market tour with cooking class

Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class

This is the ultimate Atlanta food experience and you won’t want to miss it. In just two hours , you will try 9 delicious tastings from 5 vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market and become Southern cooks with a hands-on Atlanta cooking class .

You’ll learn fascinating Atlanta history and get a close look at Southern cooking and Georgia’s most famous foods, including peaches, collards, and pecans. And, you will love learning how to make the perfect Southern biscuit in our Atlanta cooking class.

Beat the heat and the rain in this indoor food experience through Atlanta’s most historic market, rated one of the top 10 markets in the country by USA Today.

This tour is perfect for the entire family, with limited walking, enough delicious food for a hearty lunch, and a hands-on experience. Bring everyone from kids to grandparents on this tour!

And, at only two hours, you can squeeze this in before or after a trip to the Georgia Aquarium. The Market is located directly on the Atlanta Streetcar line, conveniently located between Centennial Olympic Park and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District.

Take advantage of our exclusive restaurant partners to get a taste of the best food in the city. You won’t have to worry because Unexpected Atlanta is the #1 rated tour company in the city of Atlanta with more than 2,400 reviews and 8 years in business.

Food Tastings Include:

Panbury’s Meat Pies

Jikssa Ethiopian Cuisine

Metro Deli Soul Food

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Miss D’s Pralines and Popcorn

*Tastings may be subject to change.

Tour Details

$70 adults and children age 4 and up.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am; most Saturdays at 12:30 pm

What’s included:

9 food tastings from 5 vendors (enough for lunch); a hands-on Southern biscuit class; an awesome and informative guide; take-home recipe card

Food restrictions:

Due to the nature of classic Southern biscuits, we don’t recommend making dairy-free or gluten-free biscuits for the class. However, we can accommodate food restrictions and allergies on this tour and class as long as we know about them in advance.

Booking deadline:

9:00 a.m. on the day of the tour

10 people maximum; for private tour inquries with larger groups, please inquire here.

What to wear:

Comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes

What to bring:

Cash for gratuities for your guide and souvenirs

Weather conditions:

Tour takes place rain or shine. It’s almost entirely indoors.

0.2 miles, almost entirely indoors!

Parking is an additional cost for this experience. We recommend utilizing public transportation because the Atlanta Streetcar ($1 per ride) stops directly in front of the Curb Market.

Meeting point:

Just outside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Details provided once tickets are purchased.

Highlights Include:

• Insider’s look at four of the Municipal Market’s best restaurants, with a variety of cuisines
• Entertaining and informative stories of Atlanta’s oldest market
• Mouth-watering tastes with a focus on hyper-local ingredients and minority owned businesses
• Hands-on Southern biscuit making class with local jam
• Discovering the history of biscuits and bread-making
• Perfect for the entire family and only 2 hours long

Looking for a foodie gift? Try an Atlanta food tour or Atlanta cooking class.

Frequently asked questions about atlanta food tours, about the food, what exactly is a food tour.

Our food tours of Atlanta combine history, delicious food, and street art. It mashes together a great meal with sightseeing and history.

This cooking class and market tour is a completely unique experience!

Do you offer vegetarian options?

Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian guests for the Curb Market Tour + Biscuit Class. Simply note your food restriction in the booking notes.

Do you offer gluten-free options?

What are the menu items (spoilers).

Don’t read this if you want to be surprised!

Generally, our tastings include the following (subject to change):

• Jikssa Ethiopian: Gomen and injera bread
• Metro Deli Soul Food: Hoecakes, collards, yams
• Panbury’s: Steak and Stout meat pie
• Cooking class: Buttermilk biscuit and Emily G’s peach marmalade
• Miss D’s: Pecan praline

For vegetarians, tastings may be (subject to change):

• Panbury’s: Spinach and feta pie
• Cooking class: Buttermilk biscuit, Emily G’s peach marmalade

Does this Atlanta food tour include an urban food hall?

Yes! The Historic Market Tour + Biscuit Cooking Class takes place completely indoors in the Sweet Auburn/Municipal Market, Atlanta’s oldest urban food hall and market.

How much food is on an Atlanta food tour?

The food provided is enough for a hearty lunch or brunch.

Can I change the food options during the Atlanta food tours?

All food is pre-ordered so you may not change options during the tour.

I have a severe food allergy.

Please let us know about severe food allergies.  Our guides also carry Benadryl but do not carry epi-pens.

Can my children participate in this tour?

Yes! Children love this fun experience, which gives them a true taste of Southern cooking. We generally recommend that children be at least 5 years old in order to fully participate in the Atlanta cooking class.

Is there a tour minimum?

Yes, Unexpected Atlanta reserves the right to cancel tours at any time if the 2 person minimum has not been met. In this event Unexpected Atlanta will reach out to guests to resolve issues with any affected reservations.

What type of history is included on the food tours of Atlanta?

The Historic Market Tour + Biscuit Cooking Class covers the history of bread, from 1600s to the 1900s, plus the history of the Curb Market and how it relates to Atlanta.

Is the cooking class messy?

Not at all! There’s a bit of flour and butter to handle, but most guests find that no flour ends up on their clothing, and it’s easy to brush off. If you are concerned, we have aprons available for guests.

I am interested in the Civil Rights Movement. Is that on this tour?

We mention the Civil Rights Movement briefly. But, if you want to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. or the Civil Rights Movement, we recommend our  King Historic District Tour.

How close is the Atlanta food tour to other attractions?

The Municipal Market is very close to many downtown attractions and is along the Atlanta Streetcar Route. It is an easy trip on the Streetcar to the World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Eastside Beltline Trail, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park.

I am interested in a private tour or experience for a corporate event.

Wonderful! Contact us here.  We will help you organize your private tours.

How long is the walk?

0.2 miles, almost all indoors! You will be standing for at least an hour.

Are the Atlanta food tours wheelchair accessible?

The tour is not ADA accessible. If you are a wheelchair user, we’ll do our best to accomodate you. Please let us know if you will be bringing a wheelchair.

Will the food tours of Atlanta run in the rain?

Aboslutely! This tour is held completely indoors.

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Farmer’s Market Tour & Cooking Class

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3 Hours
• Users Tour Size: Accommodates up to 12

Location:  Parking directions and location will be provided after booking

Food We can accommodate vegetarians/pescatarians on our food tour.  We can no longer accommodate gluten free or vegan requests.

Learn How to Cook Like a Chef

Join our local chefs for a lively walk through Gettysburg’s Farmers’ Market, where they take you through the market and show you how to shop like a chef. You’ll never look at fresh produce the same! Then, we move on to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class where the chef teaches you how to turn the bounty from the market into creative and delicious dishes, paired with local wines. The menus are created based on seasonal ingredients, all 100% delicious and fun to prepare.

You enjoy a relaxed downtown experience filled with inspiration, chef’s tips, great food paired with local wine all while developing newly taught skills and techniques.

The limited group size of eight guests per class makes the Gettysburg food tour intimate and gives you a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the whole Gettysburg food experience while developing newly taught skills and techniques. Our itineraries are designed for a more personal and rich experience, so you walk away feeling inspired and ready to create dishes in your own kitchen.

2024 Featured Chefs

• Chevron down Executive Chef of Food 101, Corey Williams - July 13, 2024 and August 10, 2024

Corey is a Gettysburg native, born and raised. He started his career at the young age of 14, washing dishes in a local restaurant. Over the following 18 years he quickly moved up through the restaurant ranks. Currently Corey is the Executive Chef of Gettysburg’s premier scratch kitchen, Food 101. There he blends seasonal ingredients and unique flavors to create an exciting and always evolving menu. Corey offers a unique approach to food, utilizing ingredients organically and freely to create exciting new dishes.

Corey’s higher education was obtained at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  There he studied fine art, specifically furniture design and sculpture.  He applies his design knowledge to every new dish he creates. ​

• Chevron down Executive Chef of Food 101, Corey Williams! - July 15, 2023 and August 5, 2023.
• Chevron down Executive Chef Fabio Carella

In addition to catering weddings, corporate, and private events, he teaches cooking classes through the Adam’s County Arts Council and PA Conservancy. Fabio is passionate about his cooking, and through his creativity and presentation…it shows.

• Chevron down Executive Chef Fabio Carella - May 29, 2021
• Chevron down Chef Jennifer Boger - August 7, 2021

Additional Info

• Chevron down What to Wear

Our tours run rain or shine, so please make sure to check the weather report for the day of the tour and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.

Participants will be on their feet and outdoors for the Farmer’s Market portion and inside for the cooking at the Adams County Arts Council, so please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

• Chevron down What to Bring

Please bring your government-issued photo ID to participate in the alcoholic beverage tasting.

Please bring your electronic ticket or have it available on your phone as you will be required to show it to the Tour Guide.

• Chevron down Directions and Parking

A parking garage is available off York Street to Stratton Street on Race Horse Alley located directly behind the Gettysburg Hotel for $.75 per hour.

• Chevron down Other Tips and Guidelines

Saturdays in downtown Gettysburg can be busy, so please give yourself plenty of time to park and arrive on time.

Tours run rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Tours are limited to eight participants and typically sell out in advance. (a minimum of 4 guests need to be registered to hold the class)

All food and drink tastings and tour of the market are included in the ticket price.

Gratuity for your tour guide/chef is not included in the ticket price but is always greatly appreciated.

​Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled as space has been reserved.

Hands-on cooking class held at the Adams County Arts Council on Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA

Related Tours

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• Users Accommodates up to 12
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Historic Downtown Food Tour

Enjoy Gettysburg in a whole new way as we eat our way through the most delicious and historic neighborhoods.

