Fun Cooking Class, Let’s Make Lasagna! – Umbria

This review explores a charming culinary experience in Perugia, Italy, where you get to learn the art of homemade lasagna from an expert chef. The tour includes a visit to a scenic farmhouse, a private cooking session, and a delicious lunch featuring your own lasagna creation. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Italy’s culinary traditions and take home a taste of Umbrian hospitality.

One of the things we love about this experience is how it combines learning with fun—there’s no stiff classroom here. Instead, you get to roll up your sleeves in a warm, welcoming environment, guided by a knowledgeable chef who shares all their secrets. Plus, the inclusion of a farmhouse tour offers a glimpse into local life and ingredients that make Italian cooking so special.

However, a potential consideration is the price—at around $325 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity in the region. But for those who value authentic, hands-on cooking experiences coupled with a scenic setting, it could be worth the splurge. This tour suits foodies, couples, or small groups eager to deepen their culinary knowledge and enjoy a genuinely local experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Learning: You’ll gain practical skills in making homemade pasta and lasagna, guided by a private chef.
• Scenic Setting: The farmhouse near Assisi offers a charming backdrop, combining rural beauty with culinary tradition.
• All-Inclusive: Your fee covers ingredients, a cooking kit, and a delicious lunch of your own creation, with drinks included.
• Intimate Atmosphere: As a private activity, it’s ideal for small groups or couples seeking personalized attention.
• Cultural Insight: Beyond cooking, the farmhouse tour provides a glimpse into Umbrian farm life and local ingredients.
• Memorable Souvenir: Attendees receive a “mastro lasagna” certificate — a fun keepsake from your culinary adventure.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour begins at 9:30 am, meeting in Santa Maria degli Angeli, just outside Assisi. From there, you’ll head to a well-known farmhouse famed for its local produce and rustic charm. The drive itself sets a peaceful tone, with scenic views of Umbrian countryside. Once at the farmhouse, a guided tour introduces you to the property’s history, the ingredients used in your cooking, and the farm’s role in local gastronomy.

The main event is the private cooking lab, where a skilled chef takes you through every step of pasta making—from preparing the dough to assembling a traditional lasagna. This isn’t a quick demonstration. Expect to get your hands dirty—rolling, layering, and seasoning—under the chef’s watchful eye. The chef, whose expertise is clear, makes the process approachable, emphasizing techniques and ingredient choices that elevate your dish.

During the class, you’ll also learn about different preparations and condiments, giving you versatile skills to recreate similar dishes at home. The focus on genuine, homemade pasta ensures your lasagna will be far more flavorful than store-bought versions. The chef’s enthusiasm and patience create an engaging, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike.

Once the lasagna is assembled, you’ll sit down for a lunch featuring your dish alongside other Umbrian specialties. The meal includes drinks—likely local wines and possibly regional aperitifs—completing your taste of authentic Italy. Guests from recent reviews mention the deliciousness of the food, highlighting the quality of ingredients and expert preparation.

What Sets This Tour Apart

One reviewer noted, “We loved the cooking class. The right way to learn while having fun. They even give you a certificate—‘mastro lasagna’—as a lovely souvenir.” This touch of humor and pride reflects the enjoyable, informal vibe of the class. The opportunity to learn new skills, eat well, and take home a certificate makes the experience memorable.

Another guest appreciated the intimate nature of the tour, emphasizing how it felt like a personal lesson rather than a crowd spectacle. This makes it suitable for couples wanting a romantic, interactive experience or small groups seeking personalized attention.

Practical Details and Considerations

Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the farmhouse—either by car or taxi. The tour’s timing, starting at 9:30 am and lasting approximately five hours, allows for a relaxed pace, blending learning, sightseeing, and dining.

The price of $325.31 per person includes everything needed for the cooking session, the ingredients, and the meal. This might seem steep, but considering the personalized instruction, the scenic rural setting, and the delicious outcome, many find it offers good value. It’s a full immersive experience that combines culture, culinary skill, and genuine hospitality.

The activity is confirmed upon booking, with the understanding that cancellations are non-refundable. Given the small-group or private nature and the detailed engagement involved, this booking policy makes sense for both providers and guests.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for those genuinely interested in cooking, especially Italian cuisine. If you’re keen to learn how to make authentic lasagna from scratch, this class offers practical skills you can take home. It’s perfect for food lovers, couples celebrating a special trip, or friends wanting a memorable activity that’s both fun and educational.

It also appeals to travelers who enjoy rural settings and want a break from busy city sightseeing. The farmhouse visit adds an authentic touch, giving you insight into local life beyond the typical tourist trail. If you have a curiosity for regional ingredients and traditional cooking methods, this experience will deepen your appreciation for Umbrian cuisine.

However, keep in mind that the experience is tailored to small groups or private parties, making it less suited for large tour groups or solo travelers looking for a quick taste. If you prefer guided tours that focus more on sightseeing than hands-on participation, this might not be the perfect fit.

The Sum Up

For anyone seeking an authentic, hands-on introduction to Italian cooking, this lasagna-making class near Assisi offers a balance of culinary education, cultural insight, and delicious food. The setting in a cozy farmhouse enhances the experience, making it more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a genuine taste of Umbrian life.

The inclusion of a farmhouse tour and the opportunity to create and enjoy your own lasagna makes this experience stand out. Though it’s a higher price point, many guests view it as a worthwhile investment in their travel memories, especially given the personal attention and quality ingredients involved.

If you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply want a fun, meaningful activity during your trip to Italy, this class delivers. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate good food, authentic experiences, and a chance to learn new skills in a welcoming environment.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transfers are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the farmhouse near Assisi.

What is the starting time for the tour?
The experience begins at 9:30 am, allowing for a full morning of cooking, farm visit, and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately five hours, giving ample time for both the farm visit, cooking class, and meal.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided visit of the farmhouse, ingredients and cooking kit, the private cooking lesson, and a lunch with drinks.

Can I participate if I am a beginner cook?
Absolutely. The chef makes the process approachable, and the focus is on learning and having fun, regardless of skill level.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the hands-on nature, it’s best suited for those old enough to handle kitchen activities responsibly.

Can I get a certificate after the class?
Yes, participants receive a “mastro lasagna” certificate as a memorable souvenir of their cooking accomplishment.

This authentic, engaging, and delicious experience offers a genuine taste of Umbrian life and cuisine. Perfect for foodies and curious travelers alike, it’s a memorable way to deepen your connection to Italy’s culinary traditions.