Umbria, very often referred to as the green heart of Italy, is not particularly known as a foodie paradise, overlooked in favor of the more famous Tuscany region. But I’m here to introduce you to the gastronomic side of Umbria, which is truly to die for and has nothing to envy its more popular neighbors.
Not only is it an incredible culinary destination, but I personally think Umbria is as beautiful as Tuscany… just less crowded. And I’m Italian!
The region boasts rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and picturesque villages, looking straight out of a fairytale book. And don’t even get me started on its cuisine! Or do, because that’s what you’re here for, right?
Umbrian local fare is drool-worthy, and so is its wine, the region being one of Italy’s oldest wine producers. And the most authentic, fun way to indulge in all the local specialties is by joining one of the many cooking classes in Umbria available.
They not only offer a memorable experience but skills you’ll be glad you’ve developed for the rest of your life, as it means you can continue eating Italian dishes long after the trip is over.
I’ve taken it upon myself to scout for the best-rated, top-notch tours available in the region to make your search much easier. Simply go through this list, take your pick, and know you’re in for a delicious time!
Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking a unique culinary adventure or a group looking to bond over food, you’ll find something suitable in these tours.
Why should you trust me? I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for ten years, and I’ve personally taken part in many cooking classes around the world. Plus, I’m Italian, so I’m very familiar with the local gastronomy and know exactly what to look for to make sure the classes offer an authentic, real experience.
I’ve used my special talent for identifying extraordinary activities, so you can expect only high-quality tours that offer excellent value and are worth your time.
I personally use Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours around the world. These are trusted online travel booking platforms, and I especially like their cancelation policy. For most activities, you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Not enough time? These are the ultimate tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Hands On Italian Cooking Class |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Pasta and Tiramisu Class |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR | Family Cooking Class |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Umbria
Ready to up your cooking game and chow down on some seriously delicious Italian cuisine? Look no further than this half-day Hands On Italian Cooking Class.
Led by a knowledgeable chef, this hands-on workshop will have you whipping up a four-course meal of authentic local fare. Craft fresh pasta from scratch for your first course, choosing between potato gnocchi, tagliatelle, and stuffed ravioli.
For the meat dish, you’ll prepare a delicious pork tenderloin, chicken alla cacciatora, or veal alla Perugiana. A starter and dessert are also on the menu, so you’ll learn the secrets behind tiramisu, crostata, or pear cake.
The best part? You get to sit down and savor all your hard work with a glass (or two) of wine from the estate. Buon appetito!
Why this tour? It’s set amidst the most beautiful countryside scenery, and introduces you to various Italian dishes – you’ll craft a four-course meal! You’ll prepare everything from mains to fresh pasta and dessert in one go, learning the specific cooking techniques of each, and enjoy them with generous servings of wine.
Read what the reviews say:
“A true working farmhouse and family home. Farm owner and chef Rappella couldn’t have been more charming, personable, and welcoming. We were really hands-on and the final results were just as amazing as the environment we cooked in. 6-stars easily!”
Bill_H – Read more reviews
This class includes: All ingredients, meals, a recipe book, and cooking class. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Class in Perugia
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn the secrets of Italy’s most famous dishes with this Perugia: Ravioli, Pasta and Tiramisu Class at a Local’s Home. Led by an expert home cook, you’ll whip up a delicious Italian feast in a welcoming home.
At the end, taste everything you’ve prepared around the table with a glass of local wine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this class is suitable for all ages. It’s a great way to learn new recipes, and impress your friends and family back home!
This cooking class in Umbria includes: Beverages, a cooking class, all ingredients, and food. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Class in Your Villa
Many people decide to rent a vacation villa in Umbria – if that’s your case, you wouldn’t want to move from there, right? Learn to cook classic Italian dishes in the comfort of your holiday home with the Cooking Class in Umbria in Any Location – At Your Private Villa!
Led by a private chef – who will come to you – the class includes everything from all the ingredients and utensils to the meal preparation and clean-up. No, you won’t have to deal with the dirty dishes!
