Shopping in Asti revolves around what this Italian city does best – food, wine, and local crafts. The most rewarding experiences combine market visits with hands-on cooking. Small-group market tours are practical and affordable, typically lasting 2-3 hours. My favorite option pairs a morning market walk with cooking at a local’s home – it’s intimate and authentic. The sustainable farm tours are also terrific, offering both foraging and cooking components in a beautiful countryside setting.
These food-focused excursions work well for both serious cooks and curious travelers. You’ll learn about selecting seasonal ingredients while mixing with locals at bustling market stalls. The home-cooking classes, particularly those with Cesarine hosts, provide a genuine peek into everyday Italian life.
Let’s explore the top shopping and culinary tours worth your time in Asti.
Good To Know
- The traditional Italian cooking class in Piedmont & Liguria offers an immersive foraging and cooking experience with 5-star ratings.
- The Cesarine market tour and cooking class in Asti provides a guided market exploration, hands-on cooking, and a 3-course meal for €189 per person.
- The “Name Your Recipe” workshop in Asti includes a private market tour, cooking of a main course and dessert, and wine tasting.
- The small group market tour and cooking class in Asti costs $160.06 per person and includes a local market exploration, pasta making, and tiramisu preparation.
- The local market tour and dining experience in Asti offers a guided market exploration followed by a traditional four-course dinner with local wines, starting from €139 per person.
Traditional Italian Cooking Class on a Sustainable Farm Using Foraged Wild Herbs
The traditional Italian cooking class on a sustainable farm in Piedmont & Liguria, Italy, offers an immersive experience in local culture and cuisine.
Led by master herbologist Viviana, the class focuses on foraging for wild herbs and preparing traditional Italian recipes. Participants will tour the farm, collect ingredients, and learn to make 2-3 dishes, such as homemade pasta alla chitarra or gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and wild herbs.
The class typically lasts 4-7 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy Italian hospitality and share a meal with the host. Participants will also receive seeds to plant at home, extending the experience.
With a perfect 5.0-star rating, this unique cooking class promises an engaging and sustainable culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Traditional Italian Cooking Class on a Sustainable Farm Using Foraged Wild Herbs Review
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Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Locals Home in Asti
Embarking on a Cesarine-led market tour and cooking class in Asti, Italy, offers a chance to take in the local culture and cuisine.
For €189 per person, the experience includes a private guided market tour, a hands-on cooking class, and a 3-course meal featuring seasonal starters, fresh pasta, and traditional desserts, along with beverages.
The tour starts and ends in Asti, with the exact meeting point provided after booking for privacy. This private activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but is conveniently located near public transportation.
Based on 3 reviews, the experience has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, with praise for the hosts and the quality of the food.
Read our full review: Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Locals Home in Asti Review
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Name Your Recipe: Food Market Tour and Workshop With a Cesarina in Asti
Discover the essence of Asti’s local cuisine through a captivating food market tour and hands-on cooking workshop with a skilled Cesarina.
This private experience allows you to select up to five seasonal ingredients from the market before preparing a main course and dessert in the Cesarina’s home.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a tasting session paired with Italian wines.
Though the experience has received a single negative review citing issues with availability and refunds, it promises an immersive opportunity to connect with Asti’s culinary traditions.
The tour includes a private market guide, cooking class, and tastings, making it a unique way to discover the flavors of this northern Italian region.
Read our full review: Name Your Recipe: Food Market Tour and Workshop With a Cesarina in Asti Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Asti
Cesarine’s small-group market tour and cooking class in Asti offers travelers an immersive culinary experience that delves into the region’s gastronomic heritage.
For $160.06 per person, participants can explore a local market, learn to make iconic pasta, and prepare the famous tiramisu. The experience includes an Italian aperitivo, an official Cesarine apron, and all fees and taxes.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the intimate class takes place near public transportation and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve the experience now and pay later, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Asti Review
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Local Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Asti
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Asti can enjoy a local market tour and dining experience in a private home.
This guided tour allows visitors to explore Asti’s culinary culture with a local expert. Guests will stroll through the market, learning about seasonal specialties, then watch as their host prepares a traditional four-course meal.
The menu may include a starter, fresh pasta, a main course with a side, and a typical dessert. This private experience includes local wines, water, and coffee.
Priced from €139 per person, it’s a chance to connect with the community and savor Asti’s flavors. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Read our full review: Local Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Asti Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Asti
Asti’s vibrant market provides the backdrop for a small group culinary journey that culminates in a delightful 3-course meal at a Cesarina’s home.
Guests can share their passion for Italian cuisine with up to 12 travelers as they explore the local market and learn about the region’s ingredients.
The meal includes a starter, pasta, and Tiramisu, accompanied by water, wines, and coffee.
Participants receive an official Cesarine shopping bag and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
Priced from $117.09 per person, this experience offers confirmation at booking, free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Asti Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for the tours is typically casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear shoes suitable for walking and dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. No formal attire is required.
Can the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tours can accommodate dietary restrictions. Most tour operators are happy to cater to guests’ needs, whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary requirements. Guests should inform the operator in advance to ensure their needs are met.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are wheelchair accessible, with staff able to assist guests and ensure a comfortable experience. Accommodations can be made for visitors with mobility challenges, ensuring everyone can fully participate in the shopping excursions.
What Is the Average Group Size for the Tours?
The average group size for the shopping tours typically ranges from 8 to 15 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. The tour operators aim to keep the groups small to ensure attentive guidance and flexibility throughout the excursion.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping During the Tours?
The typical shopping tour allocates around 2-3 hours for dedicated shopping time, allowing participants to browse and purchase items from local shops and markets at their own pace. Tour durations can vary, but this dedicated shopping period is a key component.
The Sum Up
Asti offers a variety of immersive culinary experiences for visitors. From traditional cooking classes on sustainable farms to market tours and dining experiences in locals’ homes, there are numerous options to explore the region’s rich food culture. These tours provide an authentic glimpse into Italian traditions and allow participants to connect with the local community. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to experience the true flavors of Asti, these tours are a great way to do so.