Perugia’s best shopping tours center on food – and that’s a wonderful thing. The city’s market tours and cooking experiences offer real value and authentic connections with locals. I especially love the organic cooking classes at family-run olive farms, where you’ll learn traditional recipes handed down through generations. The small-group market tours ending with lunch in a local’s home are particularly special – you’ll feel like family by dessert. For serious food lovers, the private market tours with cooking demonstrations are worth the splurge.
Want to experience Perugia’s food scene like a local? Check out these top food-focused tours:
Good To Know
- Explore Perugia’s local markets with a private cooking class experience that showcases authentic Perugian cuisine and culinary traditions.
- Enjoy a farm-to-table tour in Bevagna, where you can visit local food producers and savor a delightful lunch at a farmhouse.
- Enjoy the local culture through a small-group market tour and 3-course meal in a Cesarina’s home in Spoleto.
- Discover the art of fresh pasta making and enjoy olive oil and wine tastings at an organic cooking class in Umbria’s Il Fontanaro farm.
- Set out on a private culinary experience in Spoleto, including a guided market tour, cooking demonstration, and a 4-course meal with regional wines.
Organic Cooking Class With a Sommelier in an Olive and Wine Farm
An organic cooking class with a sommelier awaits visitors at the picturesque Il Fontanaro, an olive and wine farm nestled in the Umbrian countryside.
The class, which boasts 44 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, offers a hands-on experience in making fresh pasta using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can expect a delightful menu that includes a starter of frisella with tomatoes and basil, followed by homemade tagliatelle, spaghetti, or gnocchi.
The experience also includes olive oil and wine tastings, a cellar tour, and a kid-friendly tiramisu dessert. With a maximum of 12 travelers, this family-friendly activity promises an authentic taste of Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Read our full review: Organic Cooking Class With a Sommelier in an Olive and Wine Farm Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Spoleto
Travelers seeking an authentic Umbrian dining experience can enjoy a small group market tour and 3-course meal at a local Cesarina’s home in Spoleto.
The tour includes exploring the local market to source fresh ingredients, learning Umbrian cooking tips, and interacting with hosts Claudia and Francesco.
The 3-course meal features a starter, pasta, and Tiramisu, complemented by regional wines.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience provides personalized attention.
Guests have praised the authenticity, hospitality, and culture of this Michelin-worthy offering.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Spoleto Review
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Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Spoleto
This private market tour, lunch or dinner, and cooking demonstration in Spoleto, Italy provides a unique opportunity to take in the local culinary culture.
The experience includes a guided tour of the private market, where guests can shop for fresh, local ingredients.
A cooking demonstration follows, where the host prepares a dish in front of the group.
The experience concludes with a 4-course meal, including wine, beverages, and coffee.
While the experience is private and tailored to dietary requirements, it’s not wheelchair accessible.
However, it’s near public transportation and most travelers can participate, as only the group will be involved.
Read our full review: Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Spoleto Review
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Bevagna Farm to Table & Tasting Experience L Small Group Tour
The Bevagna Farm to Table & Tasting Experience is a small group tour that offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the local culinary culture of Perugia, Italy.
The tour includes visits to three local food producers, a lunch at a farmhouse, and tastings of local wines and other alcoholic beverages.
With a maximum of eight participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour departs from the Greenways Italy Tours office in Torre del Colle, where guests can find ample free parking.
This 5-star rated tour is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich gastronomic offerings of the Perugia region.
Read our full review: Bevagna Farm to Table & Tasting Experience L Small Group Tour Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Gubbio
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in the charming town of Gubbio, the Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class offers a tantalizing opportunity.
This 1-day activity includes a local market tour and the preparation of iconic Italian dishes, including pasta and tiramisu.
With a maximum group size of 12, you will learn from a certified “Cesarine” and enjoy an Italian aperitivo and tasting session with the prepared meals, wine, and coffee.