Nishiki Market Food Tour With Cooking Class

• Cooking Classes , Food & Drink , Food Tours , Kyoto , Tour Reviews

The Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class is a must-try experience for food lovers visiting Kyoto, Japan .

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you will embark on a guided stroll through the bustling Nishiki Market, discovering fresh ingredients and learning about Japanese cuisine.

Afterward, they can put their culinary skills to the test in a hands-on cooking class, creating their own delicious donburi meal.

With rave reviews and a promise of an enriching experience, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Japanese culture.

Quick Takeaways

• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today
• Cook a donburi (bowl) meal with fresh ingredients from the market
• Private tour allows for personalized experience and pace

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

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Ticket Details

The ticket details for the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing for flexible travel plans.

This means that travelers can book their spot on the tour without having to pay upfront, giving them the freedom to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour itself offers a unique opportunity for market exploration and learning about traditional cooking techniques . Participants will be guided through the bustling Nishiki Market by a fluent English-speaking local Japanese guide, who’ll provide insights into the various ingredients and answer any questions.

After the market tour, you will have the chance to cook their own donburi meal using fresh ingredients sourced from the market.

With the option to try different types of sake and taste Japanese pickles along the way, this tour promises an immersive and delicious culinary experience.

Experience Highlights

During the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class, participants can explore the bustling market with a fluent English local Japanese guide and cook their own donburi meal using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. This unique experience offers a combination of culture, culinary education , and hands-on cooking.

Here are some highlights of the tour:

• Tour Nishiki Market with a knowledgeable guide
• Cook a delicious donburi meal using market-fresh ingredients
• Optional sake tasting to enhance the culinary experience
• Enjoy free Japanese pickles tastings throughout the tour

Not only will participants have the opportunity to learn about the different types of donburi and their ingredients, but they’ll also get to taste and savor their own creations. The sake tasting adds an extra element of enjoyment and cultural exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this cooking class is a fantastic way to learn about donburi cooking and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Nishiki Market.

Full Description

Participants on the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class can explore the bustling market with a knowledgeable guide and engage in a hands-on cooking experience. This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the local food culture and learn traditional Japanese recipes.

The tour begins with a guided stroll through Nishiki Market, where participants can ask questions about unfamiliar foods to their guide and shop staff. Afterward, they’ll head to the cooking studio to prepare their own donburi meal using fresh ingredients from the market. There are three options to choose from: Kaisen-don ( seafood ), Ten-don ( tempura ), or Oyako-don (chicken & egg).

With a private tour setting, participants can enjoy a personalized experience and set their own pace. This experience is perfect for foodies and those who want to bring a taste of Japan back home.

Included in the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class is the tasting of free Japanese pickles. This tour offers a variety of inclusions that will make your experience enjoyable and memorable.

Here is what you can expect:

• Ingredients included : You’ll have access to all the necessary ingredients to cook your own donburi meal. Whether you choose Kaisen-don ( seafood ), Ten-don ( tempura ), or Oyako-don (chicken & egg), you can rest assured that all the fresh ingredients will be provided.
• Sample food tasting : As you explore Nishiki Market with your local Japanese guide, you’ll have the opportunity to try various types of food. From street snacks to local delicacies, this tour allows you to indulge in the flavors of Kyoto.
• Recipe : Along With the ingredients, you’ll also receive a recipe that you can take home with you. This way, you can recreate the delicious donburi meal in your own kitchen.
• Taxi cost from market to studio: To ensure a seamless experience, the cost of the taxi ride from the market to the cooking studio is included. This means that you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about transportation.

With these inclusions, the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class promises to be a delightful culinary adventure that will leave you satisfied and inspired.

Booking Details

The booking details for the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class include information on the number of participants, the date of the tour, and the meeting point. To reserve a spot, participants can choose the date that suits them best, subject to availability. Once the date is confirmed, they’ll need to meet at the western side entrance of Nishiki Market.

This meeting point is easy to locate, and you will receive clear directions on how to get there. It’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a prompt start to the tour.

Customer Reviews

as participants have all the necessary booking details, customer reviews for the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class highlight the exceptional experience and personalized attention from the guides and cooking teachers. Here are some key points from the reviews:

• Guide: Customers consistently rate the guides with a perfect score of 5/5. They praise their knowledge, fluency in English , and their ability to answer questions about unfamiliar foods and engage with both adults and children.
• Value for Money: With a rating of 4.4/5, customers feel that the tour offers good value for the price. They appreciate the inclusion of ingredients, recipe, sample food tastings , and even the taxi cost from the market to the studio.
• Service: Customers give a perfect score of 5/5 for the service provided by the guides and cooking teachers. They mention the personalized attention and the teachers’ ability to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
• Organization: Although rated slightly lower at 4.3/5, customers still appreciate the overall organization of the tour. They mention that the private tour allows for a personalized experience and pace.

Based on these customer reviews, the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class stands out from other cooking classes in Kyoto. It offers exceptional guides, personalized attention, and value for money. For those interested in other food tours in Kyoto, these reviews serve as a recommendation for the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class as a top choice.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class is at the western side entrance of Nishiki Market. This bustling market is located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, and is famous for its array of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.

To reach the meeting point, visitors can easily navigate their way through the narrow streets of the market. The western side entrance is easily identifiable with its vibrant red torii gate.

Once participants gather at the meeting point, they’ll be warmly greeted by their fluent English-speaking local Japanese guide who’ll lead them on a tour of the market and then to the cooking class studio.

From the meeting point, participants can expect an exciting and immersive culinary experience that showcases the rich flavors and culture of Kyoto.

To get to the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class, visitors should head towards the western side entrance of Nishiki Market. From there, they’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable local Japanese guide who’ll lead them on a guided tour of the market.

This tour isn’t just about exploring the market, but also about immersing oneself in the local cuisine . Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about unfamiliar foods to both their guide and the shop staff.

After the tour, they’ll head to a cooking studio where they’ll have the chance to cook their own donburi meal using fresh ingredients from the market. With options like seafood, tempura, or chicken and egg, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.

This guided tour promises a personalized experience and a delicious introduction to the local cuisine .

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Nishiki Market Food Tour With Cooking Class?

Yes, children are allowed on the Nishiki Market food tour with cooking class. There is no specific age requirement mentioned, but it is a great opportunity for them to learn about Japanese cuisine and participate in the cooking experience.

Can I Choose My Own Ingredients for the Donburi Meal?

Yes, you can choose your own ingredients for the donburi meal during the Nishiki Market Food Tour With Cooking Class. The tour offers customized donburi ingredients and also provides vegetarian options for those with dietary preferences.

Is Transportation Provided From the Meeting Point to the Cooking Studio?

Yes, transportation is provided from the meeting point at the western side entrance of Nishiki Market to the cooking studio. Guests can enjoy a convenient and hassle-free journey to the studio.

How Many People Are Typically in a Private Group for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is not mentioned, but the tour duration is 2.5 hours. Participants can enjoy a private and personalized experience while exploring Nishiki Market and cooking a delicious donburi meal.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participating in the Cooking Class?

The minimum age requirement for the cooking class is not specified. However, there may be age restrictions in place to ensure the safety and suitability of participants. It is recommended to contact the tour provider for more information.

To sum it up, the Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class offers a unique and immersive experience for foodies and travelers.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, participants can explore the vibrant market, learn about unfamiliar ingredients, and then put their culinary skills to the test in a hands-on cooking class.

With rave reviews and the opportunity to create their own delicious donburi meal, this tour promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for all.

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A traveling foodie shares 5 of the world's best cooking classes

Apr 20, 2024 • 9 min read

Food writer, Malia Yoshioka, shares her guide to the world's best cookery courses © Anna Ewa Bieniek / Shutterstock

A cooking class booked in the first few days of your trip is the best way to get acquainted with a new destination. 

You’ll whet your appetite and set yourself up for everything else you will see, taste and experience during your trip. You can get restaurant recommendations from an expert to avoid tourist traps and you may even be invited into a local home. If you’re traveling solo , you will meet like-minded travelers. It’s true what Julia Child said: “People who love to eat are always the best people.”

Get curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Is this dish eaten often or just for special occasions? Does your host have a special twist or substitution that they make to the classic recipe? What comfort foods did they eat growing up? Who was the best cook in their family? Where’s the best place to get coffee tomorrow morning?

I’ve made it a point to take cooking classes all over the world as a part of my travels, and I find that I usually come away with so much more than just the recipes. Here are a few of my favorites.

Learn layers of history through Turkish dishes in Istanbul with Cookistan

Before our cooking class with Cookistan , we walked through the neighborhood of Kurtuluş . Though it's off the beaten path for most visitors to Istanbul , it is a perfect introduction to shopping and eating like a local in the city.

Our guide, Aysin, weaved in details about the first occupants of the area – a Greek shipbuilding community – and the various multicultural inhabitants who still maintain shops there. We stopped in front of a butcher specializing in offal cuts, complete with sheep’s heads in the window, an illustration of how all parts of the animal are utilized – nothing here is wasted. She explained how people cook with the seasons in Türkiye  as we stopped in to pick up artichokes from two men cleaning off a huge mountain of fresh ones in their shop. We salivated over counters of meze, pickles, jams and olive oils and I realized my stomach was growling. 

The dishes prepared in the course give Aysin and her instructors a way to speak about various aspects of Turkish cuisine. Dolma (vegetables and grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat) are an example of Anatolian home cooking, for example. Zeytinyagli enginar (artichoke braised in olive oil) represents a popular style of braised olive oil dishes. Circassian chicken, one of my all-time favorite meze, allowed Aysin to explain Türkiye’s meyhane (tavern) culture and how drinks and food go together over a shared table.

