Escape the Tourist Traps: Cook Like a Local in Italy’s Hidden Gems
Summer may be over, but Italy’s charms are far from fading. In fact, autumn is arguably the perfect season to explore — fewer crowds, gentler weather, and a more authentic experience. For travellers seeking a deeper connection with local culture, far from the typical tourist throngs, Cesarine — Italy’s oldest network of home cooks — offers intimate culinary experiences in two of the country’s most breathtaking regions: Liguria and Lombardy.
Cesarine’s experiences are authentic, crowd-free, and deeply local — the ideal antidote to the hustle of traditional tourism. Classes take place in private homes or unique heritage locations, curated to immerse you in culture, genuine hospitality, and the art of storytelling through food.
Liguria: The Hidden Tastes of the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera
In the iconic yet often overcrowded Cinque Terre, Barbara in Riomaggiore offers a chance to discover the true soul of the region. Nestled on cliffside terraces with panoramic sea views, her home is the perfect backdrop for a 3-recipe cooking class, where you’ll prepare traditional Gnocchi, local meatballs (“Tomaxelle”), and Tiramisù infused with Sciacchetrà wine. It’s a multisensory experience combining food, storytelling, and scenery — all in one unforgettable moment. Watch the video of Barbara’s stunning location in Riomaggiore.
Nearby in Manarola, sommelier and pesto expert Ivonne leads guests on a tasting journey through local wines and vineyards. Stroll through cliffside plots, indulge in cheeses paired with Sciacchetrà, and learn the meditative art of pesto-making with a mortar and pestle.
📍 Experience it here
In Genoa, step back in time with Tiziana at the historic Villa Serra di Comago, where you can make fresh Ligurian pesto in an 18th-century kitchen or beneath the trees of an English-style garden estate.
Round off your Riviera adventure with a refined aperitivo overlooking Portofino at the magnificent Villa San Giacomo in Santa Margherita Ligure. Sip local wines and enjoy focaccia and pesto in an exclusive seaside villa adorned with frescoes and Italian gardens — the very definition of la dolce vita.
Lake Como: Authentic Flavours with a View
Head north to Lake Como, where Monica — a writer and food activist — welcomes guests into her elegant home just steps from the water. Her class focuses on fresh ravioli with local herbs and cheeses, accompanied by lively conversation about local artists, anti-waste cooking, and the region’s culinary heritage.
📍 Discover her class
In Bellano, on the lake’s eastern shore, Patrizia — a painter and gardener — shares recipes passed down through generations, from buckwheat pizzoccheri to crispy sciatt. Her lakeside garden kitchen, complete with a wood-fired stove, offers a timeless escape where guests dine outdoors under the stars.
Travellers can book these experiences now at www.cesarine.com. For more inspiration, watch the video and follow @cesarine__ on Instagram.
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