Reviews for Towns of Italy

Customer service - terrible

I would not recommend this company. We gave ourselves lots of time to get to the meeting spot. The company sent a full email with all the details after the booking, which I throughly reviewed. The day of multiple texts were sent to me, advising me to communicate via chat if I had any questions. Which I did, I advised we were on our way 20 mins before our meeting time. No reply, then we realized our taxi dropped us off at the wrong location. Immediately sent a message on the chat requesting help…no reply again. I emailed them bc I’m from Canada and everytime I tried to sign into my account to contact the provided the app wouldn’t open. Desperately trying to reach someone, following the instructions given to use the chat option. Still no response. We were a 5 min drive/16mins walk away. Then 6 mins after the tour was schedule to depart. I got another text indicating we missed our tour and no refund would be give. And 28 mins after the tour departed finally some responded to me. Offering me 50% off the tour the following day, but we were scheduled to leave in the morning for Rome (the whole trip was pre booked with an agent, so changing train tickets wasn’t possible) And this was our first time in Italy, Tuscany wine tour being our dream. And we missed it because this company’s communications advised us to use the chat option if we had questions. I tried working with the agent for hours explaining the situation. Lots of polity apologies that no refund was possible. No other solutions offered other than 50% off a tour the following day. Costumer service was horrible with this company. I would not recommend.

Product: Explore Chianti on a Vespa: Tour, Guide & Lunch from Florence

Wine and olive tour

Francesca was a beautiful tour, guide and host. Knowledgeable in the culture, the food, the wine, the area. We had a beautiful afternoon where a group of strangers met and a bunch of friends departed. Well worth the time, cost, effort. Ask for Francesca for a great time.

Product: From Florence: Small-Group Tuscany Wine & Oil Tour with typical Tuscan Meal

Wine and olive oil tour

Francesca was not only a tour guide but a friend. She lent her knowledge and expertise of the local area. Her English was a bit of a challenge to understand, but entertaining at times as she struggled through. Her English’s much better than my Italian! The bus ride to the Vineyards was an interesting, informative journey. However, the trip back was a bit on the warm side and very rough for those who had drank a little bit too much. The farms were beautiful. The wines were good, but not great. The lunch was filling, but nothing over the top. A group of strangers left and a group of friends returned. There is room for improvement, but still worth the day.

Product: From Florence: Small-Group Tuscany Wine & Oil Tour with typical Tuscan Meal

Top experience

Great experience with Chef Lidia - super fun evening; a great experience 👏 Would totally recommend and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Product: Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making

Must do while in Palermo

We had so much fun with Lidia & Co.! The pizza and gelato were amazing and we really learned a lot in this class! Thank you for the great time!