Ready to explore Istanbul? Get to know the city one neighborhood at a time with our guide

Make sushi and have a tea ceremony in Tokyo with Yukiko

One of my most memorable classes was in a suburb of Tokyo with Yukiko , who generously opens her home to guests for a taste of true Japanese culture. Leaving our shoes at the door, we entered the cozy living room, complete with family photos, the household altar and traditional shōji (sliding rice-paper screen doors). I instantly relaxed into the invitation to leave the busy city outside, to slow down, be present and enjoy.

Over the course of the class, guests learn a variety of styles of sushi and the proper way to prepare and cool the sushi rice. When it comes to food, anyone who has been to Japan will know that presentation is of utmost importance. Yukiko is also a vegetable sommelier so the delicately cut vegetables really steal the show. We enjoyed playing with small details in color and textures, such as the crunch of a fresh radish, tangy pickles, strips of red cabbage, and the delicate shiso leaf placed under a rice ball. Being able to see the process behind each piece made it much more meaningful every time I ordered sushi after the class, both on my trip and at home.

Perhaps most special of all, you are invited to dress in traditional kimono and to take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, with Yukiko explaining the proper etiquette and meaning behind every step. She is such a calm presence in her style of teaching, always smiling and warm, and genuinely pleased to help foreigners learn about Japanese cooking and culture.

Tempted by sushi and tea? Here are Japan's best food and drink experiences

Follow pasta and tiramisu recipes in Milan with Pasta Pietro

With just 24 hours on a recent trip to Milan , when searching for a cooking class, I wanted to be sure that I was getting both a meal and some entertainment. This led me to the fabulous Pasta Pietro , born and raised in Milan! Pietro is a character, and you can see on his social media  his love for the pastas of Italy. You’ll also often see cameos by his adorable twin boys and his mother, who taught him the recipes for the pasta and tiramisu that we’d be making in class. 

The eight participants gathered around a long table with the supplies we’d need to be churning out our own masterpieces and the casual setting gave us the feeling of being at a dinner party with food-loving friends. I was tasked with making a simple dough, mixing in flour from the sides into the egg well and letting the dough come together. We rolled out sheets of the pasta and cut them into round shapes. Pietro came through doling out jokes and anecdotes, to adjust our technique or demonstrate the rolling for our cavatelli.

By the end of the preparations we were all laughing as we helped to clear off the dishes and set the table, pasta boiling away on the stove. Finally, we sat down to finish off our tortelli with fresh parmesan cheese and wash it down with a glass of prosecco and our individual cups of tiramisu. We left with recommendations for the next time, new friends and full bellies.

Want to buy some treats while in Milan? Check out these top independent shops

Learn how to make khinkali and khachapuri in Tbilisi 

One of the most interesting things you’ll notice about the Georgian capital of Tbilisi are the beautiful, intricately carved balconies and hidden courtyards that you’ll pass, especially walking through older neighborhoods. So I was thrilled to find a cooking class in the old Sololaki neighborhood where we were able to actually walk up through one of these courtyards and into our new Georgian granny’s home for the afternoon.

The dining table was set up and Irina put the four of us right to work, chopping up herbs and onions for the filling for our khinkali (meat dumplings). We were able to learn about the different styles of khinkali –  some don’t contain herbs as we were using –  and it was interesting to learn the variations for future reference when confronted with choices on a menu. We learned tips along the way like how to judge the amount of water to add to the ground beef filling to be sure that the dumplings would have “soup” once boiled. The pace of the class was great and we all enjoyed focusing on our own folding skills when it came to preparing the actual dumplings.

We were so proud of our handiwork with the dumplings that we nearly forgot that we still had another dish to make  – the famous boat-shaped Adjaruli khachapuri –  a cheesy bread topped with butter and an egg yolk that you mix in just before eating. Again, this was just one of the regional variations of khachapuri and learning about the differences allowed us to seek out and try the others during our trip.

Create delicious  khăo soi  in Chiang Mai with Baan Thai Cookery School

Before going to Thailand , my experience with Thai dishes were from the basic red, green and yellow curries that I’d tried in Thai restaurants, or the ubiquitous pad thai noodles. Once I actually found myself wandering the streets in Bangkok , where these dishes were daily fare rather than a special occasion restaurant, it was eye-opening for me and I became excited to try something new. 

We started off our Baan Thai cooking class with a market tour and despite her tiny frame and oversized smile, our guide’s sing-song voice carried over the busy market stalls as we gathered ingredients and took them back to the class. There, the scent of freshly ground spices, chiles, lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger danced together in the fragrant spice mix of the curry. It was my very first cooking class and I simply loved the practicality of it all. Not only would we get a delicious meal out of the experience, but spend time with a local chef and learn about the ingredients in our favorite dishes too.

My favorite from our course was a regional specialty called khăo soi , a coconut curry dish with egg noodles from northern Thailand that I probably wouldn’t have ordered otherwise, preferring to stick to the things that I knew before. It was this class that set me off on my love of cooking classes around the world.

Need more inspiration? Here are Thailand's top food experiences

How to make the most of your perfect cooking class

• Use your research to learn about what foods are popular or most representative of your destination and get curious about why. Look into the ingredients and spices, and take lots of notes! 
• Opt for companies that are indigenous-run when possible, or led by locals with a deep connection to the place. I often will read the background of the chef in the listing itself and/or the comments by past participants in order to get an idea of what to expect. A local will be able to give you well-rounded recommendations for the rest of your stay as well.
• Consider a tip if you’re pleased with the experience. I’ve often felt that the classes I booked were worth way more than what I paid, so I often try to leave an additional gratuity if possible.
• Connect and engage with your host on social media and ask them to point you towards other local food blogs, cookbooks or websites that you can follow to continue to learn about your destination. 
• If you’re a language lover, food is the perfect introduction to learning a bit of the language on your trip. At a minimum, learn how to say “thank you” and “it’s delicious,” but if you’ve got more time, you can learn words for vegetables, meat, and flavors that will help you decode restaurant menus or on a trip to the supermarket. I sometimes will even buy a cookbook in the language of my destination and use that to learn cooking verbs like “add”, “fry” or “bake,” or measurements like cups or teaspoons.

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The best Florence cooking class: hands-on, year-round, in the heart of town

• Cooking Masterclass by a famous local Chef in a fascinating kitchen in Florence
• Personalized attention
• Food and local products tasting
• Use of apron and cooking utensils
• All ingredients for your lunch

from MAR to OCT: every day at 9.00am / from NOV to FEB: Mon to Sat at 9.00am

Approx. 5 hours

ALL YEAR ROUND

Description

The ultimate florence cooking class.

Popular and sought-after in all seasons, year after year, by groups of friends, fun-loving families and foodies, our signature "Wanna Be Italiano" cooking class in Florence is the very best hands-on culinary experience you can get in the city! Dive into the depths of flavor, master the art of preparing a mouth-watering Tuscan meal in the heart of downtown Florence with our experienced, charismatic chef.

First of all set off for Florence's central food market . The "Mercato Centrale" is the city's largest, most lively and colorful grocery market, an enormous bazaar filled with deliciousness! Led by your chef you will browse, learn about the local specialties and the Tuscan food heritage, and liase with the vegetable vendors, butchers and bakers as you pick out the best, tastiest ingredients to prepare your meal. Groceries in hand take a short walk to our cooking class facility, a delightful location which will make you feel at home, and enjoy a tasting of typical delicacies before starting the actual class.

Aprons on, following your chef's skilled instructions and learn how to prepare exquisite traditional dishes: crispy bruschetta, fresh hand-rolled pasta, tasty pasta sauces and dessert, too. Measure, mince, mix and stir (and taste, of course, to get the seasonings right!), and finally sit down with a good glass of Chianti wine and relish the best Tuscan meal ever: the one you made yourself in the heart of historic Florence . At the end of the experience you will receive a Cooking Class Attendance Certificate , as well as a full Recipe Booklet to share the recipes you learned with your friends and family at home.

*Meal includes the menu as prepared and 2 glasses of Chianti wine per person. Menu of our Florence Cooking class varies slightly according to the season but will generally include bruschetta, hand-made pasta, pasta sauce and a dessert. *Vegetarians and/or those suffering from intolerance and/or allergies are more than welcome: vegetarian and  other alternative recipes are available and included (advance notice is appreciated).

Visit to the Central market of Florence with our chefs Local food tasting Cooking lesson with famous local chefs Use of apron and cooking utensils All ingredients for your lunch Lunch with wine tasting (2 glasses of wine) Graduation Certificate Booklet with recipes Suitable for vegetarians! (please inform us in advance)

Meeting Point

FLORENCETOWN COOKING SCHOOL , Via Panicale, 43/r, 50123 Firenze, close to Florence Central Market  SEE ON MAP

WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CELIACS.

Please inform us of any food intolerance or allergy in advance.

Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them. Kindly note that the Central Market is closed Sundays and public holidays: on these days the class program will include a special introduction on Tuscan cooking and additional local product tastings.

Rain Policy

This tour runs rain or shine.

User review

Small group upgrade

Interested in a SMALLER GROUP? Take a look to our suggestions and UGRADE your experience.

Private Upgrade

Want to share this experience just with your partner or your family? Discover our PRIVATE TOUR proposals.

from EUR 99p.p. (adults)

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Get your copy of The French Ingredient!

Order your copy today! The French Ingredient hits the shelves on April 9th!

