Pasta & Basta

The Pasta & Basta tour in Sanremo, Italy, offers a warm, authentic culinary experience that combines learning, culture, and stunning views. Priced at $174.16 per person, this 2.5-hour class is ideal for anyone eager to master traditional Italian pasta recipes while seeing local life. Conducted in a small, private setting, the tour is led by Monica, a knowledgeable and friendly host who shares her family’s recipes and cultural insights. The experience culminates in a family-style al fresco lunch on a terrace overlooking the sea, making it a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Sanremo.

Because the class is hands-on, participants get to prepare three different types of pasta—tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi or orecchiette—each paired with a distinct sauce. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its high 5.0/5 rating from 104 reviews, with 99% recommending it. This is a fantastic choice for food lovers who want to bring home practical skills and enjoy a genuine Italian meal in a gorgeous setting. That said, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderately active, interactive experience and who appreciate small-group intimacy.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian pasta-making in a Sanremo home kitchen with expert guidance
• Hands-on experience preparing tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi/orecchiette
• Learn practical tips and cultural insights to recreate recipes at home
• Family-style lunch or dinner on a terrace with sea views
• Private experience with a small group, offering personalized attention
• Approximate duration of 2 hours 30 minutes, perfect for a relaxed yet engaging activity

Cooking in a Local Sanremo Apartment with Monica

The tour starts at Strada Privata Vallarino in Sanremo, where Monica welcomes your group into her home. The small, private setting ensures an intimate atmosphere, ideal for learning and interaction. Monica introduces the program and traditional recipes, emphasizing family heritage and historical context behind each dish. Each participant receives an apron and their own ingredients and workspace, allowing everyone to actively participate in the pasta creation process.

The focus on handmade pasta means that you will roll and shape each type yourself, gaining confidence in techniques that can be used back home. Monica’s approach includes sharing tips on making each dish a true culinary artwork and teaching Italian ingredient names, turning participants into pasta experts by the end of the session.

Making Tagliatelle, Ravioli, and Gnocco/Orecchiette from Scratch

During the class, Monica guides you through making three types of pasta: tagliatelle, ravioli, and either gnocchi or orecchiette, depending on the season. Each pasta type is paired with a distinct sauce, which Monica also helps prepare. The process is interactive and tactile—you knead, roll, cut, and fill—gaining confidence in creating fresh, homemade pasta.

The seasonal choice between gnocchi and orecchiette adds variety and reflects local culinary customs. Monica shares tricks and historical tidbits for each pasta style, helping you understand the significance of each dish and how to reproduce them confidently at home.

The Terrace Lunch with Sea Views

Once the pasta is ready, the group moves to the terrace overlooking the sea for the family-style lunch or dinner. This convivial setting enhances the experience, letting everyone enjoy the fruits of their labor in a relaxed, scenic environment. The sea view provides an impressive backdrop to the meal, making the dining experience feel special.

The lunch includes the handmade pasta prepared during the class, served with local sauces. Monica’s attention to detail, paired with the sea breeze and informal, friendly atmosphere, makes for a satisfying conclusion. The meal is rounded out with authentic Italian coffee and additional local tips.

Monica’s Personal Teaching Style and Atmosphere

Monica is praised repeatedly for her warmth, humor, and passion for pasta-making. Reviewers highlight her knowledgeable and engaging teaching style, which makes the experience both fun and educational. She shares stories about her family and explains cooking techniques with clarity, making complex processes accessible.

Many reviews mention the welcoming environment and how Monica’s humor and cultural stories enrich the experience, turning a cooking class into a personal connection with Italian culinary traditions. The small group size allows for personalized attention, and the homey setting makes everyone feel comfortable and involved.

Logistics and Scheduling

The tour departs from Strada Privata Vallarino in Sanremo and ends back at the same point. It is a private activity, ensuring exclusivity for your group. The mobile ticket makes for easy access, and the tour typically requires booking about 23 days in advance.

The experience is bookable with free cancellation up to 24 hours before start, providing flexibility in planning. The duration of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes makes it a manageable activity without taking up an entire day, ideal for fitting into a broader sightseeing schedule.

The Value and Pricing of the Tour

At $174.16 per person, this experience offers hands-on cooking instruction, a personalized atmosphere, and a scenic sea-view lunch. Reviews consistently highlight excellent value for both the quality of instruction and the delicious meal. The tour’s high rating and frequent recommendations suggest it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in authentic Italian cuisine.

The small group size and personal interaction with Monica are additional benefits that enhance the overall value, making this more than just a cooking lesson but an authentic cultural exchange.

Why This Tour Excels and Who Will Love It

The tour’s main appeal lies in its interactive, authentic approach to pasta making, guided by a knowledgeable local host. The beautiful setting on the terrace overlooking the sea adds to the charm, while the practical tips ensure that skills learned can be recreated at home.

Reviewers consistently praise Monica’s warmth, humor, and storytelling, which make the experience especially memorable. This tour is ideal for food lovers, families, couples, and anyone eager to learn genuine Italian recipes in a relaxed, scenic environment.

While it’s primarily suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities and interactive learning, it may not be the best fit for travelers seeking a self-guided or passive experience. Also, as the class involves active participation, those with mobility issues should consider the physical aspects of shaping pasta.

Pasta & Basta: A Memorable Taste of Italy in Sanremo

The Pasta & Basta tour delivers an authentic Italian cooking experience that combines culinary skills, culture, and breathtaking views. Led by Monica, a host renowned for her warmth and expertise, participants gain practical skills in making three classic pasta dishes and enjoy a sea-view meal that rounds out the experience beautifully.

This tour stands out for its personalized approach, small-group atmosphere, and scenic setting. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who values interactive learning and genuine local flavor. While the price reflects the high quality and intimacy, review scores confirm it’s a worthwhile investment in a memorable culinary adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, Monica’s teaching style is friendly and clear, making it accessible even for those new to pasta making. The focus is on practical skills and having fun.

What types of pasta will I learn to make?
Participants prepare tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi or orecchiette, each with its own sauce. The seasonal selection between gnocchi and orecchiette varies.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexible planning.

What’s included in the experience?
Participants receive hands-on instruction, ingredients, an apron, and enjoy a family-style al fresco lunch or dinner on the terrace with views of the sea.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, the tour is private, with only your group participating, ensuring a personalized, intimate environment.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Yes, the interactive nature and engaging host make it suitable for families and groups of friends looking for a fun, authentic activity.