Don an apron and delve into the creation of handmade pasta, chicken cacciatore, and tiramisu. The menu can be customized to suit your preferences and diet, though. After the lesson, sit down to a delicious meal featuring the dishes you’ve made.
This cooking class includes: An apron, a recipe book, a foodie certificate, a meal, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cooking Classes in the Umbrian Countryside
▶️ Head to the Umbrian countryside for a day of fresh Italian food with this Organic Cooking Class with a Sommelier in an Olive and Wine Farm.
The experience begins with a welcome coffee, and tastings of the farm’s award-winning olive oil and wine, followed by a tour of the cellars.
Then, roll up your sleeves and get to work in a fresh pasta cooking class. You’ll use ingredients picked from the garden to create dishes like homemade tagliatelle with meat ragout, spaghetti alla chitarra, and gnocchi.
The class is suitable for adults and children, with the option to request gluten-free alternatives.
After the class, cool down with a dip in the pool and savor the dishes you’ve prepared. It’s one of the most renowned cooking schools in Umbria, so you’ll be in good hands.
This class includes: Meals and beverages, all ingredients, and an experienced chef-teacher. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Traditional Umbrian Cooking Class in Farmhouse with Dinner is a half-day experience in the most picturesque setting, as you’ll learn to prepare local dishes in a local farmhouse near Assisi.
You’ll learn all the techniques to prepare homemade pasta from scratch, and be introduced in Umbrian cuisine as you make appetizers and desserts traditional to the region. At the end of the cooking lesson, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations, paired with a glass of local wine.
This cooking class includes: A guide, all ingredients, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Paciano: Organic Cooking Class at a Farm with Lunch & Wine introduces you to authentic Umbrian culture as you set foot in a local farmhouse for a tour. You’ll be welcomed with a cup of delicious, organic coffee, and enjoy an olive oil and wine tasting as you explore the farm and take in its glorious countryside views.
Then, you’ll learn to prepare pasta, various sauces, and tiramisu from your host, all of which you’ll then relish paired with local wines. It’s a farm to table experience cooked entirely by you, and which you can recreate at home with the recipes provided.
This class includes: A welcome coffee, a farm tour, a cooking class, all ingredients, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Family-Friendly Cooking Class in Umbria
This is a Family Cooking Class at an organic farm in Umbria, Italy, where participants can learn how to make classic Italian dishes. Think bruschetta, fresh pasta, and a sweet treat such as kid-friendly tiramisu without coffee.
Led by a host and instructor at the farm, the class includes a meal featuring the dishes prepared during the class, served with local wines for the adults. It’s a core memory experience for families that neither you or your children (hopefully!) will forget!
This cooking class includes: All ingredients for the class, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Cooking Class in Assisi
Experience a Pasta and Tiramisu class with Mamma in Assisi with a local Cesarina. An experienced home cook will introduce you to the secrets behind two classics: Pasta, and Tiramisu.
You’ll get to know each other over Aperitivo and snacks, and then dive into a hands-on experience.
Hone your cooking skills as you craft fresh pasta from scratch, learning the ingredient measurements and how to knead the dough. Then, prepare the sauces, and put together a sweet tiramisu.
At the end of the class, savor your creations paired with complimentary wine. Take home delicious memories, and perfect Italian recipes!
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, an aperitivo, an apron, and a meal with wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Pizza Making Class in Umbria
Pizza lovers also get their chance to shine with the Authentic Pizza Making Experience in Umbria. It’s a fun, hands-on workshop that will teach you all the secrets behind real Italian pizza in just a couple of hours.
A pizzaiolo will guide you as you knead, stretch, and shape your pizza dough using traditional techniques, and getting insights into the importance of the right fermentation and baking methods.
Add toppings to your pizza, and bake to perfection before enjoying it with Torcolo, an Umbrian dessert which you’ll also learn to make.
This class includes: A pizza class, all ingredients, and lunch or dinner with dessert. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
