Italy · WORKSHOPS
All 7 workshops & classes below are bookable today, with the price, the running time and who each one actually suits. The first is first for a reason.
At Naplesbay Cooking Lab, you’ll make Neapolitan pizza from scratch with a local chef in a two-hour class. Learn dough, mozzatura, San Marzano sauce, and hand stretching, then eat your pizza with bruschetta and a drink. Instructors speak English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Private and small-group options are available.
“It was perfect! Alex is super talented chef and a very good teacher!”
Choose a paper-mâché mask, then paint and decorate it with guidance from Venetian artisans such as Giorgio, Nicolò, Petra, or Francesco. You’ll hear stories about Carnival, learn traditional techniques, and leave with your own colorful keepsake. The setting may be a small mask shop, atelier, or historic site near San Marco.
“Enjoyed listening to the history of the carnival mask and creating our masterpieces!”
Enter the Uffizi with a reserved ticket and follow an English-speaking guide through works by Botticelli, Leonardo, Giotto, and more. Choose a 1-hour-45-minute highlights visit, a small-group masterclass of about 2.5 hours, or a private option that adds Florence’s city center. Guides such as Vanessa, Sarah, and Andrea have earned especially warm praise.
“Vanessa was an amazing guide: we learned so much in a thoughtful and engaging way. Wonderful experience—would definitely recommend.”
At Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone, a master perfumer guides you through Florence’s perfume traditions, scent families, and blending methods. You will test a range of essences, choose your notes, and create a personal 30ml fragrance. Elena, Debra, and Alina have led sessions praised for their patience and warmth. English and Italian instruction, a coffee break, and a certificate are included.
“I had a wonderful time in creating my own, personal fragrance. The 2 hosts were both informative and helpful. Definitely a must-do if you are interested in learning about the art of perfumery and passionate about perfumes in general, as it is a unique and fun experience.”
Spend about three hours in a welcoming Milan kitchen making two fresh pasta dishes and tiramisu with a Pasta Maestro such as Pietro or Vincenzo. You will work as a team, learn practical techniques, eat a three-course meal with wine, and take home the recipes. Vegetarian and vegan adjustments may be possible with advance notice.
“I definitely recommend to do this activity! Pietro was an amazing teacher. He taught us how to do tiramisu, tortelli and cavatelli, and also told us a little bit about where it’s from. They were all delicious! 100% recommended.”
In Florence, you’ll meet a master perfumer at Antica Erboristeria San Simone, a 1700s apothecary and workshop. You’ll learn about Florentine perfume, test a selection of essences, and blend a personal fragrance. The two-hour session includes coffee or tea, a 30ml bottle, and a signed certificate.
“The shop at which this event was conducted was lovely, and the employee assigned to my group was gracious and helpful. But if you're thinking of attending based upon the event photo on the Viator website, you might be disappointed. It gives the impression that you will have access to multiple fragrance samples. In reality, you're seated at a table with a group and restricted to about 20 dropper vials that you may use to create your fragrance. I would have liked to sample more essential oils, so that I could be assured that I was creating something truly unique.”
Meet Matteo in Montelupo, tour a working Tuscan ceramics factory, then learn to throw a bowl with his father, Salvatore. You’ll work with raw clay, choose glazing options, and have your fired pieces shipped to your home. The small-group class lasts about two hours and is easy to reach from Florence by train.
“Hands down the BEST experience that we’ve been on. It was amazing to see the production area, show room and then to make a piece of our own. Matteo and his family made us feel so welcome and special. It was such a memorable thing to do and I would go back again. We learned a lot and loved the whole experience.”
Pick a ruin, a gallery, a cellar or a boat.