There's a little book that will be hitting the shelves on April 9th! Be sure to get your copy! A fun story about the creation of La Cuisine Paris, peppered with plenty of fun cultural tidbits, and 'how-to's' in France. You won't want to miss it!

Paris Cooking Classes / French Market Tour and Cooking Class

French market tour and cooking class, what is a french market class.

The perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds : a typical morning à la française!  Join us for the French Market Tour and shopping experience, followed by a hands-on cooking class, and of course ending with a dining experience overlooking the Seine !    

Each menu is created at the market, where you and your chef will craft the perfect gastronomy lunch using the best seasonal products available.  While each menu differs, there will usually be : entrée, plat, fromage and dessert .

Join us for the most Parisian experience you can have in Paris. Take a look at our suite of French Marché classes, all with their own character and personality.

Marché Maubert

Spend the morning like a local, shopping at an authentic Parisian Market - Marché Maubert, one of the city's oldest markets in the heart of Paris!

Marché Monge

Spend the morning like a local, with a typical Parisian experience: shopping at Marché Monge. A visit to a vibrant local neighborhood markets in a charming square located in the 5th arrondissement.  

Marché Bastille

Spend a French morning visiting one of the largest open-air Markets in Paris, the vibrant Marché Bastille!  A Market experience including a hands-on cooking class with dining overlooking the Seine!

French Technical Classes

Evening classes, french holiday classes, class calendar, central paris location, masterclasses, online store, en français, private events, last minute course places, 27 apr 2024.

• French Macarons / Les Macarons : Technical 3-hour

For the serious Macaron lover. Three hours of intensive Macaron time - we will tackle two types of classic macaron shells and four types of classic macaron fillings!

• La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 14:30 - 17:30
• Price: €119.00     Availability: 2 places left
• French Baking Classes / Le Croissant & Breakfast Pastries

The 'Roi' of the Parisian breakfast table, Le Croissant ! Enjoy three hours of mastering this decadent, flaky, buttery French icon.

• La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 15:00 - 18:00

30 Apr 2024

• La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 10:00 - 13:00
• French Pastry / Les Choux, éclairs and more : Technical Choux Pastry

Intensive everything Choux Pastry, from Savory to Sweet! From the tempting and delicious éclairs and Paris-Brest to delicate savory Gougères!

• La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 9:30 - 12:30
• Price: €119.00     Availability: 1 place left

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Get in touch.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call on +33 (0)1 40 51 78 18 or email [email protected]     Click here for further contact details

MARKET TOUR & COOKING CLASS IN LYON

ONE-DAY CLASSES

Market cooking class in lyon.

$ 295.00

MARKET TOUR & COOKING CLASS IN LYON A culinary experience of a life time, both in and out of the kitchen!

• Class is run in a Cooking School and it’s taught by a professional Chef • Duration: 6 to 8 hours • Program is designed for amateurs • Confirmed with 2 people – Limited to 8 participants • Scheduled Tuesday, & Friday from 9am to 3pm – Saturday from 9am to 6pm

BEFORE BOOKING THIS CLASS, PLEASE CONTACT US TO CHECK THE AVAILABILITY! We want to be sure that this class matches with your wishes and expectations. We look forward to baking with you soon!

Experience the delicious Lyonnaise Cuisine through a Market Tour & Cooking Class!

The Lyonnaise Cuisine gained recognition from the 19th century when middle-class women – nicknamed “ Lyonnaise Mothers ” – left their homes to work as cooks. La Mère Brasier, La Mère Fillioux, La Mère Blanc… created brand new culinary traditions incorporating their regional roots. In 1935, the famed food critic Curnonsky described the city of Lyon as the World Capital of Gastronomy . Since then, celebrity Chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Christian Tetedoie, Mathieu Vianney, Pierre Orsi and many more contributed to highlight the Lyonnaise cuisine at the international.

Your Cooking Adventure starts on La Croix Rousse open-air market for experiencing the market tour and shopping. It gives the chance to meet and discuss with the merchants and to choose the best products according to the season, the price, the freshness, etc. The Lyonnaise cuisine is very tasty as it owes its virtuosity to the quality of local products such as Bresse Chickens, Beef Charolais, fish from the lakes, fruits and vegetables from the Rhone Valley and the Forez nearby region.

The 3-course menu including an appetizer, a main course and a dessert is created on D-Day when you and the Chef craft the perfect lunch. Back to the cooking school, you will learn knife skills, produce pairings and put these in to practice with a mix of modern and traditional Lyonnaise and French recipes. You will enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied with mineral water and wine afterwards

Sample menu can include: shallots and fresh herbs seasoned whipped cream, cheese puffs, chicken cooked with mushrooms, vegetables and cream, praline tart. The menu is decided on the market considering your likes, dislikes, food restrictions or allergies. Please mention it on the booking form that we email to you before processing the payment online.

PROGRAM PRICE: $295 per person

AVAILABILITY:  Market Cooking Class program is offered upon request , scheduled Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30am to 3pm. This program is limited to 6 participants and we strongly recommend to book it in advance. Thank you.

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Venice-Along The Grand Canal To Saint Mark's Square™

Dreaming of venice ~ 7 day.

“Gondolas gliding through winding canals, ancient palazzos painted in pastels, and a surreal landscape frozen in time…”

Join us in Venice for an extraordinary cooking experience filled with delicious food, wine, art, culture, and history.  Stroll through the Rialto Market, hop on a vaporetto, a Venetian water taxi, sip a cappuccino in Piazza San Marco, and learn new recipes in our Venetian kitchen.  Venice’s beauty is endless, and its cuisine is simply splendid.  Tie on your apron and cook like a local, and soak up the culture in beautiful Venice.

Venice is a magical place where food and culture mesmerize – gondolas skim along narrow canals and festive Carnival masks peer down at your every turn.  The Rialto market, dating back to the ninth century, bustles with vendors selling fish, fruits and vegetables, artisan cheese, herbs, bread, and wine.  It’s a food lover’s dream where Old World tradition blends with modern innovation.  There’s ancient art, literature, and opera.  Our English-speaking guides and hosts, Sara and Daniela, welcome you to Venice and share their stories, monuments, tours, and tastings.  Get ready to cook and explore, and fall in love with Venice.

Venetian Cooking Classes

In the kitchen, Chefs Enzo and Vittorio will teach you the best of Venetian cooking in hands-on cooking classes spanning ingredients from the Renaissance to today. You will learn the traditions and techniques including farm-to-table produce from the Rialto Market.  Fresh fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables are key ingredients to make antipasto , fresh pasta and sauces, risotto , main courses, and desserts.  Learn how to make peperonata , a local antipasto with red pepper, capers, and olives.  Venetian recipes also include creamy risotto and s ea bass with artichokes.  You will learn to make Venetian desserts such as zaletti and bussole biscotti .  Tie on your apron for a splendid cooking experience with Chef Enzo and Vittorio in their Venetian kitchen!

Venice’s Menus

Cooking Class menus vary by season, a sampler includes:

Seafood Menu

Seasonal vegetables from the Rialto Market grilled, then with garnished herbs and olive oil Risotto with baby shrimp and fresh artichokes prepared in a creamy Venetian style. Venetian-style Tiramisu’.

Meat-Based Menu

Venetian flan finished with a creamy cheese sauce Risotto with mushrooms served with homemade sausage Tenderloin encrusted with herbs Creamy warm custard drizzled with Marsala wine and served with Baicoli biscotti

Fresh Pasta Menu

Hand-made Venetian pasta served in a light tomato sauce with Parmesan cheese Freshly made potato gnocchi with a baby duck ragù

Fresh hand-made ravioli stuffed with fresh spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and sautéed in sage butter Mixed seasonal salad with fresh fruit, walnuts & extra virgin olive oil Fresh fruit Bavaroise

Menus vary using farm-to-table produce from the Rialto Market and can be tailored to accommodate diet requests and allergies.

Venice Accommodations

Live like a Venetian and step back in time at the privately owned 4-Star hotel in the heart of Venice. The hotel, a 17th-century villa property set on a quiet waterway just off the Grand Canal, is a short walk from the Accademia Bridge and vaporetto stop. Check in to your lovely and spacious bedroom furnished with Venetian antiques, beautiful linens, and modern comforts such as air conditioning, a mini bar, international TV, a private ensuite bath, and in-room wireless internet.  A friendly and professional staff is at your service and ready to answer any questions and help you during your stay. An expansive daily breakfast with Venetian cakes, biscotti , fresh fruit, eggs, artisan bread, yogurt, ham, cheese, cappuccino, tea, and fresh fruit juices is served in the elegant breakfast room overlooking the garden and waterway.  Following breakfast, step outside and stroll along the canal where artisan shops, bookshops, wine bars, and museums are conveniently located.  The 4-star villa hotel is set in one of the most beautiful areas of Venice.

Click for Property Photo Gallery

Rialto market.

Venice’s famous Rialto Market is a bustling place starting at dawn.  Venders sail up from their barges, unload their products, and set up their stands for a colorful scene of buyers, sellers, and spectators – examining and negotiating between crates and stands. Fish from the local Adriatic Sea is famous in Venice, along with farm-to-table fruit, vegetables and produce, herbs, spices, fruits, and more. The Rialto Market is a landmark marketplace and dates back to 1097 with the same generation of established merchants shouting out their specials of the day.

