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

Certainly! Here are five curated culinary experiences near La Spezia Cruise Port, each offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich gastronomic traditions of Liguria and Lunigiana. For more information or to book any of these experiences, please visit Emilia Delizia’s contact page.

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 class is perfect for cruise passengers seeking an authentic culinary experience within walking distance of the port.

Highlights:

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

📍 Location: Central La Spezia

🔗 Contact Emilia Delizia for booking

2. Cooking with Fire: Testaroli Experience in Lunigiana

Journey into the Tuscan region of Lunigiana to experience the ancient art of cooking with fire. In this immersive class, you’ll prepare “testaroli,” a traditional pasta considered one of Italy’s oldest, cooked on cast-iron pans over open flames. The experience includes foraging for fresh herbs, cooking over fire, and enjoying your creations with local wine.

Highlights:

• Herb foraging in the Tuscan countryside
• Traditional cooking over open flames
• Meal accompanied by local wine

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

🔗 Contact Emilia Delizia for booking

3. Home Cooking Class in Vezzano Ligure

Experience Italian hospitality in the charming village of Vezzano Ligure. This 4.5-hour class offers instruction in preparing fresh pasta, traditional pesto, and tiramisu. After cooking, enjoy your meal in a serene garden setting, providing a peaceful escape from the city.

Highlights:

• Hands-on preparation of classic Italian dishes
• Dining in a tranquil garden environment
• Small group setting for personalized attention(GetYourGuide)

📍 Location: Vezzano Ligure, a short drive from La Spezia(Cesarine)

🔗 Contact Emilia Delizia for booking

4. Pesto Workshop in Levanto

Travel to the coastal town of Levanto for an authentic pesto-making workshop. In a traditional laboratory, learn to prepare Genovese pesto using a mortar and pestle. The session concludes with a tasting of your homemade sauce paired with local wine and snacks.

Highlights:

• Instruction in traditional pesto preparation
• Tasting session with local wine and appetizers
• Opportunity to explore the charming town of Levanto

📍 Location: Levanto, accessible via train from La Spezia

🔗 Contact Emilia Delizia for booking

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

Delve into Lunigiana’s rich culinary traditions with a cooking class in Pontremoli. Gather wild herbs and learn to prepare “Torta d’Erbi,” a traditional herb pie. The session includes cooking with cast-iron pans and enjoying your dish in a rustic setting.

Highlights:

• Foraging for wild herbs
• Preparation of traditional Lunigianese dishes
• Dining in a rustic, authentic environment

📍 Location: Pontremoli, accessible by car from La Spezia

🔗 Contact Emilia Delizia for booking

Each of these experiences offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local culture and cuisine of the Liguria and Lunigiana regions. Whether you’re interested in mastering the art of pesto, exploring ancient cooking techniques, or enjoying a home-cooked Italian meal, these classes provide memorable and authentic culinary adventures. For more information or to reserve your spot, please reach out through Emilia Delizia’s contact page.