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Favorite tours and cooking classes in Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, and Rome?

Posted by (Ohio) on

My friend and I are excited to be planning our first visit to Italy late May / early June, and we're considering any small group tours, food tours, cooking classes, or experiences that would be a fun way to get a taste of the local, authentic flavor in Italy. Typically I like to explore cities more freely and spontaneously, but it seems like tours and cooking classes can be a great way to make some fun memories on our trip. What have been some of your favorite tours, food tours, cooking classes, and experiences? I'm curious to hear tour companies or specific tours you would recommend.

Here's where we're thinking:

  • Cooking class in Florence, Bologna, or Rome
  • Food tour in Florence, Bologna, or Rome
  • Day trip from Florence to Tuscany to experience hill towns and wineries
  • Boat tour of the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Amalfi or to Capri

If there are other tours or group experiences you did in Italy that are memories you treasure, it would be great to hear other ideas too!

Thank you for sharing!

Posted by
627 posts

Convivio Rome, located just a short train ride outside Rome, has a variety of cooking classes. I really enjoyed the class I took and Sally and Guido are delightful (she is Australian and he is a Roman). Their website is conviviorome.com

Posted by
11616 posts

We took a ferry to Capri from Naples and also from Capri to Sorrento. You don’t need a “tour.”

Posted by
8002 posts

Cooking class in Florence, from fantastic Chef Michele, at Riva Lofts. I’ve taken several from him, and learned so much, plus a fun experience. This link mentions pasta making, but contact them if you’re interested in other recipes and techniques https://rivalofts.com/en/cooking-class/

Food tour in Bologna, Italian Days. It starts early, so you can catch milk being delivered and the time each day when Parmigiano Reggiano is being made, then proceeds to Balsamic Vinegar production at a family place that also makes wine, then a Prosciutto experience. Tasting the whole way, followed by a sumptuous lunch - you won’t go hungry, and may not need dinner. https://www.italiandays.it/

Posted by
7240 posts

We have totally enjoyed every food tour we have ever taken,
Eating Europe operates in both Rome and Florence- excellent.
Use EATWELL10 for a discount. They also offer RS discount and discounts for mulitple bookings. Email them for codes if you can't find.
Seems like I got an email recently with some sale prices as well.

You don't need a boat tour of AC-just take the ferries.

Toursbyroberto.com gets high marks here.

Posted by
995 posts

Eating Europe's Taste of Testaccio in Rome is my all time favorite. I've done this one twice, once with friends, and a second time with kids. This gets you into an area of Rome most tourists never visit. Groups are small and food is amazing and abundant. If you get on their email list you may score a discount for an upcoming tour.

Posted by
7240 posts

Jay - looking thru your previous posts - is this is your final itinerary?

2 nights Venice 4 nights Florence 3 nights Amalfi Coast 4 nights Rome
We're flying into Venice and out of Rome. Excited to see Italy for our
first time!

Venice-
Alessandro's Cicchetti tour is tons of fun. Looks like he is still in business
https://www.schezzini.it

Secret Itineraries Tour of Doges also very very good.
https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/special-itineraries/secret-itineraries-tour/

If only time for one, I'd do the Cicchetti Tour...again.

Posted by
21 posts

Thank you for all of the helpful suggestions, everyone! Yes, Christine, that is our itinerary.

2 nights Venice
4 nights Florence
3 nights Amalfi Coast
4 nights Rome

Our time in Venice will be somewhat limited though so we need to figure out if we can incorporate a food tour there.

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