Top Italy Unique Experiences - page 2

Avoid the hassle of organizing transport and winery visits in Tuscany on your own. This small-group experience simplifies a day in Chianti, combining scenic travel with curated tastings at local wineries and time to explore Monteriggioni’s medieval charm. Enjoy a relaxed, well-paced outing that lets you focus on the region’s flavors and landscapes rather than the logistics.

Pair a walking tour of Bari with a cooking class on this two-in-one, small-group tour. With a guide, you’ll make your way around the enticing Old Town lanes, discovering landmarks such as the Basilica of St. Nicholas and hearing the city’s history. After a visit to the city’s waterfront, you’ll visit the home of a Bari resident to make fresh pasta and enjoy it alongside local wine.

FEW HRS IN MESSINA? THAT'S THE BEST TOUR FOR YOU. A PERFECT COMBINATION OF LANSCAPES, HISTORY, ARCAEOLOGY AND SPECTACULAR SCENARIES

Bologna is famous for its fresh pasta and with this private lesson you'll learn the tricks to turning out flawless tortellini, tagliatelle, and other handmade pastas like a local with a Bolognese home cook. Roll up your sleeves and prepare three traditional types of pasta under the guidance of your host in her home kitchen, then sample your creations at a family-style meal complete with wine.

Avoid Rome's daytime heat and crowds and explore in the cool and picturesque hours after sunset on this evening bike tour. Set off with your guide and small group on a high-quality bike or e-bike to take in A-list sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon while learning about the city's history and architecture from your guide. Pause along the way to snap photos and get a good look at the sights, and opt to end your tour with a Roman dinner.

Master the art of one of Italy’s finest exports during a pizza making class in Rome. The short duration of this class makes it ideal for time-pressed travelers, while a personal cooking station and small group ensure that you receive personal attention from your guide. Learn the secrets to making the perfect pie—from delicious dough and sauces, to the perfect rolling and cooking techniques.

Italians have been producing wine for thousands of years. Get a unique insight into the wine-making experience on a visit to a family-owned winery in the Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG wine region. Join a small group and explore the vineyards and cellars, then sample several of their finest wines on a terrace with views of wine country.

Brush up on your cookery skills with this pizza-making class in Naples. Learn how to make this dish in the city where it was created. In just a couple of hours, make pizza dough from scratch and discover what ingredients make an authentic margarita pizza. When it's time to eat, indulge in Italian appetizers before trying out your own, handmade pizza.

The Catacombs of Rome are a popular attraction, but this tour lets you bypass the long lines outside and gives you skip-the-line access to the Capuchin Crypt and Basilica San Martino ai Monti—making it a great pick for travelers short on time. See Rome's mysterious side with a guide who knows the history well, so you can get more out of your visit than you would alone.

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.

Access tiny canals that most boats can't enter on this unique kayaking tour. Follow your kayaking guide to paddle through quiet canals far from the crowds and learn about the history and culture of the Floating City. Savor views from the water and see the city from an exclusive perspective. Participants of all levels are welcome, and no kayaking experience is necessary.

Enjoy an intimate immersion into Ischia’s culinary culture on this private cooking class with a passionate home cook. Join your host in her home on the island (or nearby—you choose how far you would like to travel), then prepare three authentic recipes from scratch. Next, sit down with her for lunch or dinner, and discover Italy’s famous hospitality, accompanied by local wines, coffee, and other drinks.

Spend a day in the beautiful Tuscan countryside sipping wine without needing to rent a car. Visit wineries for tours and generous tastings of world-famous varietals such as Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan. Learn about wine production and flavor profiles, and round out your palate with samplings of high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive and truffle oils. Also, visit the charming medieval village of San Gimignano for free time to explore.

Soak up the flavors of Italy on an olive oil- and wine-tasting tour in Tuscany—without the hassle of driving. Depart from Florence to the heart of the Chianti Classico region, known for its red wines, flavorful olive oil, and scenic medieval villages. Visit two to three wineries and an olive oil mill to learn about production with your guide and relax over tastings. Enjoy a gourmet 3-course Tuscan lunch at a boutique estate before returning to Florence.

Learn to create classic dishes of the Lombardy region with a small-group cooking class in Lake Como. A member of the acclaimed Cesarine network of chefs will welcome you into their home for a lesson in Milanese-style cuisine as you help prepare a 3-course menu featuring northern Italian favorites such as a seasonal starter, various kinds of fresh pasta, and a local dessert such as a *torta miascia*, *cutizza* pancake, or tiramisu. When the cooking’s done, sit down with your host and small group to enjoy the homemade meal with wine.

Follow your senses — and a gourmet guide — around Italy’s culinary capital on a private food tour in Bologna. Remove the guesswork from choosing eateries and let a local show you the best delis, cafes, markets, and bakeries scattered through the historic city center. Sample Bolognese specialties like tortellini and mortadella, discover new favorite dishes, and rest your feet over an aperitif at an indoor market.

Savor the flavors of Tuscany on a food and wine tour through Florence. Stroll through the city with a guide, learning about Florence’s culinary traditions, including the humble yet flavorful Cucina Povera (poor kitchen) cuisine. Stop at top eateries to sample classic dishes such as ribollita and panzanella paired with glasses of wine. Join a small group or upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience.

Discover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during this full-day experience, including a market visit and cooking class. Shop for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Take your cue from a chef as you create Italian dishes from scratch including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. Complement the fruits of your labor with complimentary Tuscan wine.

There's no better souvenir to bring home from your travels than the gift of authentic Italian cuisine. Learn how to make fresh egg pasta the Italian way with a local chef in his home in a historic palazzo and master the art of fresh pesto, too. Numbers are capped at just six travelers, ensuring an intimate experience and likely the chance to make friends over lunch.

Master three different traditional pasta recipes during this private cooking workshop in Messina. Head to the home of a local cook for a culinary immersion. Put your cooking skills to the test at your own workstation with ingredients and tools. Then, taste your home-cooked creations, paired with red and white local wines.

Learn about Europe's premier fashion design capital on this private tour through Milan’s most fashionable areas. Explore the chic Brera and Navigli districts and discover hidden fashion gems like local artisan boutiques and vintage clothing shops—as well as big-name designer stores—while learning about local fashion history from your guide.

Discover what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator in Rome. During a hands-on lesson, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt (available for rent). Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history and culture.

Explore the Tuscan countryside in true Italian style—on a Vespa! Spend the morning zipping along scenic country roads from the seat of your very own two-wheeler. Cap off your ride with a traditional Tuscan lunch before heading back to Florence. Or, opt for the afternoon tour to witness a stunning Tuscan sunset along with a wine tasting and snack.

Castel Gandolfo sits above the placid waters of Lake Albano, rich in history and natural beauty. With this tour, glide along the lakeshore in a single or double kayak to admire sites dating back thousands of years, from the remains of a prehistoric village and ancient Roman port to the spot where popes would once dive into the crystalline lake from their nearby summer palace.