Product: Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making

A Truly Exceptional Cooking Experience with Chef Lisa

### **A Truly Exceptional Cooking Experience with Chef Lisa** From the moment I stepped into Chef Lisa’s kitchen, I knew I was about to embark on something truly special. Cooking classes, I’ve taken many over the years, but none quite like this. Chef Lisa offers not only a culinary adventure, but a chance to connect with food, its preparation, and its heart in a way that is as educational as it is delightful. The experience was unlike any I’ve had before, and I feel compelled to share this in as much detail as possible because it truly was a one-of-a-kind class. **Chef Lisa: A Master of Her Craft** Chef Lisa's credentials speak for themselves, but it’s her ability to teach, to inspire, and to make even the most complex culinary techniques seem accessible that truly sets her apart. She has a rare gift, one that combines deep knowledge of cuisine with an approachable, engaging teaching style. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned home cook, she makes the entire process of learning feel natural and fun. Her teaching style is rooted in patience, warmth, and an infectious enthusiasm for food. She speaks about ingredients with reverence, like they’re old friends she’s known her entire life, and that passion flows into everything she teaches. The depth of her knowledge spans everything from techniques like perfecting the art of emulsification to the subtle differences between regional Italian herbs. Chef Lisa doesn’t just teach you how to make a dish — she helps you understand why the dish works, what makes it special, and how to infuse your own personality into it. It’s the difference between just following a recipe and truly becoming a part of the process. **The Class: A Perfect Blend of Fun and Education** The class I attended was focused on making homemade gelato, which I can now confidently say was one of the most memorable culinary experiences I’ve ever had. The environment was casual yet focused, with everyone in the room feeling immediately at ease. The group ranged from beginners to those with more experience in the kitchen, but Chef Lisa made sure to tailor her instructions so that no one felt left behind. One of the standout moments of the class was when a young student named Eduardo, a five-year-old, joined in. Chef Lisa has a special knack for working with all age groups, and she quickly made Eduardo feel like a key part of the team. The joy and enthusiasm in his eyes as he helped mix the gelato was nothing short of contagious. Chef Lisa had him assisting with the simplest of tasks, but she took the time to explain each step with care, turning it into a learning moment. Watching Eduardo’s excitement as he mixed the gelato, his little hands making sure every ingredient was well-combined, was a beautiful reminder of the universal nature of cooking. No matter our age, we all can find joy and wonder in creating something with our own hands. Chef Lisa didn’t just teach cooking that day; she taught us all about patience, teamwork, and the joy of shared experience. **A Hands-On Experience Like No Other** What really sets Chef Lisa’s class apart is the hands-on experience. There are no dull lectures or long, drawn-out demonstrations. Instead, you dive right into the action, rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. In the case of the gelato, we measured, mixed, and blended the ingredients ourselves — with Lisa offering helpful guidance at every step. She didn’t just show us how to make gelato; she made sure we *understood* the process, from the science behind the freezing method to the careful balance of flavors that make a perfect gelato. Even when a few small mistakes were made (as they inevitably are when learning), Lisa’s patience and grace made it clear that it was all part of the fun. No mistake was too big to correct, and she had this wonderful ability to make us feel like we were all capable, even when the process seemed daunting at first. For instance, when Eduardo accidentally knocked over a bowl of ingredients, instead of scolding him, Chef Lisa laughed it off and made it into a learning moment. She explained how important it was to be careful with the materials but also how part of cooking is learning to recover from mistakes — something that any cook, no matter their level, can appreciate. **The Atmosphere: Warm, Welcoming, and Inviting** Beyond Chef Lisa’s skill as an instructor, the atmosphere in her kitchen was something truly unique. The moment I walked in, I was greeted not just with a kitchen, but with a warm, welcoming space that felt more like a home than a professional cooking school. Chef Lisa’s kitchen was the heart of the experience, with every countertop neatly organized, every ingredient perfectly arranged, and a palpable sense of warmth that filled the room. There was an easy camaraderie among the students, encouraged by Lisa’s approachability. Whether we were chatting about our favorite desserts or swapping stories about our childhood experiences with food, it was clear that Chef Lisa had created an environment where everyone felt like they belonged. As the gelato came together, I couldn’t help but notice how the group seemed to bond over the shared experience of learning and creating something from scratch. The joy of seeing that first scoop of homemade gelato, made entirely by our hands, was infectious. Even Eduardo, though young, had a big smile on his face as he proudly showed off the fruits of his labor. It was a reminder that cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create along the way. **The Gelato: The Perfect Conclusion to a Perfect Class** As for the gelato itself? It was nothing short of perfection. The creamy, smooth texture was exactly what you hope for when you think of gelato — rich and indulgent but not overly sweet. The balance of flavors was exquisite, and you could taste the care and precision that went into the making of each batch. To be able to enjoy such a delicious treat, knowing that I had played an integral role in making it, was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. What truly amazed me was the depth of flavor that we were able to achieve in such a short amount of time. Chef Lisa’s tips on how to properly freeze and churn the mixture made all the difference. There was no iciness, no graininess, just a smooth, velvety texture that melted in the mouth with each bite. We also had the opportunity to experiment with different flavors — from the classic vanilla bean to a rich chocolate hazelnut. I couldn’t have asked for a better dessert. **Eduardo’s Experience: A Heartwarming Touch** I have to mention again how delightful it was to see Eduardo, the young boy who joined our class, actively participating. Chef Lisa’s ability to engage him was remarkable. She didn’t treat him as an “outsider” but rather included him as a full participant. As he mixed the gelato with a sense of purpose, you could see his face light up with pride. The joy of learning through play and hands-on activity was evident, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was moments like this that would stay with Eduardo forever. He wasn’t just learning how to make gelato — he was learning valuable life skills, from patience to teamwork to the satisfaction of creating something on his own. In fact, his involvement made the class all the more special. It was a reminder that cooking is a shared experience — one that transcends age, skill level, and background. Thanks to Chef Lisa’s inclusive approach, the class felt less like a traditional lesson and more like a group of friends coming together to create something special. **Final Thoughts: Why Chef Lisa is Truly One of a Kind** After attending this class, I can say without a doubt that Chef Lisa is an extraordinary instructor, a true master of her craft, and a wonderful person to learn from. Her ability to make cooking feel approachable and fun is a rare gift, and her passion for food is evident in every lesson she imparts. The experience was not just about learning how to make gelato — it was about learning to appreciate food, to be patient in the kitchen, and to connect with others over the shared joy of cooking. I’ve walked away from this class with a deeper understanding of culinary techniques, a new appreciation for gelato, and a lasting memory of a day well spent. If you’re looking for a cooking class that goes beyond the basics, that brings together people of all ages and skill levels, and leaves you with both a full stomach and a full heart, I cannot recommend Chef Lisa’s classes enough. It’s not just about cooking — it’s about creating memories, building connections, and truly learning what it means to cook with love and passion. I will definitely be signing up for another class with Chef Lisa soon. Thank you, Chef Lisa, for such an unforgettable experience! --- This review captures the essence of the class, the involvement of young Eduardo, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Lisa’s cooking sessions. If you need anything expanded or more details, feel free to let me know!