The Campo Margherita

The Campo Margherita is a vibrant and welcoming place and the heart of the Dorsoduro district.  The Campo takes its name from the Church of Saint Margherita, dating back to the 9th century.  Surrounded by ancient buildings, today, it is home to caffés, bookshops, wine bars, and artisan shops. The Campo wakes each morning with an outdoor market where locals vie for the best flower, fish, vegetable, and fruit vendors. Caffés, artisan shops, and trattorias pepper the piazza.

The Accademia Museum

The perfect ending to any day is a visit to the Accademia, home to a collection of Venetian paintings from Veneto, spanning the era from the Byzantine and Gothic fourteenth century.  There is a beautiful collection of Renaissance art from Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, and Tiziano to Gianbattista Tiepolo and Vedutisti.  A must on every guest’s visit!!!

Murano – Glassmaking & Burano – Lacemaking

Murano, the closest Island to the mainland, is the most famous of the Venetian Islands and is noted for its artisan hand-blown glass. Venetians have been making crystal and glass here since the 10th Century – when the merchants of Venice brought back the secrets of glass production from the East. Murano is home to several famous glass producers who continue the tradition of making Murano glass chandeliers, vases, and glasses.  The Island of Burano, the most picturesque of Venetian Islands, is known for its famous artisan lace makers.  Small shops where Venetian women still produce this precious lace line the canal.  It’s a magical island noted for its brightly painted houses built on the lagoon.  Take time for lunch in any one of the quaint trattorias.

Itinerary ~ 7 days, 6 nights

Day 1: arrival & welcome dinner.

• Arrival in Venice at the train station.  Meet your Captain for a water taxi transfer to the hotel.  Check in, relax, and enjoy your welcome Prosecco.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Welcome Dinner featuring the local fare of antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert. Wine & beverages are not included.

Day 2: Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Cooking class 1. Tie on your apron and get cooking in your hands-on cooking with Chefs Enzo and Vittorio. The hands-on cooking class includes an antipasto, pasta, main dish, and dessert. Lunch follows with the foods prepared in class. Wine, water, and dessert included.
• Afternoon free. Suggestion: Take a Gondola Ride along the Grand Canal, and stop for a late afternoon drink at the Quardi Café. This grand café is positioned to catch the last glimpse of the sun in Piazza San Marco. Sit back, enjoy your Prosecco, and watch the sunset.
• Dinner is on your own and suggestions are provided.

Day 3: Rialto Market Tour & Cooking Class 2

• Explore the best of culinary Venice with your Chef as you discover the Rialto Market. The Rialto Market is a historic place where vendors have been selling their fruits, vegetables, fish, artisan cheese, wine, and bread since the 9th century.  Learn about the local cuisine as you discover its history and products.
• After the market visit, head into the kitchen for your hands-on cooking class 2 preparing an antipasto, fresh pasta or risotto, main course, and dessert.  Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the cooking class.  Wine, water, and dessert included.
• Enjoy the afternoon and visit Saint Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and Palazzo Ducale with suggestions provided.  You may add on a 2-hour guided tour of Saint Marco’s Square.  Please ask us for your requested time to reserve.
• Dinner on your own, suggestions provided.

Day 4: Cooking Class 3

• Return to the kitchen for your hands-on cooking class 3 preparing an antipasto, fresh pasta or risotto, main course, and dessert.  Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the cooking class.  Wine, water, and dessert included.
• Following your cooking class, visit the La Fenice, Venice’s famous opera house, and end with a Bellini at Harry’s Bar.

Day 5: Bacaro Cicchetti Tour & Tastings

• The morning is free to explore the Campo Santa Margherita or visit the Accademia.
• Walk to the Dorsoduro quarter and discover artisan bookshops, specialty shops, and caffés.
• Suggestion:  Continue to the Accademia Museum.  This world-class museum houses the most precious masterpieces in Venice including a collection of Venetian paintings spanning from the Byzantine to Gothic, to the 14th century and the Renaissance.  The greatest artists include Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiziano, Gianbattista Tiepolo, and Vedutisti.
• In the afternoon, meet your guide for your Bacaro Tour.  This walking tour includes a 2-hour stroll through Venice with stops in historical bacari, the typical Venetian bar, where cicchetti, small bites, and ombra, wine, is served,  This tour explores the tradition of the aperitivo in Venice in a relaxing stroll, with wine and tastings included.
• Dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 6: Sail To Murano – Artisan Glassblowing & Burano – Artisan Lacemaking

• This special Murano tour includes a boat trip to Murano for glassblowing and then to Burano for lacemaking.  Sail to Murano and visit the world’s most prized glass artisans. Artisan glass blowers transform glass into beautiful art pieces. Meet your host on the island for a tour of a family-owned Venetian glass workshop.   Learn the art of glass blowing and see the masters turn glass into art.  This tour includes a tour of the workshop and a demonstration of glass making.   After your tour, take time out to stroll the main waterway, sip a caffè and sambuca, and shop for artisan creations of Murano glass.  The tour ends here and you can opt to stay in Murano for lunch, continue on to Burano or Torcello, and or return to Venice on your own aboard the public vaporetto , water bus.  Then, continue onto Burano known for the artisan lace, and the local specialty bussolai buranelli , Venetian biscotti. 5-hour tour.
• Take time out to enjoy lunch on your own in any one of the quaint restaurants with suggestions provided.
• Return to the hotel.

Day 7: Departure

• Ciao – Arrivederci !

Program Includes:

• 7 days, 6 nights in 4-Star boutique hotel set on a beautiful canal, based on 2 guests in a classic room.  Guests can upgrade to a superior room with a canal view upon request.
• Daily breakfast and maid service
• Welcome dinner including a Chef’s tasting dinner.  Wine and beverages are not included.
• 3 cooking classes, followed by lunch or dinner including the food that was prepared in the cooking class.  Wine and water included.
• Rialto Market Tour with English-speaking guide.
• Murano artisan glassblowing and Burano artisan lacemaking tour with boat included.
• B acaro cicchetti tour with tastings along the way with our English-speaking guide.
• Round-trip water taxi transfers upon arrival and departure from Santa Lucia Train Station
• Cooking Vacations welcome bag including chef’s apron and recipe booklet.

Program Prices

$4,295 per person, based on 2 guests in 4-Star boutique hotel set on a beautiful canal.

For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into an already scheduled group.

Transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport, including a hostess to meet you and accompany you from the airport to your hotel, can be added on.  Please call us for pricing, as prices vary depending on the number of guests in your group.  Porter service is not included, call us for prices.

*Supplement may apply during fair dates.  These are starting prices and Canal View upgrades available.

Check Availability

2024 Dates: This program is available throughout the year. Check-in and start your program any day of the week. Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates. Airfare is not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.

Optional add-on classes & tours:.

We suggest these add-on tours for an in-depth look into themes, neighborhoods, and interests in Venice. Please call for details on availability and pricing based on group size.

Venice’s Writers, Poets & Literati Tour

This 3-hour walking tour takes you in the footsteps of poetry. Stroll through Venice with passages from the works of writers who created the poetry of the city: Lord Byron, Marcel Proust, Henry James, Richard Wagner, Thomas Mann, Ernest Hemingway – to name a few. Your walk takes you to the places where the words tcome to life. More than a walk through the city, Writers, Poets & Literati Tour, brings you into Venice’s past and its literati world, as your guide reads famous passages about monuments and the authors who lived in Venice. Entrance fees are not included.

Campo Saint Margherita Guided Walking Tour

Artisan market-outdoor cafés-bookshops.

This walking tour of the Campo Santa Margherita includes all our favorite stops & shops. Start with our award-winning Venetian artist who has captured many schools of art, picturesque watercolors of Venetian palazzos, gondolas, and waterways, to his vibrant oils on canvas of life on the Grand Canal, to his hand-crafted masks in gold and crystals. His studio comprises his work and that of other Venetian artists.

Then it’s off to the Campo Santa Margherita, where bookshops, cafés, and pastry shops line the narrow footpath that leads to the Campo. The Dorsoduro quarter is also home to the San Sebastiano and San Trovaso churches. The Campo is a large piazza lined with several cafés whose chairs spill onto the square on a warm sunny day. There is also a tiny morning market, whose owner calls out the best buy of the day. Stop for a time out, sip a steamy cappuccino, and write a postcard.

Continue on to Signor Maurizo’s . He owns one of the best-stocked organic markets for authentic Venetian food, wine, and provisions. Our well-heeled food lover, Maurizio is a connoisseur of quality Venetian rice, polenta, pasta, cheese, wood-oven bread, and local wine, and he knows how to cook Venetian food to perfection. His wine corner stocks Venice’s only locally produced wine produced on the island Torcello. Bring your shopping list and recipe book, and let Maurizo fill your shopping basket. His knowledge and passion for Venetian food, wine, and traditional cooking are insurmountable.

We suggest lunch on your own at our local trattoria for the best pranzo , or lunch in the Campo. Tickle your taste buds with the Fragolino, the “Forbidden Wine.” The pink sparkling wine pairs well with lunch! Pink fresh shrimp tossed with rucola and black Venetian pasta, a fresh glass of local wine to follow, and a semifreddo dessert, the “Grand Canal,” topped with a sun-colored glaze. This is just a sample of the gourmet fare served in the gastronomical food mecca.

Visit Venice’s most treasured mask-maker Stefano. The award-winning Baroque mask maker applauded by the Venetian Academy has the “DOC” stamp. All of his creations are produced in limited editions.

For a sweet ending, dive in and experience a Venetian chocolate tradition! The famous artisan chocolate maker transforms the cocoa bean and modern recipes with a twist. Chocolate works of art are inspired by the magically, mysterious atmosphere of Venice. White, dark, caramel, café, and lemon, -flavors are endless!

