Authentic Pesto Making & Tasting Experience in La Spezia
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the art of preparing authentic Ligurian pesto in a hands-on cooking class in the beautiful town of La Spezia.
Immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions as a skilled Italian chef guides you through every step of making this famous sauce from scratch.
After preparing your pesto, enjoy a delicious meal featuring trofie al pesto, followed by a traditional Italian dessert. Savor the flavors of Liguria in a fun and interactive setting, as you learn the secrets behind one of Italy's most beloved dishes.
This unique experience is hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of passionate home cooks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced foodie, this class will give you the skills to recreate authentic Ligurian pesto at home and truly taste the heart of Italy!
Available options
Morning class
Afternoon class
What's included
A glass of regional wine
Hands-on Pesto Cooking Class with a local Italian expert
Spoken languages: Italian, English
Tasting of trofie with pesto and dessert
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Meeting point
This experience will be held in a local's home and for privacy reasons, you will only receive the full address of your host after you have booked.
Important notes
This experience will be held in a local's home and for privacy reasons, you will only receive the full address of your host after you have booked.
We build our experiences around you. We kindly ask you the following information: food intolerance and allergy. Please specify this information at the time of booking or by email at booking@cesarine.com with your booking reference and name.
About La Spezia
La Spezia is a vibrant port city in northern Italy, serving as the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre. Known for its rich maritime history, beautiful waterfront, and as a starting point for exploring the picturesque coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, La Spezia offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Top Attractions
Castello di San Giorgio
A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of La Spezia. The castle houses the Museum of Ligure Navigation.
Historical
1-2 hours
€5
Museo Civico Amedeo Lia
A museum showcasing a rich collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Museum
1-2 hours
€7
Cinque Terre
A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five picturesque coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Nature
Full day
Free to explore, but train and ferry tickets apply
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trofie al Pesto
A traditional Ligurian pasta dish made with trofie pasta and pesto sauce, often served with potatoes and green beans.
Main Course
Contains dairy and nuts.
Focaccia
A type of flatbread topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs or other ingredients.
Snack
Vegan options available.
Farinata
A savory chickpea pancake, similar to a thin, crispy crepe.
Snack
Vegan and gluten-free.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Kayaking in the Gulf of La Spezia
Beach activities
Spa treatments
Visiting museums
Exploring historical sites
Boat tours
Swimming
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, crowded beaches, and vibrant festivals. Ideal for beach activities and exploring the Cinque Terre.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
La Spezia is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious when walking alone at night.
Getting there
By air
- Christoforo Colombo Airport • 100 km from La Spezia
By train
La Spezia Centrale
By bus
La Spezia Centrale Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in La Spezia. They are affordable and connect major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Piazza Verdi
Porto Mirabello
Day trips
Porto Venere
10 km • Half day to full day
A charming coastal town with a medieval church, colorful houses, and stunning views of the sea.
Lerici
15 km • Full day
A picturesque seaside town with a beautiful beach, historic castle, and charming streets.
Festivals
Spezia Festival • July
Cinque Terre Festival • October
Pro tips
- Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train travel between the villages.
- Visit the Cinque Terre in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenery.
- Try local specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.
- Explore the city's historic sites, such as the Castello di San Giorgio and the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia.
- Take a boat tour to see the coastline from a different perspective.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
