Kleingruppenmarkttour und Kochkurs in Padua

Had a really good experience with this tour agency overall. The itinerary was well planned and covered all the key attractions at a comfortable pace. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the journey more enjoyable with helpful information throughout. Transportation was smooth and comfortable, with everything well organized. There were minor delays at a couple of points, but nothing that affected the trip much.

Well, I hate to write a negative review but our experience was disappointing. I have booked many activities (and cooking classes) through Trip Advisor/Viator and have always been pleased with the experience. Not this time. First, the meeting place was very confusing , we went to the address in the instructions, but our host/instructor was late and the phone number to reach him was not working. We also messaged him through our app to no avail. We called Viator and they had the same non working phone number. This is unacceptable. When our host finally found us it was a very long 40 min walk to his apartment. We were already delayed because of the confusion . I feel like the cooking class was not properly explained in the description. But the most frustrating part is that our host did not speak English and we had to use Google translate! Our host was very kind but I think the experience was very challenging for him as well! He was gracious host but his tiny kitchen would only accommodate 3 of us cooking and the other 3 in our group sat in the living room It was unlike any other cooking class that we’ve done previously. I think Viator/ Trip Advisor needs to fully explain this activity so folks can know in advance what they are actually booking!

Coordination to and from this event was terrible. Meet up point was misidentified which left us standing for 25 minutes. It was very difficult to contact host. Then “five minute walk to host home” turned out to be 40 minutes. We told host we were really fatigued after full day of walking and he intimated his home was nearby. Host said we were going to market first but with delayed meetup the market was closing. Host spoke little to no English. We communicated only through translation phone app which was not good. When we finally arrived at his apartment we were reluctant to enter because it looked sketchy. Apartment was surprisingly nice but the Kitchen was small enough to hold only 3 of our 6 attendees. Apartment was very warm! Host invited brother and mother to dinner who also spoke very little English creating uncomfortable silences. The meal prep took a really long time and only included one dish (homemade pasta) with sauce host had premade. We also made dessert. Host had prepped a couple appetizers in advance. Host, David, was kind and had a lovely space to dine. After dinner we had trouble getting taxi to return us to hotel which ended up taking 30 minutes because of remote location. Bottom line, one of our all-time worst Viator experiences.

The host was 25 minutes late and we had to walk 45 minutes to his apartment. We missed the market because the meetup time was so late. Our host did not speak much English and had to keep talking into the phone and letting the phone translate. And we could not talk with him. The kitchen was so small, only half of our six person party could cook. The rest sat in the dining room the whole time. The appetizers were delicious. The dinner was very disappointing, just spaghetti with olives and anchovies with tomatoes, not even fresh Parmesan on the spaghetti. The tiramisu was delicious. Our host was kind. We’ve done cooking classes in many Italian cities and they have been so much fun in beautiful places with unforgettable food. This experience was unforgettable for the wrong reasons.

It was my first time to Padua, and I was looking for an authentic experience where I could learn about the city and the cuisine that makes it special. I was so lucky to have found this tour with Catia, who went out of her way to provide a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever! She was so hospitable, from a detailed tour of Padua that included all the best attractions, to opening up her home to me where I learned how to make Bigoli and Tiramasu. She showed me the proper techniques of making and kneading dough, and taught me how to make and serve a plate of appetizers that was made using the freshest flavors of the Summer. Her home, her family, her garden, and knowledge of cooking and the city’s history - is truly a gift every visitor of Padua should experience.

I had Catia as a host. She is a wonderful and inspiring woman. I was lucky that the course took place despite being alone. Thus, it was very individual and tailored entirely to me. It is important to note that there is no market on Sundays. In place of that, Catia gave me a small city tour. The cooking class then took place at her home. Everything was very personal and well organized. Catia is a really good cook and can explain everything well. You get involved a lot and learn a lot. The food was very delicious. I will definitely come back. Catia is highly recommended without reservation.

This was a very special experience. Catia met me at Piazza del Erbe. The market was closed because there was Easter Monday but she took me around Padova instead and shared wonderful stories about the colorful history of her beloved city. Then we went to cook. What a treat. She taught me to make bigoli the pasta of Padova in the traditional way - with a original press and my muscles. It was such a lovely time. We spoke and shared about our countries and lives. This exceeded all my expectations. I went for a cooking class and finished with a friend. If you want a truly special experience in Padova, sign up for class with Catia. It is worth every single cent and more. Very special person and the food turned out delicious - bigoli, tiramisu and more!

Sharing the shopping experience and the language and his very specific techniques in cooking the meal; totally different than what is shown on TV; more than excellent.

Our chef was wonderful and very gracious. The experience with the company’s communication was not. I had push messages with two different addresses and time right until the day of the event. It was clear that my cook had changed however the confusing messages came after that.

Speaking with a well informed chef who made excellent suggestions regarding food and its preparation.