Top 5 Cooking Classes Near La Spezia Cruise Port: Pesto, Pasta & Fire-Cooked Traditions

Here are five curated culinary experiences near La Spezia Cruise Port, each offering an authentic way to explore the food traditions of Liguria and Lunigiana. These experiences are ideal for cruise passengers and independent travellers looking to go beyond the usual tourist routes.

For private bookings or tailored itineraries, please visit our contact page.

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1. Pesto Making Class in La Spezia

Dive into the heart of Ligurian cuisine with a hands-on pesto-making class in La Spezia. Learn the traditional method of preparing pesto using a marble mortar and wooden pestle, combining fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This experience is ideal for cruise passengers who want an authentic activity within walking distance of the port.

• Hands-on instruction in traditional pesto preparation
• Tasting with fresh focaccia and a basil-based drink
• Recipe to take home

Location: Central La Spezia

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2. Cooking with Fire: Testaroli Experience in Lunigiana

Travel into Lunigiana to experience one of Italy’s oldest pasta traditions. In this immersive class, you’ll prepare testaroli cooked on cast-iron pans over open flames. The experience often includes foraging for herbs, cooking over fire, and enjoying the meal with local wine.

• Herb foraging in the Tuscan countryside
• Traditional cooking over open flames
• Meal paired with local wine

Location: Lunigiana, approximately 45 minutes by car from La Spezia

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3. Home Cooking Class in Vezzano Ligure

Experience Italian hospitality in the village of Vezzano Ligure. This half-day class includes hands-on preparation of fresh pasta, traditional pesto, and tiramisu, followed by a relaxed meal in a private garden setting.

• Hands-on preparation of classic Italian dishes
• Relaxed dining in a garden environment
• Small group setting for a personal experience

Location: Vezzano Ligure, a short drive from La Spezia

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4. Pesto Workshop in Levanto

Head to the coastal town of Levanto for a traditional pesto workshop. Using a mortar and pestle, you’ll prepare Genovese pesto in a local laboratory, followed by a tasting with wine and light snacks.

• Traditional pesto preparation techniques
• Tasting with local wine and appetisers
• Time to explore Levanto independently

Location: Levanto, reachable by train from La Spezia

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5. Cooking Class in Pontremoli: Lunigiana’s Culinary Heritage

Discover Lunigiana’s rural food culture in Pontremoli. This cooking class focuses on wild herbs and traditional recipes such as torta d’erbi, prepared using cast-iron pans and local ingredients.

• Foraging for seasonal wild herbs
• Preparation of traditional Lunigianese dishes
• Rustic meal in an authentic setting

Location: Pontremoli, accessible by car from La Spezia

Travellers specifically interested in a dedicated truffle hunt from La Spezia can also book a private shore excursion including transport, guided hunting, and tastings in Lunigiana.

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Each of these experiences offers a meaningful way to engage with local food culture in Liguria and Lunigiana. For availability, private bookings, or help choosing the right experience for your schedule, please contact us via our contact page.