Top Italy Art & Culture Classes

Many tours visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii but only a few include the first-hand expertise of an archaeologist guide. Explore the ancient Roman city and discover what life was like before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the company of a guide who brings history to life while leading you to important buildings and structures such as the Basilica, the Forum, and the thermal baths.

Get hands-on experience with one-to-one guidance during a private glassmaking lesson. Discover the secrets of Murano glassmaking techniques from one of the most renowned craftsmen of Venice. The 90-minute workshop includes all materials—including your own marvelous glass artwork to take home—plus a 10 percent discount on glassworks from the artist.

Take a break from the usual sightseeing and snapping photos in Venice with this special experience that allows you to be an artist for the day. Learn how to capture the sky, lagoon, and historic palaces through the time-honored medium of watercolor. A local Venetian artist takes you to find the ideal corner of the city to paint, where you can create your own artwork.

Take a course on mask-making from a master artisan in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.

Bring home the ultimate souvenir of your Venetian sojourn—your own papier-mâché carnival mask, handmade to your own design. A local master artisan works with you and your small group to unleash your creativity, as well as sharing stories of craftsmanship and carnival. Work with a whirlwind of materials—not just paint, but feathers, glitter, and trimmings—to create something that’s truly and uniquely yours.

The contact with clay: transforming the material with your own hands and creating a shape is fun and exciting. To experience one of the most ancient techniques is to immerse yourself in the very history of our town, a town with an ancient ceramic tradition.

Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Roman mosaics in a hands-on workshop. Learn traditional techniques, use natural marble, and create your own mosaic masterpiece to take home from an authentic mosaic studio.

Explore the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel without spending hours waiting in line on this comprehensive tour that includes entry to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Navigate the vast halls, artwork, and history with a guide who gives special insights into the collections that you would likely miss if alone. Go beyond the guidebook and enjoy commentary that enlivens highlights such as the Gallery of the Maps and the Pineyard Courtyard.

Discover firsthand the art of mosaic creation in a magnificent studio located in Vatican City. Immerse yourself in this engaging laboratory and acquire the skills and secrets of mosaic processing thanks to Maria Teresa, a skilled mosaic teacher who will follow you in every phase of your work, teaching you the particular techniques of mosaic processing.

Partake in one of Italy’s most time-honored art forms during this two-and-a-half-hour small-group glass-blowing workshop on the island of Murano. Suitable for beginners, workshops include a live demonstration and hands-on instruction in shaping molten glass. Make an original art object to take back home as a souvenir, ready for pickup the next day. Your glass piece can also be shipped worldwide at an additional cost.

Murano glass is one of Venice's most famous crafts, but most tourists never go beyond a glassblowing demonstration. With this hands-on class, take a deeper dive into the city's glass-making traditions by creating colorful beads under the guidance of a seasoned artisan. Discover the historic Venetian art of lampworking using techniques passed down through the centuries, and take away your handcrafted beads as a unique souvenir of your time in the Floating City.

Head to one of the few remaining artisan mask studios still active in Venice for this mask-making workshop, a wonderful way to unleash your creativity—and craft a unique and expressive souvenir. Learn the history of Venetian masks and the artisans who make them, then paint and decorate your own mask using traditional techniques such as painting and gilding. Your tutor is on hand throughout to help realize your vision.

Make the most of your time in Venice by exploring the traditional craft of glassmaking. A peaceful alternative to overcrowded group tours—this private experience offers a more personal visit, where you watch master artisan Alessandro Boscolo—part of a family with a long glassmaking heritage—shape and blow glass. You can also try the techniques yourself and create your own piece to take home.

Florence is famous for its art and architecture, but even the most ardent culture lover needs a break. Delve into the city's cuisine and learn how to make authentic pizza and gelato during this hands-on cooking class. Led by a chef, sample a variety of pizzas before getting to work on your own creations, then watch the step-by-step demonstration of how gelato is made. Afterward, feast on your creations with unlimited wine.

Experience a side of Rome rare to visitors with a mosaic-making workshop in the heart of the city—all materials and a silver frame included. Get hands-on instruction in techniques used by 19th-century artisans. Workshops are limited to only seven participants, ensuring each jewelry-maker will get personalized attention. Bottled water is provided, plus a complimentary tea or coffee.

After a great stay in Rome, arrange for a stress-free ride to Rome Fiumicino Airport with a private, customizable transfer service. Meet your driver at your Rome city hotel and relax on the journey to the airport without worrying about rental car drop-off or hauling luggage onto public transport. Receive personalized attention in a private vehicle for up to eight passengers.

Venetian masks have a long and storied history: during the republic’s heyday, they were used to conceal the identities of residents who engaged in decadent activities. In their masks, peasants and noblemen were equal. Make your own Venetian mask (yours to keep), adorned with sequins, ribbons, and other fineries, under the tutelage of a local artist. All materials are provided.

Sicily's ceramic artists have thousands of years of heritage. Discover their craft and your own creativity on this small-group experience, with a maximum of 10 travelers per group. You'll learn the history of ceramics in Sicily and how to work with the wheel, then decorate a tile to discover the art of color. Your pieces will be ready for collection (or shipping, at an additional charge) in two working days.

Create your own signature scent in the heart of Florence during a perfume masterclass with a master perfumer at the historic Antica Erboristeria San Simone. Step into a centuries-old apothecary and discover the art of fragrance-making, inspired by the Renaissance alchemists. Craft your personalized 30ml perfume using rare essences, and take home both your custom blend and a certificate to commemorate the experience. A unique and sensory journey awaits.

Florentine wood inlay is one of the city's many traditional crafts, but most visitors overlook this historic art form. Go beyond sightseeing and shopping and experience Florence's artisan culture with this hands-on wood inlay class. Join an experienced artisan in their tiny workshop to learn how to pierce, cut, and shade to and create an original inlaid wood composition in just a few hours. This private experience and intimate location ensure one-on-one instruction ideal for all ages and skill levels.

Change up your sightseeing routine in Rome with this hands-on pottery class in the historic center, steps from the main sights. Roll up your sleeves and get to work molding and shaping your clay and tapping your creative vein by painting the finished work under the guidance of your ceramics instructor. Take your creation home with you for a unique souvenir of your time in the Eternal City.

If you have always wanted to paint but lack the nerve to try, join this fun, no-pressure paint and sip experience in the heart of Rome. Visit an artist's studio in a historic building and unleash your inner artist under the guidance of your art instructor. All materials are provided, along with Italian wines and freshly baked pizza.

Take a break from sightseeing and get hands-on in this small-group, wallet-making workshop in Florence. Join a local designer who guides you through the process of crafting a wallet from scratch, with a choice of leather, colors, and details to make it your own. Perfect for friends, couples, or solo adventurers seeking a unique, interactive activity.