Top Italy Dining Experiences - page 7

There’s no better place than Italy to make pizza, so when you’re in Milan, opt for a cooking class and learn to make it with your own hands. With a local chef, you’ll create a classic Neapolitan pizza and a tiramisu dessert from scratch, enjoying wine and conversation as you work. Insider tips on Milan restaurants, markets, and ingredients are covered, too.

On your Lake Como vacation, make sure you see the lake from above to experience the natural beauty without the crowds. This small-group hike and picnic takes you high up into the hills near Varenna where the countryside and views take center stage. After a short hike, you’ll picnic on local food and wine from the Valsassina and Valtellina regions. Note that hotel pick up and drop-off are not included.

Get more out of your time in Palermo by taking part in this small-group cooking class. Rather than a commercial kitchen setting, this intimate experience takes place at a local’s home. Enjoy the rare opportunity to use freshly picked ingredients from the garden, as you make a delicious pasta dish and traditional Sicilian cannoli—with lots of family traditions and recipes shared throughout.

Have fun in Milan through its food, with this cooking experience that takes place in the home of a local chef. You’ll learn how to make a fresh pasta dish, teaming it with a classic "al pomodoro" (tomato) sauce or a Parmigiano-Reggiano-based sauce, as well as a tiramisu. Tastings of balsamic vinegar, complimentary wine or soft drinks, and good company are among the extra perks.

Enjoy a privileged insight into the authentic home and life of a Salerno local on a cookery experience that takes place in the home kitchen of an excellent local cook. Learn about local cuisine and see how traditional meals are made the authentic way, then taste the dishes for yourself around the family table, along with a glass or two of locally-made wine.

Turin is known for being the birthplace of Italy’s “aperitivo” tradition—and with this tour, you can get insider tips about the traditional food, wine, and haunts that locals love, away from the tourist hotspots. To help you truly understand the authentic “aperitivo” culture—food and alcoholic drinks are included along the way, such as wine, vermouth, craft beer, gourmet stuffed potatoes, and a platter of typical produce.

Discover the spectacular coastline of Polignano a Mare aboard a comfortable mini catamaran. Depart from the Abbey of San Vito with an experienced local skipper and cruise along dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and the famous sea caves. Admire the iconic Lama Monachile from the sea and enjoy breathtaking views accessible only by boat. Stop for a refreshing swim and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters before relaxing with a traditional Apulian aperitif featuring authentic focaccia barese, Prosecco, iced tea, peach tea, lemon drinks and water. With a maximum of 10 guests, this small-group experience offers comfort, relaxation and personalized service. Highlights • Explore the sea caves of Polignano a Mare • Admire Lama Monachile from the sea • Swimming and snorkeling stop • Traditional focaccia from Bari • Prosecco and soft drink included • Local skipper • Small group (max. 10 guests) Duration: 2 hours Departure : Abbey of San Vito, Polignano a Mare

Sample the best of Sicily—without needing to plan a thing yourself—with this full-day tour, combining wine tasting, a village stop, and scenic views. Taste Sicilian wines at a winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna and find out how well it works with local dishes. Tour an ancient village that has spectacular views over the Alcantara Valley. And all the while, admire the impressive volcano looming over the landscape.

Spend a day experiencing the natural beauty of Capri with this small-group boat tour from Naples. Included transfer to the port removes the guesswork of taxis and public transit, allowing you to maximize your limited time. Along with your guide, you’ll enjoy a boat tour around the island, stopping at the Marvellous Grotto and more. Later, use your free time to independently explore the island on land.

Get a true taste of Southern Italy with this foodie experience from Sorrento. Travel to a pizzeria, cheese factory, and family-run lemon farm for tastings of top products, including homemade bread, lemonade, and extra-virgin olive oil. All the samples add up to a full meal. Learn the secrets behind Italian family recipes and try your hand at pizza-making, Neapolitan style. Top it off with limoncello before returning to Sorrento.

Learn how to cook with an expert cook with this private class in Turin. You and your party will be equipped with aprons and work stations and then learn how to make three regional recipes yourself. When the experience is done, you'll get to sample your creations, served along with your choice of local red or white wine.

Spend a few hours on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius enjoying a seasonal farm-to-fork lunch and wine tasting at an organic estate. Savor dishes such as ravioli, a charcuterie board, and a chef's dessert surprise to end, all made with fresh local ingredients. Each course is carefully paired with regional wines, making this the perfect experience for food and wine lovers in Italy.