Lagoon Tour: Murano & Burano

Meet your guide for a Lagoon Tour with a private boat. This 4-hour tour takes you into the lagoon of Venice to the Islands of Murano, known for the famous glass-blowing, and Burano, known for the artisan lace, merletto & the local specialty bussolai buranelli , egg yolk- yellow cookies perfect for dipping in Vin Santo, tea or even Prosecco!

Venetian Masks

This incredible experience takes you into the workshop of a renowned Venetian mask-maker for a discussion and historical look at Venetian masks. Learn how the artisan mask is born, the steps needed to create a mask, and the stories and myths behind the masks of Carnevale and Venetian commedie dell’arte .

After your presentation, choose to decorate your own mask. Learn about traditional decoration and characters such as the classic Bauta, a simple full-face mask, la Farfalla, the butterfly style mask, la Dama, the woman, Pinocchio, Zanni, servants, and Jolly, the joker. Paint and decorate your mask of choice with ribbons, feathers, crystals, beads, and more.  Decorate your own mask including instructions and supplies to create your own mask & bring it home with you. Prices vary based on group size.  Hidden Venice: Dorsoduro District

This itinerary takes you into secret corners of the Dorsoduro district, Venice’s elegant “Rive Gauche”. From the vast Campo Santa Margherita, where students and artists meet at the many open-air cafés, walk to San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, once a neighborhood of seafarers and fishermen, still retaining its liveliness. We continue then to the Renaissance church of San Sebastiano – one of the saints invoked to save the sick during the Black Plague – masterly decorated with frescoes and canvases by Paolo Veronese, who lies buried here. Past San Trovaso, one of the last gondola yards, our tour ends at the Zattere, the sunny promenade along the Giudecca Canal, particularly frequented by the Venetians in the warm summer evenings.

Hidden Venice: Melting Pot

Harbor and market, production center of luxury goods and stop in the Grand Tour: for reasons of commerce, education, or pleasure, Venice always attracted many foreigners and managed to live in peace and prosperity with them. This exotic blend of cultures and people created unique artistic results. In a secluded courtyard, a few steps away from St Mark’s stands the Orthodox church of St. George of the Greeks: Italian in its architectural forms, it enshrines a rich iconic decoration by Cretan artists. A little further is the Brotherhood of the Dalmatian people, whose brave soldiers were loyal to the Republic until the very end. The intense Renaissance atmosphere of Carpaccio’s paintings will transport you back in time. We then reach the Rialto Bridge, where the German community had its social and business center since the Middle Ages. The imposing facade of the German Fontego, a former inn as well as a trading center, still dominates the area.

Cannareggio & Jewish Venice

Cannaregio, one of the six sestieri, neighborhoods of Venice is even today an area inhabited by Venetians. Past the busy open-air market, explore the Jewish Ghetto, and walk down along the luminous canals to the Gothic church of la Madonna dell’Orto that hosts powerful canvases by Tintoretto (along with his tomb). Past this tranquil area, at the extreme northern point of town, enjoy a marvelous, melancholy view over the lagoon, where the cemetery island of San Michele, comes into view.

After your tour, you may choose to continue on and visit three of Venice’s synagogues with a tour departing from the Jewish Museum. Synagogue tour not included; directions provided to continue on your own.

Venetian Museum: Accademia, Ca’ Rezzonico, Guggenheim

Enjoy an in-depth 3-hour guided tour through your choice of Venetian museum. Choose from the famous Galleria dell’Accademia, where the most important collection of Venetian paintings dating from the 14th to 17th century, Ca’ Rezzonico, a museum dedicated to exploring 18th century Venice in this extravagant private residence from that period. Or, choose the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, an American art museum with Venetian charm, the most important museum in Italy for European and American arts of the first half of the 20th century, with works by artists such as Picasso, Braque, De Chirico, Kandinsky and more.

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Florence Market Tour & Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class

• Morning Walking tour of Florentine Local Market
• Cooking Masterclass by a local Chef in a fascinating kitchen in Florence
• Personalized attention
• Food and local products tasting
• Use of apron and cooking utensils
• All ingredients for your cooking class

Delve into the best of traditional Tuscan food when you meet your friendly English-speaking guide at the Florence central market and are escorted through the stalls filled with farm fresh produce, butchers and cheese mongers, all selling their delicious wares. Learn about Tuscan traditions and foods during this fun and informative tour, and then head back to MaMa Florence Cooking School for a hands-on traditional Tuscan cooking class with a fantastic Tuscan chef to learn the secrets of the cucina povera – peasant kitchen.

Class description

Join us for a unique culinary experience in the heart of Tuscany! Our Florence Market Walk & Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class is the perfect opportunity to explore the local food culture and learn how to cook authentic Tuscan dishes.

Our tour begins with a guided walk through the bustling Florence food market, where you'll see a wide range of fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses. Your English-speaking guide will explain the local products and their importance in Tuscan cuisine, and you'll have the chance to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of this incredible foodie destination.

After the market tour, you'll head to the MaMa Florence Cooking School, where you'll meet your English-speaking chef for a hands-on cooking class. You'll learn about the culinary techniques and traditions of the Cucina Povera – peasant kitchen – as you create a delicious menu of traditional Tuscan dishes from appetizer to dessert, using high-quality ingredients and emphasizing the importance of cooking from scratch.

You'll have a wonderful time making new friends in the convivial atmosphere of MaMa Florence, as you cook and learn about the rich culinary history of Tuscany. At the end of the class, you'll sit down to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor and take home recipes to recreate your favorite dishes at home.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the vibrant food culture of Tuscany and learn how to cook authentic Tuscan dishes in a hands-on cooking class.

Important notes

• Joinable cooking classes have a minimum enrollment of 3 people for course activation (except for Sundays which has a minimum enrollment of 5 people). Should the minimum not be reached for the day you have booked, we will contact you with a choice to: pay an additional fee to make the class private, change to another available date, or be fully refunded.
• If you don’t see a specific class you are interested in listed on our calendar, let us know and we will try to activate it for you on the date you want.  
• Because we only use fresh, seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers and farms, the cooking class menu will vary depending on what is available that day. 
• It is essential that you email us ahead of time with  any food allergies or preferences  you may have so we can accommodate them.
• If you would like to make this a private class just for you and your group, please get in touch for details. 

Our kitchen and tools are shared by participants. Cross-contamination is possible. Classes are NOT suitable for individuals with SEVERE or life-threatening allergies . Please prioritize safety before enrolling.

Vegetarian options can be accommodated easily. For other common dietary requirements (vegan, gluten free, diary free) please make sure to ask prior booking. 

What time should I arrive for my class?

Do I need to bring anything on the day of the course?

How long does a class last?

Will we be eating after the class?

What If I Have Food Allergies?

Is the class suitable for children?

Will I get a copy of the recipes made during class?

Do you serve wine during class?

Are pictures allowed?

I need to cancel my registration. What options do I have?

I’m taking a Participation class. What should I wear?

Do I need any previous cooking experience to enjoy the class?

I recently took the Florence Market Walk & Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class, and it was an amazing experience! The tour of the Florence food market was a highlight – it was so interesting to see all of the fresh, seasonal produce and learn about the local products and their importance in Tuscan cuisine. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and made the tour really enjoyable.

The cooking class at the MaMa Florence Cooking School was also fantastic. Our chef was a true expert in Tuscan cuisine, and he was able to clearly and interestingly convey his knowledge and techniques. The class was hands-on and interactive, and we had a lot of fun learning how to cook traditional Tuscan dishes from appetizer to dessert. The emphasis on using high-quality, fresh ingredients and cooking from scratch was especially valuable, and the dishes we prepared were delicious.

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Pasta making cooking classes

Culinary and wine tours.

Merida Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Go with a guide: The market can be overwhelming to navigate on your own
• Cook Yucatan specialties and learn traditions from locals
• Bilingual guide facilitates conversation with market vendors and host family
• Small group size of 12 or fewer ensures a personal, intimate experience
• See itinerary
• English Speaking local guide
• Ingredients for all dishes
• Cooking session at local family home
• Digital recipe book
• Transport by public transit to market and to the local home
• Snacks in the market
• Entry/Admission - Merida Tourism Office
• Transport from cooking lesson location to Merida (approx USD $4 taxi ride)
• Hotel Caribe, 500, 60, Calle 59 Centro Histórico, C. 59 500, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico At the lobby of Caribe Hotel (Calle 59 x 60 in the corner of Hidalgo Park).
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Maximum group size is 12.
• Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking.
• Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Hotel Caribe 500, 60, Calle 59 Centro Histórico, C. 59 500, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico At the lobby of Caribe Hotel (Calle 59 x 60 in the corner of Hidalgo Park). See address & details
• 1 Merida Tourism Office Stop: 6 hours - Admission included Polish up your cooking skills on this Merida tour that takes you from market to table… literally! We’ll kick off your delicious Mexican food experience by taking you to the oldest local market, always filled with locals – tourists hardly ever set foot here, giving you an authentic local experience right from the get-go. Your local guide will explain to you the kind of fruits and vegetables only produced in this region, such as achiote, pepita de calabaza, and chile habanero. You will enjoy a real market experience as we shop for the meal we’re going to prepare, at the stands of very friendly local vendors who will allow us to try some habanero sauces, Yucatan spices, and local spirits. Watch how the locals around you buy food for their own cooking, and learn all about Mexican market customs and culture. Yucatan cuisine is one of the most varied in Mexico, and the next part of your Merida food tour will give you the chance to cook it and eat it in the best way: as a family! While we prepare our food, your host and guide will explain some of the traditions of the locals, the influence of other cultures on the food of the Yucatan, and the differences between the Yucatecos and people from other parts of Mexico. Learn some Spanish and Mayan words while the food is being prepared and while you taste the delicious plates of yumminess as they are served. We’ll try dishes like salbutes, panuchos, lima soup, gorditas de chaya, and sip on horchata or hibiscus flower tea. With a belly full of delicious, authentic food and drink, we'll say goodbye to new friends and end this mouth-watering Merida experience. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in Merida

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Merida Market Tour and Cooking Class - with unbiased reviews

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A far cry from the buffets of old: Cruises are catering to foodies

“I’m changing the menu for tomorrow,” Joseph Kalynuik, executive chef of Windstar Star Legend, said as we walked through the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Livorno, Italy. “I’m looking for local charcuterie, cheeses, truffles, lavender, limoncello. Look at all this!”

