Top Italy Unique Experiences - page 3

Explore the rolling hills, sun-blushed vineyards, and winding country lanes of Tuscany from a classic Italian Vespa. Hop aboard your own 50cc Original Piaggio Vespa scooter or share one with a friend, and follow your guide on a scenic tour of the Chianti region. Enjoy the views of the skyline of the Medieval walled city of San Gimignano, jump off to admire the views, and enjoy a delicious wine-tasting lunch at a Tuscan winery.

Immerse yourself in local culture as you prepare a traditional Italian meal under the guidance of a Cesarina—an Italian certified home cook. Meet your host at their home in Alberobello, get hands-on in the kitchen as you make three typical dishes, and pick up tips and techniques to help you recreate them back home. Finally, join your host for a delicious lunch or dinner, accompanied by carefully matched wines.

Explore the Tuscan countryside in true Italian style — on a Vespa! After a short van ride from Florence and a riding lesson, 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 and Chianti wine tasting before heading back to Florence in time for other planned activities—or an afternoon nap.

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.

Stroll through the historic center of Genoa with a typical storyteller to immerse yourself in the legends and life of this historic port city. Join your guide on this unusual itinerary that stops at important churches, squares and towers to tell fun stories accompanied by the music of a guitar. Explore the corners of Genoa off the typical tourist trail and discover the unique culture and history of the city as told by a modern 'minstrel'.

Enjoy a top-notch Italian culinary adventure in this exclusive experience where you will discover how to prepare three regional recipes and taste local wines. Enjoy the guidance of your personal host as they share Italian cooking techniques you can recreate at home, all within the comfort of their residence. Ultimately, share a meal with them for a personal experience that not every traveler can savor.

Step into a real Roman kitchen and learn how to make fresh pasta and a classic creamy tiramisu with a local chef during this small-group cooking masterclass. Discover the secrets behind iconic sauces like carbonara and cacio e pepe while enjoying local drinks and insights into Italian culinary traditions. End the experience by savoring your handmade dishes with wine and limoncello, then take home a recipe ebook to recreate the flavors at home.

The Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori neighborhoods are synonymous with traditional Roman cuisine, but dodging tourist traps and finding authentic eats can be a challenge. Enjoy seven tasty food stops—paired with wine, beer, and soft drinks—during this half-day, small-group tasting tour. Listen to stories about the Eternal City’s rich history along the way, capped off by dinner among the ruins of an ancient Roman theater.

Learn the secret to making great pasta during a private cooking class in Verona, taught by a “cesarina,” or home cook. Follow three regional recipes and discover tricks of the trade. Each participant is equipped with utensils and ingredients at a personal workstation during the 4-hour lesson. You’ll prepare authentic Italian pastas, then taste each delicious dish, accompanied by a selection of local wine—a unique cultural immersion.

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.

Swap the schedules and historical focus of conventional tours for a private walking tour of Venice with a local who’ll show you the city like a friend. Tell them what you fancy doing, and enjoy a personalized tour enriched by their grassroots knowledge. Explore often-overlooked neighborhoods; discover sights and eateries favored by locals; and get transport and cultural pointers to help ensure you get the most from your visit.

Pizza is undeniably one of Italy’s most famous culinary exports. Learn the secrets behind traditional pizza making in Rome with this small-group cooking class. Under the guidance of an Italian chef, you’ll make pizza dough from scratch and top it with your favorite ingredients before feasting on the fruits of your labor with fellow foodies. Conclude your experience with Italian gelato.

Discover the history and flavors of Italy’s Piedmont region as you embark on a tasting tour of Alba. Join a small group and walk around town learning about the traditional recipes from the region. Stop at several eateries including a bakery, deli, a gourmet truffle producer, and a historic coffee bar to sample everything from cheese to desserts to pasta and even truffle products.

Savor the flavors of Tuscany on a food and wine tour through Florence. Stroll through the city with a local food-loving 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 five glasses of wine. Join a small group or upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience.

Take a break from sightseeing to learn how to make an authentic Spritz cocktail and fresh pasta like a Roman. This cooking class explores traditional recipes with a local chef in the heart of the city. Working alongside the chef, prepare pasta dough from scratch, cut it into fettuccine and maltagliati, then assemble a bruschetta starter and tiramisu for dessert. Afterwards, sit down for lunch or dinner featuring the dishes you've prepared served with wine, limoncello, and espresso for the perfect introduction to Italy’s remarkable food traditions.

Spend a few hours exploring Rome’s Colosseum on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide, enjoy guaranteed access to this nearly 2,000 year old amphitheater and learn about the spectacles and gladiatorial contests once held there. Visit the arena floor, then enjoy included entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Visit one of the Bolgheri region’s most charming wineries when you book a tour at the Terre del Marchesato. Founded in the 1950s, the winery is a regional highlight. Choose from several daily tour times, and make your own way to the vineyards. Fo for a tour of the grounds, visit the cellars, and enjoy a tutored tasting of various wines, plus light snacks.

Learn to cook traditional Italian dishes during this Tuscan cooking class in Siena. From homemade pastas to juicy cuts of meat, a professional chef leads you through a combination of family-favorite recipes and time-tested dishes, culminating with a shared meal and excellent wine. This class is held in a professional kitchen and limited to a small group of 15 people or fewer for a more intimate experience.

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.

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.

When you're ready for a break from museums, spend a delightful half-day in Tuscany's famous wine country on a Chianti small-group wine tour. Walk through the vineyards and cellars of one winery to learn how grapes become wine, then taste several authentic Italian Chianti wines straight from the source. A typical Tuscan lunch rounds out the flavorful experience.

Learn the secrets of traditional Italian pizza making with an authentic “"pizzaiolo" during a pizza making session in the Sorrento hills. You’ll learn how to select the best ingredients and then be guided through the entire pizza making process from start to wood-firing finish. You’ll taste your own creation as well as sampling slices from a variety of different pizzas and enjoying a libation or two.

Discover the secrets to Bolognese cuisine in a local’s home with this half-day private cooking class. Learn how to prepare fresh stuffed pasta including tortellini and tortelloni during this hands-on class. After the pasta workshop, relax over a meal to sample what you prepared alongside local red and white wines.

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.