’s architecture and ambiance. It’s suited for travelers seeking more than just cooking—an immersive cultural experience. The focus is on traditional recipes and genuine regional atmosphere, making this a memorable day out for those looking for something special.
Bottom Line: A one-of-a-kind experience combining culinary skills with rural Tuscany charm.
11. Lake Maggiore: Fun Biscuit Workshop
Number 11 offers a lively biscuit-baking workshop on Lake Maggiore. This 3-hour, hands-on activity is all about messing around with flour, kneading, shaping, and baking delicious cookies. The atmosphere of a traditional home fosters genuine fun and chatter. It’s ideal for families or groups wanting a relaxed, playful experience. While reviews are not provided, the description emphasizes immediate tasting and a casual vibe, making it approachable for all ages and skill levels.
Bottom Line: A perfect, lighthearted activity for families or anyone wanting to get their hands floury and have a good laugh.
12. Morcone: Olive Oil Tasting and Cooking Class with Lunch
Number 12 is a 4-hour experience on a family-run farm in Campania. It combines olive oil tasting, gathering wild herbs, a cooking class, and a traditional lunch. You’ll learn how to use extra virgin olive oils and herbs in your cooking while exploring the farm’s surroundings. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere and the chance to see farm animals, making it ideal for those interested in rural life and authentic flavors. The experience ends with a convivial meal and a printed recipe to take home.
Bottom Line: A wholesome, farm-based experience blending taste, tradition, and rural charm.
13. Salento: Workshop on weaving techniques
Number 13 is a 1-hour weaving workshop in Apulia. It focuses on manual embroidery and weaving, offering a meditative and creative experience. Visitors will learn basic techniques and create their own piece, reconnecting with forgotten arts. The class appeals to those interested in crafts, patience, and regional folk art. Its short duration makes it an easy add-on for a day exploring Salento’s other sights, while providing a sense of manual accomplishment.
Bottom Line: A short, meaningful craft experience suited for anyone wanting to explore Italian artisanal traditions.
14. Yoga Lesson in the Langhe Region
Number 14 combines yoga with the stunning landscapes of Piedmont. In about an hour, you’ll practice with an experienced instructor amid the rolling hills of the Langhe, famous for wine and truffles. The focus is on relaxation and appreciating the landscape’s beauty. Ideal for active travelers seeking wellness alongside sightseeing, this session offers both physical and mental refreshment, making it a relaxing break from more intensive touring.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic yoga class perfect for recharging amid Italy’s lush countryside.
15. Lake Trasimeno: Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson
Rounding out our list is a 1.5-hour paddleboarding lesson on Lake Trasimeno. Led by an Italian champion, this activity is suitable for beginners and includes board and life jacket rentals. The instructor’s expertise ensures a safe, enjoyable experience, with opportunities to pause and take scenic photos of the lake’s peaceful waters. It’s ideal for active travelers who want a fun, water-based adventure that combines exercise with beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: An engaging, beginner-friendly activity for outdoor lovers wanting a different view of Italy.
How to Choose Your Perfect Workshop in Italy
When selecting a workshop or class, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For food lovers who want a quick taste of regional cuisine, the Pesto Experience in Liguria offers a short, authentic lesson. Travelers seeking a comprehensive culinary day might prefer the Tuscan cooking and wine experience. Craft enthusiasts should look at the Majolica decoration in Mugello for an artistic spin, while those wanting a cultural adventure can choose the private medieval village cooking class.
Booking early is recommended for popular experiences like the Milan pizza and gelato class or the Liguria pesto session to secure your spot. Also, consider the best time to visit—spring and fall generally offer more temperate weather for outdoor and hands-on activities.
Final Thoughts
From the bustling streets of Milan to quiet Tuscan villages, Italy offers a wide variety of workshops that bring local culture into your hands. If you’re after a quick culinary fix, the Pasta and Tiramisu Class from Portofino makes for a memorable afternoon. For a more immersive experience, the Ligurian regional class or Medieval Village cooking provide deeper connections. Craft lovers should consider the pottery workshop or majolica painting, especially if they want a tangible souvenir of their trip.
No matter your interests, these experiences are a fantastic way to get off the usual tourist path and enjoy Italy like a local. Book early, pick what excites you most, and prepare to take home more than just photos—bring home a new skill or a piece of Italy’s craft heritage.