Sicily’s western coastline is dotted with hidden coves and is home to the idyllic Egadi Islands. With this boat tour, take in the most picturesque corners of the coast and the islands of Favignana and Levanzo in one day, setting sail from Trapani. Enjoy free time to explore the Favignana; stop to swim at one of the dazzling beaches like Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, or the Faraglione; and relax over lunch with wine on board.

Italy is a patchwork of local cuisines, each with a proud heritage and unique dishes, which can be difficult to navigate on your own. On this walking tour led by a Michelin-trained chef and food sociologist, take a deep dive into Turin's historic food districts. Sample a plethora of local delicacies, from street foods to restaurant fare and local wines, learning about their role in the city’s gastronomic culture on this carefully curated journey.

Learn how to make two different types of pasta as well as a traditional Italian dessert—tiramisu—with this small-group class. As well as having lots of fun, it’s a great way to learn special techniques from a local cook that you wouldn’t find in a recipe book. After an Italian aperitivo, enjoy a hands-on class, followed by the chance to eat all of your culinary masterpieces.

Escape the bustle of Florence and join your host, a passionate cook, for a private culinary experience in their countryside home. Craft traditional Italian dishes like handmade pasta, bruschetta, and tiramisu using cherished family recipes. Your host picks you up in Florence, and you can opt for a market tour at San Lorenzo to select fresh, seasonal ingredients before enjoying your delicious, homemade meal in a cozy, authentic setting.

Immerse yourself in Italian culture with a hands-on cooking class in Alberobello. Guided by a Cesarina, Italy’s network of passionate home cooks, learn how to roll fresh pasta by hand, prepare two classic pasta dishes, and master the art of tiramisu. Enjoy a warm Italian aperitivo and connect with fellow food lovers in a welcoming home setting. This activity is a fun, flavorful way to experience Puglia like a local.

Step into Paola’s 1920s villa and discover Bologna like a local. This intimate cooking class blends tradition, family recipes, and warm Italian hospitality. From hand-rolling pasta to preparing a classic tiramisu or cannelloni, you’ll experience authentic flavors passed down through generations. In summer, enjoy your homemade meal in Paola’s charming garden. Add the optional market tour for a deeper dive into Bologna’s vibrant food culture before cooking together at her home.

Many cooking classes in Italy focus on complex dishes that require solid kitchen skills. On this beginner-friendly experience, learn insider tips and tricks to mastering classical Italian pizza no matter what your skill level. Under the expert tutelage of a local pizzaiolo (pizza chef) instructor, you’ll make dough from scratch and top it with traditional ingredients. Pick up easy-to-learn tips and techniques, then sit down to savor your hard-earned Sicilian feast with soft drinks to accompany your meal.

Food is the cornerstone of Italian culture and this cooking class in Milan covers a few important dishes. Master the art of Milanese cooking as you prepare dishes from scratch such as ravioli and fresh tagliatelle plus watch a gelato-making demonstration. From March 1st, 2026, the dessert will be tiramisù instead of gelato. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with Italian wines.

Swap a large farm tour for a more intimate small-group experience as you discover an authentic Amalfi lemon farm, complete with delicious tastings. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast's sea and hills, you'll visit a hidden gem many travellers overlook. Wander through beautiful lemon gardens, learn insights from your local guide, and sample organic lemonade, Limoncello, and freshly made lemon cake.

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with an artisan olive oil producer and his family at their farm in Sicily for a tour of the olive groves followed by a tasting lunch. Learn about the history and culture of olive oil production on the island as you stroll through the olive trees, then settle around the family table for a Sicilian lunch. Sample a variety of traditional dishes plus the farm’s own wine and olive oil.

Escape the heat and crowds on land and admire the idyllic island of Capri by sea without breaking the bank with this small-group boat tour. Set off from Sorrento, skirting the coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula before crossing to Capri. Circle the island, stopping to visit the Blue Grotto and dive into the crystalline waters for a swim before cruising back to Sorrento.

Many people come to Venice to sightsee and miss out on the Floating City’s nightlife. For a special experience, book an entertaining evening out at the cabaret. A grand magic show, musical performers, and dancers keep you entertained while you dine on a three-course dinner with Italian wine. Choose from among three different menus; a welcome cocktail is included.