Eating tortellini in Bologna is a pleasure; learning to make them is a souvenir that lasts. Felsina Culinaria, whose name comes from the Etruscan name for Bologna, runs hands-on cooking classes in the countryside at Castel San Pietro Terme, just east of the city on the old Via Emilia. In about three hours, in a group of no more than ten, you learn the foundations of Bolognese cooking: how to make egg pasta dough by hand, roll it out with a long pin into the thin sheet the locals call the sfoglia, and shape it into classic forms such as tagliatelle and filled tortelloni. The class is led in English, French or Italian, and ends at the table, where you eat what you have made with a glass of local wine or beer. Pickup by car from Castel San Pietro Terme is included, and extras such as dessert making and wine pairing can be added.
How it works: the starting point is in Castel San Pietro Terme, where a car picks you up and takes you to the class. Getting there from Bologna is easy by regional train along the line towards Imola, a ride of well under an hour. A car pickup from anywhere in Bologna is available for an extra fee, which is worth considering for a group. The class lasts about three hours, is wheelchair accessible, and is capped at ten people. Free cancellation applies until twenty-four hours before.
What you make: the exact menu varies, but the focus is fresh egg pasta and the region’s signature shapes, such as tagliatelle and filled tortelloni, with sauces like butter and sage or ragù. Optional extras include a dessert lesson, a wine pairing and a wine tour, priced separately, and an introductory Italian language session is part of the experience.
Making the most of it: arrive hungry, tell the hosts about allergies when booking, and take notes or photos of each step so you can repeat the recipes at home. It pairs well with a guided food walk in the city earlier in the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A hands-on, small-group pasta-making class in the countryside, ending with a meal of what you cooked and a glass of local wine or beer.
Best time
A late-morning class ending in lunch, which leaves the evening free back in Bologna.
How long
About three hours, plus a short train ride each way.
Tips
Check regional train times to Castel San Pietro Terme, share dietary needs when booking, and wear clothes you do not mind dusting with flour.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want to bring Bolognese cooking home with them.
- Families
- A fun, hands-on activity for families with children old enough to roll and shape dough.
- Couples
- Cooking together and sharing the meal you made is a memorable date in the Emilian countryside.
- Pair with
- The Bologna food walking tour earlier in your trip, so you know what you are aiming for.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel.
Good questions
Where does the Felsina Culinaria cooking class take place?+
It takes place in the countryside at Castel San Pietro Terme, just east of Bologna. A car picks you up at the starting point in Castel San Pietro Terme.
How do I get to the cooking class from Bologna?+
Take a regional train from Bologna towards Imola to Castel San Pietro Terme, a short ride. A car pickup from anywhere in Bologna is available for an extra fee.
What will I cook?+
The focus is fresh egg pasta made by hand and classic Bolognese shapes such as tagliatelle and tortelloni. The exact menu varies by day.
How many people are in the class?+
Classes are limited to ten participants. That leaves plenty of time for hands-on help from the hosts.
Is wine included in the cooking class?+
A glass of local wine or beer is offered with the meal. A full wine pairing and a wine tour can be added for an extra charge.