We were on the “Market Tour with the Chef,” a popular excursion offered on Windstar cruises. The market is beautiful, located in an historic 19th-century building, designed by the Italian architect Angiolo Badaloni, and modeled after Les Halles, the central market in Paris.

But this was more than a look-see through the historic 1894 market. Chef Kalynuik was on a buying mission, looking for the best local ingredients to include in the ship’s restaurant dishes.

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“Va bene!,” a cheese vendor said to our small group, offering us slivers of pecorino sardo al tartufo. It was aged, firm and salty, laced with the earthy taste of truffles. Kalynuik bought a kilo of the cheese, along with links of local sausages.

We trailed Kalynuik through the market, tasting and buying along the way: disks of creamy camembert, bags of fresh Meyer lemons, a variety of salumi, marinated peppers, olives and anchovies, truffle chips, and honey.

The next day the fruits of our labor were in full view. Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with the market finds. Also, on the menu were sausages with peppers and onions, truffle risotto, Bolognese fettuccine flavored with local meats and spices, and a shrimp and crab dish in a limoncello-flavored beurre blanc. Later that evening at Windstar’s Amphora restaurant, we enjoyed a warm camembert appetizer, topped with a lemon-flavored fig jam, drizzled with honey.

“Our guests are keen on trying new and adventurous dishes, predominantly local, authentic foods,” Kalynuik said. “It’s about experiencing the local culture through food.”

We’d joined a recent seven-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Legend to check out its updated culinary offerings. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation , and the official cruise line for the National Health Association. On our cruise, we not only went to market with Kalynuik, but also joined his cooking class to learn how to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent (“Remember to coddle the cream!” Kalynuik advised) and Italian seafood chowder. We had lunch at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, cookbook author, TV host, and founder of Barbecue University, where we dined on bourbon-brined turkey breast, tender smoked pork shoulder, and burnt ends.

Lunch and dinner menus in the main restaurants included dishes from James Beard-winning chefs, like Annie Pettry’s glazed wild shrimp and Spanish chorizo dish, Paul Berglund’s roasted rack of lamb with preserved green and red tomatoes, Duskie Estes’s prosciutto and watermelon salad, Amy Brandwein’s grilled filet of branzino, and Irene Li’s coconut dashi clam chowder. A James Beard award-winning chef was not aboard our cruise, but Windstar has already hosted 48 James Beard award-winning chefs on board, and will host chefs Omar Anani, Tanya Holland, and Loryn Nalic on upcoming 2024 culinary cruises. They’ll conduct on-board cooking demonstrations, lead market tours, host a special multicourse dinner, and provide multiple recipes to be featured on Windstar’s menus on all its cruises.

“Not only will you get to eat their food — you’ll get to know them,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself, and you’ll definitely have a richer and deeper travel experience because of it.”

If we were on a gluten-free diet or committed to only healthy eating (sadly, we’re not!), there were plenty of options. Windstar, in partnership with the National Health Association, offers whole foods, plant-based, SOS (salt, oil, and sugar free) and gluten-free appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts in all its main dining venues.

Windstar showcases what’s happening throughout the cruise industry: an across-the-board effort to upgrade culinary offerings.

“Cruise clients, particularly more seasoned and discerning sailors, are seeking a more personalized experience and elevated culinary excellence, delivered in a more comfortable ‘country club’ atmosphere,” says Elizabeth Cincotta, founder and luxury travel designer of Rising Tide Travel, which specializes in luxury cruises.

Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, agrees, “Delving into regional food and wine specialties has become an important part of how travelers experience a destination,” she says. “A heightened culinary focus enables our guests to develop a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture, and people.”

Major cruise lines have responded in a big way to the demands of a more discerning and food-wise clientele. Today, it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to offer celebrity chef tie-ins, cooking classes, local market excursions, specialty restaurants, and a variety of healthy options. For example, Silversea has a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. (sea and land tours), that includes food excursions, cooking classes, chef’s tables, and an evolving restaurant that adapts to each port. Oceania, with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin as its executive culinary director, has a state-of-the-art Culinary Center, offering classes from international master chefs, immersive culinary tours (e.g., an Argentine dinner at a local’s residence, traditional Irish bread making in Belfast, or a Paella workshop in Alicante), and a host of specialty restaurants, including Toscana’s serving authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Red Ginger’s Asian flavors, French country cuisine at Jacques, and the Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. Regent Seven Seas has introduced its new Epicurean Perfection programming, including specialty restaurants, special tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, on-shore culinary, wine, and spirits tours, hands-on cooking classes in its state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, and specially curated Spotlight Voyages designed around specific culinary interests. AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line member of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, offers at least one wine or culinary-focused excursion on all its itineraries, while others, like Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux, include six tours designed to showcase the culinary experiences in these regions. In 2024, the cruise line will offer more than 70 wine-focused cruises.

Our winter Mediterranean cruise began in Barcelona. But it wasn’t until the final day onboard, docked in Rome, that we were able to snag a seat at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, touted as one of the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. It’s an intimate, 40-person-or-so restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, inviting vibe. We enjoyed glasses of house-made sangria and plates of Jamón Ibérico, Cantabrian anchovies and marinated olives, poached cod, and romesco pork belly. It was a far cry from the grand ballroom dinners and buffets of old.

• A kid-friendly trip to Washington, D.C.
• At long last, a cruise ship designed for people who hate cruises

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

Food & Wine Tours

• Market tour and cooking class in Bologna

Duration 4h

Max 9 guests

Spoken languages:   Italian, English, French

Food Tour: discover the best places where to taste the finest local food & wine

Private experiences are reserved for you and any guests you have booked for: no other people will be added so that you can enjoy maximum privacy.

I will meet my guests in the city center. Together we will visit the two most important herb markets and typical delicatessen shops, where we will buy cold meats and cheese. When the tour is over, we will walk home, where we will cook typical regional recipes.

In particular, I will teach my guests how to knead and roll out pasta, making tagliatelle or tortelloni. Lunch or dinner will end with a dessert, always made together with the guests.

Gluten free

Alexandra S.  -  April 2024

Dwight Chittenden  -  April 2024

Michelle  -  April 2024

Claudio  -  December 2023

P Giuliano  -  November 2023

€189.00   per guest ( €94.50   per child )

Total : €189.00

€189.00 per guest

€189.00   per guest

€94.50   per child

Experiences you may like

In a shared experience, other guests may be added, up to the maximum number of people that the host can accommodate. Therefore you may have the opportunity to share your passion for good food and cooking with other people from all over the world!

How it works

Why book with cesarine, families and solo travellers welcome, free cancellation, what are the best cooking classes in bologna.

• Tuscany embraces Emilia. In Bologna at Roberta's house.
• Tortellini Cooking Class in Bologna
• Cooking class: tortelloni, meatballs and tiramisu
• Aromas in the kitchen, homemade pizza and tiramisu

What are the best home restaurants in Bologna?

• Typical Bolognese lunch or dinner prepared by Tuscan hands
• Typical Bolognese dinner with appetizer and cooking demo
• Every moment is good to taste Bologna's Cuisine
• The specialties of Bolognese cuisine

What are the best food & wine tours in Bologna?

• Market, Cook and Dine in Bologna Centre
• Bologna: Highlights and Hidden Gems of the Market Tour
• Typical food market, cooking class & dine in Bologna

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Money latest: Morrisons shoppers are going to notice two changes in stores

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores offering travel money and trolleys now featuring advertisements. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and leave your thoughts in the box.

Thursday 25 April 2024 19:51, UK

• Halifax hikes mortgage rates - as entire market moves upwards
• Renters' Reform Bill signed off - but with indefinite delay to no-fault evictions ban
• Morrisons rolls out bureau de change and trolley adverts

Essential reads

• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?
• Money Problem : I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?
• Savings Guide : Why locking into fixed-rate bond could be wise move
• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• Cheap Eats : Michelin chef's secret lasagne tip - and expensive ingredient you shouldn't use

Ask a question or make a comment

Halifax has become the latest major lender to up mortgage rates.

They are putting up a range of deals by 0.2%.

BM Solutions also announced increases today.

It follows similar moves by TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry last week.

Lenders are responding to swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - rising on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there. 

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

This is what average mortgage rates look like as of today...

Justin Moy, managing director of EHF Mortgages, told Newspage: "Yet more bad news for mortgage borrowers, as two of the biggest lenders announce increases to their fixed-rate products. 

"As mortgage rates creep up and past 5% even for those with the largest deposits, we seem to be lacking a clear strategy of the government or the Bank of England on how rates will eventually fall. 

"Even 2% inflation may not be enough to reverse the recent trends in rates."

