In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii’s cooking classes offer travelers the perfect mix of hands-on cooking and ancient history.
Most classes keep groups small (8-12 people) and teach practical Italian cooking skills you can actually use back home. Three-hour sessions typically focus on pasta-making, regional sauces, and traditional Campanian sweets.
I’m especially fond of classes that combine market visits with cooking lessons – you’ll learn about local ingredients while rubbing shoulders with residents doing their daily shopping.
The best instructors are passionate local families who share generations-old recipes and techniques.
Bonus: Several top cooking schools include guided archaeological site visits, letting you experience both the ancient and culinary sides of Pompeii in one meaningful day.
Browse these recommended cooking experiences that bring Pompeii’s flavors to life:
Good To Know
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The 3-hour “Fresh Pasta and Campania Dessert” class offers an intimate experience for up to 10 participants, led by a local instructor and featuring scenic views.
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The 5-hour “Cooking and Guided Tour” experience combines traditional Italian meal preparation, including gnocchi, with a live tour guide providing insights into Pompeii’s history.
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The 4-hour “Cooking Class with Italian Mamma” offers a hands-on small-group experience focused on homemade pasta preparation with a wine pairing, set against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.
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The 3-hour “Cooking Class Fresh Pasta” class, led by a knowledgeable Cesarina, focuses on crafting fresh pasta and includes a menu with bruschetta, homemade pasta, and dessert.
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The 8-hour “Pompeii & Cooking Class from Naples” experience includes a 2-hour guided tour of the Pompeii ruins followed by a cooking class centered on handmade pasta and desserts with local wines.
Cooking Class in Pompeii and Tasting of Typical Products
The cooking class in Pompeii offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the region.
The 3-hour class, limited to just 10 people, covers the preparation of fresh pasta and a typical Campania dessert. Guests can enjoy the meal they’ve crafted while taking in views of Vesuvius and the Lattari mountains.
The class is led by local instructor Sabrina, whose mission is to safeguard and share the area’s culinary heritage. Priced from $73.72 per person, the class is wheelchair accessible and available in both English and Italian.
Participants can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Pompei : Cooking Class and Guided Tour With an Archeologist
Discover the ancient wonders of Pompeii through a captivating cooking class and guided tour with an archaeologist.
For $308.57 per person, you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Italian meal, including gnocchi, while also exploring the ruins of this historic city.
The 5-hour experience includes a live tour guide who’ll share insights into Pompeii’s daily life, customs, and artistic expressions. You’ll even skip the ticket line for entry to the ruins.
After the guided tour, head to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a meal featuring fresh pasta, appetizers, dessert, and wine.
Read our full review: Pompei : Cooking Class and Guided Tour With an Archeologist Review
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Cooking Class W/Italian Mamma From Pompei!
Enjoy the culinary traditions of Pompeii with a hands-on cooking class led by a local Italian mamma.
This 4-hour small-group experience, limited to 8 participants, will have you learning to make homemade pasta from scratch.
You’ll prepare fresh dough and fill it with delicious ingredients as you enjoy a glass of fine Italian wine.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, the class includes a live English-speaking guide and free shuttle from Pompeii.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, this engaging class promises an authentic taste of traditional Italian cuisine and culture.
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Pompei: Cooking Class Fresh Pasta
Nestled amid the historic ruins of Pompeii, a captivating 3-hour cooking class immerses participants in the art of crafting fresh pasta. Priced from $73.72 per person, this hands-on experience promises an intimate family atmosphere, where guests learn to make genuine dishes using garden-fresh produce.
Led by Sabrina, a knowledgeable Cesarina, the class includes preparing a menu of bruschetta, homemade pasta, and a traditional Campanian dessert, complemented by Gragnano wine.
With no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cooking class is an ideal way for a minimum of two people to discover the culinary traditions of the region.
Read our full review: Pompei: Cooking Class Fresh Pasta Review
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Pompeii & Cooking Class From Naples
Travelers seeking to uncover the captivating history of Pompeii can embark on an 8-hour guided experience that also includes an authentic cooking class in the Campania region.
This small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, provides roundtrip transportation from Naples, a 2-hour guided tour of the Pompeii ruins, and a hands-on cooking class led by a local “Mama.”
Guests will discover culinary traditions while preparing dishes like handmade pasta and desserts, accompanied by homemade wines and stories.
The experience includes entrance fees, food, drinks, and gratuities, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This immersive tour offers a unique blend of history and gastronomy.
Read our full review: Pompeii & Cooking Class From Naples Review
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Tour of Pompeii & Cooking Class on the Slopes of Mt Vesuvius
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the captivating ruins of Pompeii and explore the rich culinary traditions of the Campania region.
Led by an archaeologist, the 2.5-hour Pompeii tour immerses guests in the daily life and culture of the ancient city, before the 79 AD eruption.
Afterward, the 3-hour cooking class on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius teaches participants to prepare homemade pasta, Italian desserts, and bruschette with vegetables.
The vegetarian menu includes lunch, wine, and water, and emphasizes the flavors, traditions, and scents of the region.
With a limited group size of 10, this tour provides a personalized and immersive experience combining history and gastronomy.
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Pompeii & Cooking Class W/A Mama
Participants embark on a captivating 6-hour journey that combines the ancient wonders of Pompeii with an authentic Italian cooking experience.
They’ll explore the ruins with a licensed guide, discovering the lifestyle and myths of this once-thriving city. After admiring the well-preserved frescoes, they’ll head to a local home to learn the art of pasta-making from a Mama.
The group size is limited to 8, ensuring personalized attention. Priced from $94.78 to $105.32 per person, this activity includes round-trip transfers, cooking equipment, and entry fees.
Participants should note the restrictions – it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, and alcohol/drugs are prohibited during the activity.
Read our full review: Pompeii & Cooking Class W/A Mama Review
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The Sum Up
Pompeii offers a fantastic opportunity to experience authentic Italian cuisine and culture. Visitors can choose from a variety of cooking classes, ranging from hands-on pasta-making to learning traditional recipes from local mamas. These classes not only teach culinary skills but also provide a unique insight into the region’s history and traditions. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun activity, a cooking class in Pompeii is a must-do experience.