The experience is priced from $139.82 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and is rated 5.0 out of 5 based on one authentic review.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Gubbio Review
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Local Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Perugia
Perugia’s culinary heritage comes alive through a captivating Local Market Tour and Dining Experience, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the city’s vibrant food culture.
The tour begins with a visit to a local market, where participants gather ingredients for a four-course meal.
Back at a local host’s home, they learn to cook four authentic regional dishes, including fresh pasta, seasonal starters, and Umbrian specialties for dessert.
The meal is accompanied by local wines, providing a truly authentic dining experience.
While past feedback indicates some issues with market closures and dish repetition, the overall experience promises an intimate exploration of Perugia’s gastronomic traditions.
Read our full review: Local Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Perugia Review
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Transfer to Brunello Cucinelli Outlet Store and Return
Travelers seeking a fashionable shopping experience can take advantage of the round-trip transfer from their hotel to the Brunello Cucinelli outlet store in Solomeo.
The transfer, operated by ARTexplorer Italy, allows a maximum 3-hour stop at the outlet. Priced from $206.50 per person, the transfer is subject to availability and confirmation within 48 hours of booking.
Pickup points can be selected, with the drop-off point being the Brunello Cucinelli outlet in Solomeo. This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Most travelers can participate, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Transfer to Brunello Cucinelli Outlet Store and Return Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Todi
Those seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Todi can enjoy a small group market tour and dining experience at a Cesarina’s home.
The tour includes a 3-course meal with a starter, pasta, and Tiramisu, as well as beverages like water, wines, and coffee.
The market tour provides an opportunity to share a passion for Italian cuisine with other guests, with a maximum of 12 travelers per tour. A shopping bag is provided, and the experience is priced from $117.23 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The meeting point is in Todi, near public transportation but not wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Todi Review
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Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Perugia
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Perugia, a local market visit and private cooking class at a Cesarina’s home offers an opportunity to explore the heart of the city’s vibrant food culture.
The private tour includes a visit to the local market and food shops, followed by a hands-on cooking class where guests learn to prepare famous Perugian dishes.
The menu features a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, and a typical dessert, all enjoyed with local wines.
This personalized experience in a local’s home ensures an authentic glimpse into Perugia’s gastronomic traditions.
Priced at $203.28 per person, the class is a flexible option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Perugia Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Todi
Enjoy the vibrant food culture of Todi, Perugia, with a small-group market tour and cooking class.
You’ll start with an Italian aperitivo – Prosecco and nibbles – before exploring the local market.
Then, learn to make iconic Italian dishes, including pasta and tiramisu, under the guidance of a “Cesarine” chef.
The 5-hour experience includes a tasting session with wine, beverages, and coffee.
At the end, you’ll receive an official apron as a memento.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this intimate class provides a hands-on introduction to authentic Italian cuisine.
The experience ends back at the meeting point, leaving you with new culinary skills and appreciation for Todi’s food heritage.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Todi Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Age Restrictions for the Tours?
The shopping tours typically don’t have age restrictions, but some activities on the tour may have minimum age requirements. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details on any age limitations.
Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?
Many tour providers can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests should let the tour operator know of any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences when booking to ensure their needs are met during the tour.
What Is the Policy for Cancellations and Refunds?
The tour company’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 7 days before the tour date. Within 7 days, a 50% refund is available. Refunds can be requested for dietary or other accommodation needs that cannot be met.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are wheelchair accessible, with guides accommodating guests’ mobility needs. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility arrangements when booking to ensure the tour meets their requirements.
Can the Tours Be Customized for Private Groups?
Many tour companies offer customized shopping tours for private groups in Perugia. Clients can work with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary, duration, and activities to meet the specific needs and interests of their group.
The Sum Up
Perugia offers a variety of exciting shopping tours, from cooking classes on olive and wine farms to market tours and dining experiences in charming towns like Spoleto, Bevagna, Gubbio, Todi, and Perugia itself. Whether you’re interested in farm-to-table tastings, private cooking demos, or outlet shopping, these tours provide an immersive and authentic way to explore the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.