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores now offering travel money and trolleys featuring advertisements.

Announcing their bureau de change service, Morrisons said customers could exchange currencies in select stores or could place their money orders online at Morrisonstravelmoney.com.

Using the online service means customers can either click and collect their cash in certain Morrisons stores or at any of Eurochange's 240 branches. Alternatively, they can go for home delivery.

Services director at Morrisons, Jamie Winter, said the service "will provide our customers with easy access to a wide range of currencies at competitive exchange rates".

So far, stores in the following areas have travel money kiosks:

• Basingstoke

In other news, the supermarket chain rolled out a new trolley advertising across 300 stores in a partnership with Retail Media Group.

A sweetener used in drinks, sauces, savoury and sweet foods and chewing gum can cause serious damage to people's health, according to a new study.

Neotame, a "relatively new" sweetener, could damage the intestine by causing damage to healthy bacteria in the gut, according to the study, leading it to become diseased and attack the gut wall.

The study by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found the negative effect of neotame "has the potential to influence a range of gut functions resulting in poor gut health", potentially impacting metabolic and inflammatory diseases, neuropathic pain, and neurological conditions.

The illnesses this could lead to include irritable bowel disease or insulin resistance.

Read the full story here ...

As we reported yesterday, a pilot programme is coming into force in Venice today that means visitors have to pay a €5 (£4.28) charge to enter the city.

Authorities say the pilot programme is designed to discourage tourists and thin the crowds that throng the canals during peak holiday season, making the city more liveable for residents.

Pictures have been emerging this morning of people queueing to register for a QR code that will allow them to enter after they have paid the charge - and officials carrying out checks on people inside the city.

People found to be contravening the rules can be fined up to €300 (£257).

As detailed in our story , the move has been met with anger among some in the city.

Venice is the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists - but comments from its most senior tourist official suggested it may become a more common practice for major tourist hotspots in Europe.

Simone Venturini revealed the pilot programme was being closely watched by other places suffering from mass tourism - including other Italian art cities and hugely popular weekend-break destinations Barcelona and Amsterdam.

More than 160,000 people switched to Nationwide from other providers at the end of 2023, when the building society was offering a huge cash switching incentive.

According to figures from the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), Nationwide had a net gain of 163,363 account switchers between October and December, after leavers were taken into account.

It was the highest quarterly gain since the same period in 2022, when 111,941 switched to Nationwide.

The building society launched a £200 switching bonus for new joiners in September last year - the biggest giveaway on offer at the time. It withdrew the offer just before Christmas.

The latest CASS figures, which show Nationwide had 196,260 total gains before accounting for leavers, suggesting it could have spent up to £39m on nabbing customers from other providers in the last three months of the year.

Barclays and Lloyds Bank saw more modest net gains of 12,823 and 5,800 respectively, while the rest of the UK's big banks reported net losses.

NatWest and Halifax fared worst, losing over 40,000 more switchers each than they gained.

This week saw the last remaining switching offer on the market withdrawn.

Sainsbury's is having technical issues again - with shoppers taking to social media to say their deliveries have been delayed or cancelled.

The supermarket has been replying to customers saying: "I'm really sorry about the tech issues this morning. 

"We're aware of the situation and are working to sort it as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we'd advise you place a new order for a future date."

Customer Andrew Savage wrote: "Order has not been delivered and no confirmation email this morning."

Another, John B Sheffield, said: "So angry! Just got through to your customer line after 40 min WAIT. 

"Tells me NO DELIVERIES TODAY! tech problem? I've NO FOOD IN! ANGRY!"

In a statement to Sky News, a Sainsbury's spokesperson says: "A small technical issue affected some groceries online orders this morning. 

"We have contacted these customers directly to apologise for the inconvenience." 

In another update at 10am, the supermarket said that the issue has been resolved. 

Responding to customers on X, Sainsbury's also offered those affected e-vouchers and details on how to rebook their orders.

It comes a month after the supermarket had to cancel almost all deliveries on a Saturday in mid-March due to another technical issue.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

A potential $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover of UK-based mining company  Anglo American  has sent its shares soaring - and helped the FTSE 100 hit yet another record high this morning.

The attempted mega-merger, by larger Australian rival BHP, is currently being reviewed by Anglo American's board.

The deal, if it goes through, would create the world's biggest copper mining company - and comes as the price of the metal continues to climb amid soaring demand.

Anglo American's shares have surged as high as 13% this morning as news of the negotiations emerged.

The announcement also helped spur the FTSE 100 to a new intraday (during the day) high of 8,098 points.

The index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, has hit a string of records this week, including  an all-time closing high of 8,044 points  on Tuesday.

The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Also moving the markets are a string of company results which were published earlier on Thursday.

Among those issuing updates to investors was drugsmaker AstraZeneca. Its stock is up more than 5% after the firm reported quarterly profit and revenue above market estimates.

Unilever is also up 5% following similar better-than-expected quarterly figures.

Another good performer is  Barclays  - despite reporting a 12% fall in profits for the first three months of 2024. Its shares are up more than 4%.

That's because its quarterly figures are slightly better than expected, and the bank has said it expects its fortunes to improve later this year.

Meanwhile, as tensions in the Middle East continue, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil continues to hover at a price of around $88 (£70).

This morning £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, similar to yesterday.

Every week we get experts to answer your Money Problems - usually on a Monday, but today we have a short, bonus addition in light of multiple lenders raising mortgage rates this week on fears an interest rate cut could be delayed to a little later this year (note: many economists still think it will come in summer).

A few readers have got in touch with questions similar to this one...

My remortgage is due to complete on 1 May. I already have an offer but with rates going up, is there any way at all my offer rate could increase? Saz681

We asked David Hollingworth, director at L&C Mortgages, to answer this one...

It's great news that you are already set up with a mortgage offer, Saz - ready to make a smooth switch to a new deal and/or lender, once the current one ends.  

It does take time to set up a new mortgage so shopping around the market a good few months ahead will help you put everything in place and avoid slipping onto a high variable rate.

Fixed rates have been nudging up slightly but you have already got a formal offer in place so shouldn't worry.  

Applying for a mortgage will generally secure that rate and the lender will then carry out any further checks to issue the mortgage offer.  

The offer will be valid for a specified period, often for up to six months. Rates are always shifting for new customers but you can rest easy that your rate should be safe and sound for your switch in May.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we've spoken with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website .

What is it?

In general, dark tourism involves travelling to sites connected to death or disaster.

"Dark tourism has been around for as long as we have been travelling to places associated with death," Dr Stainton says. 

However, the term wasn't officially coined until 1996 by John Lennon, a professor of tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University, in Scotland.

"Not everyone is familiar with the term," says Dr Stainton, "[but] many people have been a dark tourist at some time or another, whether intentional or not."

Some examples of the most famous sites

• Auschwitz concentration camp, Poland
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York, US
• Chernobyl, Ukraine 
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
• Choeung Ek "killing fields" and the Tuol Sleng genocide museum at the former S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

Areas with a degree of infamy, like Alcatraz, are extremely popular spots that also fall under the "dark tourism" umbrella. 

How popular is it?

Dr Hohenhaus and Dr Stainton say they have noticed a rise in its popularity. 

"Tourists are looking for more unique and unusual experiences," Dr Stainton says. 

"This has seen a move away from the more traditional 'sun, sea and sand' type holidays to a variety of different tourism forms, which includes dark tourism."

Dr Hohenhaus adds: "Maybe people want to connect to more recent and hence more personally relevant history - that is definitely the case with myself."

He goes on: "I think I've learned more about the world through dark tourism than through all of my formal education or my previous academic career."

Is it ethical?

This is the big question associated with dark tourism. 

Dr Stainton says that while problems do arise, the stigma around the practice is often misguided. 

"People don't visit sites like the killing fields in Cambodia or the site of Chernobyl for 'fun' - they visit for the educational experience, as dark tourism is often also a form of educational tourism," she says.

Problems arise when tourists are not respectful to those who may have been impacted.

"For instance, taking inappropriate photos or laughing and joking when others may be in a state of mourning."

Notorious examples include people taking selfies outside Grenfell Tower and at Auschwitz. 

"It is therefore imperative that dark tourists are considerate of those around them and respectful at all times," Dr Stainton says.

"As long as you are not just after a cheap sensationalist thrill - take dark tourism seriously and do it right, and it can be an immensely enriching thing to engage in."  Dr Hohenhaus

Where could you go? 

These are Dr Hohenhaus' recommendations:

• Ijen crater in Indonesia - where at night you can see the fabled blue flames of the sulphur mines next to the volcano crater lake;
• The Polygon, the former Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site of the USSR, now in Kazakhstan;
• The Goli Otok former prison island off the coast of Croatia;
• The Murambi memorial to the Rwandan genocide - which Dr Hohenhaus says is "certainly the very darkest place I have ever been";
• Majdanek concentration camp memorial near Lublin, eastern Poland.

What do you think of dark tourism? Is it misunderstood, educational or abhorrent?  Let us know in the comments section...

John Lewis will be sharing its job interview questions online in an attempt to find the "best talent".

The retail chain hopes that allowing candidates to view questions before an interview will allow prospective employees to "really demonstrate what they can do" and prepare, the Financial Times reports.

John Lewis talent acquisition lead Lorna Bullett told Sky News that interviews can feel daunting and "nerves can seriously impact performance".

She added the company want "the right people" from a variety of backgrounds and with "the best talent" to join.

"It makes absolute business sense to find ways of helping candidates to really demonstrate what they can do," she said.

Ms Bullett added that the process will be "no less rigorous".

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