Product: Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence

Best Time!!

So much fun!! Tour guide was so informative and gave us the best gelato recommendations! Hoping to be able to do it again!!

Product: Cinque Terre Premium day trip with local guide from Florence

Pizza and Gelato

Jon was great! Such a fun and relaxed environment. The food was amazing! I definitely feel like I could make pizza and Gelato at home!

Product: Florence Cooking Class The Art of Making Gelato & Authentic Pizza

Great Experience!

Such a fun class! Quality ingredients. Knowledgeable and attentive staff. The dishes we made were absolutely delicious. Definitely a great way to spend an afternoon.

Product: Palermo: Pasta & Gelato Cooking Class in Palermo

Fun day in Tuscany

Francesca was a great guide. Fun, friendly, enjoyable. 3 wineries and every one was enjoyable. A nice typical Tuscan meal at the last winery. Well worth doing

Product: From Florence: Small-Group Tuscany Wine & Oil Tour with typical Tuscan Meal

Product: Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Premium Guided Tour

This was an amazing experience and Alfredo was so professional. He guided us step by step on how to prepare pasta, pesto and gelato. We also enjoyed the food so much. Highly recommended!

Product: Milan: Small-group Pasta & Gelato Class with Unlimited Wine

I'm so happy we decided to take this tour. I like being able to learn something about the places I go to and this checked that box off for sure. Our guide was engaging and interactive with all of us patrons, and the building for meeting up was easy to find. Don't hesitate to take a chance if you're thinking about this as an option of something to do in the city. Ciao & Grazie

Product: Palermo: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

Product: Florence: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour with an Art Expert

Product: Milan: Last Supper Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour

Product: Rome: Pizza, Gelato & Fun – a Tasty Class in the City Center

Laguide super gentille, connaisseuse, nous avons adoré. Je crois qu'une pause serait apprécié pour prendre un petit café rapidement ou aller à la toilette :)

Product: Palermo: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

Add some small to eat for each vine test

Product: Florence: Great Chianti Wine and Olive Oil Trail with Lunch

Fun experience! Great space and dynamic instructor Lisa!

Product: Towns of Italy - Cooking School - Florence 15694518833367047980

Product: Florence: Chianti Wine Region Vespa or Fiat Topolino Tour