Do I need any prior cooking experience to join this course?

No prior experience is needed—Chef Massimo guides all skill levels through the dough-making and baking process.

Is the course suitable for children?

Yes, the class is recommended for ages 10 and up, making it a family-friendly activity.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Since the course centers on wheat-based breads and pizzas, it may not be suitable for gluten-free diets. Please notify in advance about allergies.

What languages is the class offered in?

Classes are conducted in English, Italian, and Spanish, depending on the group composition.

Is the tasting included in the price?

Yes, you will enjoy a tasting session with your handmade pizza and focaccia, along with a salad and drink.

Where is the workshop located?

The class takes place at Via Antonio Gramsci, 175/177, 19122 La Spezia SP, Italy.

Hands-On Pizza & Focaccia Workshop with Arbaspaa in La Spezia

Located in the coastal city of La Spezia, Italy, Arbaspaa offers an immersive culinary experience that unfurls far beyond the usual tourist sights. Set at Via Antonio Gramsci, 175/177, this pizza and bread kneading course is a unique way to engage with Ligurian culture through hands-on craft. La Spezia itself, positioned at the gateway to the Cinque Terre, is best known for its rugged coastline, vibrant fishing ports, and fresh olive groves—all of which influence the rich flavors of local cuisine.

Chef Massimo leads participants through a detailed 3-hour workshop that starts with the foundation of any great pizza: mastering the dough. Under his guidance, you’ll learn how to knead and roll dough to perfection, understanding how different styles—from airy Neapolitan to crisp Ligurian focaccia—vary in texture and preparation. The focus on Ligurian focaccia, a regional specialty with centuries-old roots, makes this course especially authentic.

Utilizing only the freshest, local ingredients, you’ll create not just pizzas but also various breads and breadsticks, each shaped and topped with care. The hands-on nature of the course ensures attendees walk away with both skills and a tangible connection to Italian culinary traditions.

After crafting your breads and pizzas, the experience culminates in a tasting session featuring your creations paired with a fresh salad and a drink, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor amidst warm, communal surroundings. Arbaspaa’s classes are offered in English, Italian, and Spanish, opening this culinary adventure to a diverse crowd.

This kneading workshop stands apart as a flavorful gateway into Liguria’s rich food heritage and a refreshing break from more expected outdoor adventures, appealing to travelers looking for ways to blend outdoor exploration with intimate cultural engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious traveler, Arbaspaa’s course is an invitation to get hands deep in dough while savoring one of Italy’s most cherished culinary traditions.

About Arbaspaa

Arbaspaa is an activity and tour operator based in Manarola, Liguria, offering a broad range of guided experiences across Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. Specialties include cooking classes, marine activities, photographic workshops, wine and food tastings, boat and kayak tours, e-bike routes, and diving sessions inside protected marine areas.

Arbaspaa collaborates with qualified local instructors and professionals: sea activities are led by marine biologists and certified diving instructors, photography tours are taught by a professional Nikon photographer, and some wine tastings are guided by an AIS professional sommelier. Experiences range from short, focused sessions—such as a three‑hour cooking lesson and two‑hour photo walks—to multi‑hour boat trips, half‑day kayaking, and full e‑bike excursions. Activities depart from Manarola, Monterosso, La Spezia, and Porto Venere depending on the trip.

Many tours include provided equipment, local ingredients, or onboard meals like BBQ fish lunches and aperitivi with wine and focaccia. Arbaspaa also offers private tours, self‑guided hiking packages, and specialty courses such as pesto and kneading classes in nearby towns. Safety and respect for local environments are emphasized through operations in Marine Protected Areas and guided snorkeling and diving protocols. Booking options cover small groups and private bookings. For travelers seeking authentic Ligurian food, coastal exploration, photography coaching, or active sea adventures, Arbaspaa provides locally grounded, professionally guided options across the Cinque Terre and surrounding Liguria coastline. Sample activities include cooking lessons, snorkeling, diving, kayak and boat tours, photography walks, e‑bike routes, pesto and bread courses, and guided wine tastings across Liguria.