Sanremo isn’t just about pretty seaside views or elegant casinos; it’s a lively hub of culinary delight, scenic excursions, and authentic Italian experiences. What makes Sanremo truly special for tours is its mix of small-group intimacy, local-led insights, and diverse options. Whether you want to learn how to craft perfect pasta, explore medieval villages, or sip world-class wines, Sanremo offers something for every curious traveler. We particularly like the Pasta & Basta experience for its hands-on approach and stunning terrace setting, perfect for wrapping up your day with a meal you helped create.
If you’re wondering where to start, this guide covers the top 10 tours—from food adventures to scenic drives—each chosen for its authenticity, reviews, and unique appeal. Below, you’ll find an overview of these options, followed by detailed descriptions to help you decide which best fits your style.
Quick Overview: The Best Tours in Sanremo
This list features a variety of culinary classes, local food tours, scenic excursions, and cultural experiences. Explore Pasta & Basta for a hands-on pasta-making class, or wander through Sanremo’s streets on the Sanremo Food Tour. For scenic day trips, the Dolceacqua & Nervia Valley wine tour offers medieval villages, Monet’s Bridge, and local wines. Want to explore on two wheels? The E-bike tour combines scenic rides with authentic Ligurian dishes. And for a taste of local hospitality, don’t miss the dining experience at a local’s home. Now, let’s dive into each tour in detail.
1. Pasta & Basta
At number 1, the Pasta & Basta experience stands out for its engaging, hands-on approach to Italian cooking. For about $174.16 per person, you’ll connect with Monica, an expert home cook in her Sanremo kitchen, to learn how to make tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi from scratch. You’ll also prepare three different sauces, gaining practical tips to recreate these dishes at home. The class lasts around 2.5 hours, and the highlight is a family-style lunch or dinner on the terrace overlooking the sea, where you’ll taste your own culinary creations.
What makes this experience special is Monica’s warm personality and storytelling—she weaves in family tales, historical tidbits, and humor that make it feel like cooking with a friend. The reviews are glowing; travelers praise her knowledge, friendliness, and the chance to learn authentic techniques. This tour is perfect for food lovers who want a deep dive into traditional Ligurian pasta-making, with the bonus of a fantastic view and a memorable meal afterward. The value is excellent considering the personalized instruction and scenic setting.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn to make pasta in a friendly, authentic environment, this class offers a delicious, educational, and scenic experience.
2. SANREMO FOOD TOUR – Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town
For around $108.91, the Sanremo Food Tour delivers a flavorful afternoon exploring Sanremo like a local. Over approximately three hours, you’ll sample up to 11 different Ligurian snacks, including pesto, focaccia, olive oil, and regional wines. The tour kicks off in the city center and takes you through the back alleys of Sanremo’s caruggi, revealing hidden spots only locals frequent. Your guide will share insights into regional culinary traditions and the history behind each bite.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate small-group size—max 12 people—and its focus on authentic, lesser-known eateries. Visitors often mention how Roberta, the guide, makes the experience lively and educational, with comments like “Her passion spills out with joy!” It’s ideal for travelers who love food and history and want to experience Sanremo’s vibrant street scene without the tourist crowds.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to taste diverse Ligurian specialties and learn about local culture in a relaxed, friendly setting.
3. DOLCEACQUA & THE NERVIA VALLEY
At number 3, the Dolceacqua & Nervia Valley tour offers a richer scenic and cultural experience. For about $225.31, this 4-hour small-group outing takes you from Sanremo along the coast into Italy’s inland wine country. Highlights include exploring the medieval village of Dolceacqua, with its iconic Castello dei Doria, and walking on Monet’s famous bridge. You’ll also sample two local wines, Rossese di Dolceacqua, and enjoy scenic views of the river and surrounding hills.
Guide Roberta’s deep knowledge and personal touch make this trip special—she shares stories of local history and wine-making traditions. Guests love how the tour combines a picturesque village with wine tasting and cultural insights in just a half-day. It’s especially suited for those interested in wine, scenic villages, and art, with reviews praising Roberta’s professionalism and the “beautiful, memorable day.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, cultural day trip with wine and art, away from busy tourist spots.
4. Pizza Making Class in Sanremo
Number 4 offers an interactive Pizza Making Class for about $82.69 per person. In roughly two hours, you’ll learn to craft authentic Italian pizza dough, then top it with ingredients like Parma ham, mushrooms, and Parmesan. The class starts with a welcome aperitif, and you get to enjoy your freshly baked pizza along with wine, beer, and espresso—a true Italian feast.
Chef Nino’s friendly teaching style and clear instructions make it a hit among participants. Reviewers rave about how delicious and fresh the pizza is, with one describing the focaccia as their favorite. It’s particularly suitable for families, couples, or anyone eager to try their hand at pizza-making in a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A fun, hands-on experience that delivers a tasty meal and new skills—great for foodies and pizza lovers.
5. Vespa Tour in Sanremo for Half a Day
The Vespa Tour is a fantastic way to see Sanremo and its surroundings in style. For about $171.71 per group, up to two people, you’ll get to ride a Vespa with a guide, exploring the most beautiful spots and panoramic views of the Riviera. The tour takes roughly four hours, and the guide, Ron, is praised for his insight and friendliness.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of freedom and structure—riding a Vespa allows you to comfortably access scenic overlooks and hidden viewpoints that are often out of reach by car. This tour suits those comfortable with scooters and eager for an active, memorable adventure. The reviews highlight Ron’s excellent guidance and the breathtaking views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous travelers who want a personalized, scenic journey around Sanremo on two wheels.
6. Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch
For about $151.26, the E-bike Tour takes you along scenic coastal and mountain routes. This 3 to 5-hour tour includes a climb through the Tre Ponti beaches, a stop in Ceriana with its 22 churches, and a visit to Bussana Vecchia, the artist enclave. The highlight is a well-deserved lunch in Ceriana, sampling traditional Ligurian dishes.
The tour’s key appeal is the combination of active exploration and authentic cuisine, making it suitable for active travelers who enjoy cultural sights. Reviewers mention how Mariano, the guide, shares extensive knowledge and makes the ride accessible for different fitness levels. The trip is a mix of coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and village charm.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a scenic, culinary, and cultural experience on e-bikes.
7. Sanremo Home Cooking Class
Coming in at number 7, the Sanremo Home Cooking Class offers a comprehensive five-hour immersion into Ligurian cooking. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll shop at a local market before preparing a full four-course meal—pasta, appetizer, main, and dessert including tiramisu or panna cotta. The experience also features wine and olive oil tastings, making it a perfect culinary day.
Guests praise Roberta’s expertise and her ability to make complex dishes approachable. This class is ideal for those who want to learn not just recipes but also regional cooking techniques and ingredient sourcing. The clear focus on hands-on participation ensures you walk away with skills plus a memorable meal.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, authentic cooking experience combined with local market shopping.
8. Dining Experience at a Local’s Home in Sanremo
This intimate Dining Experience costs around $121.47 and lasts about 2.5 hours. You’ll join a local family for a private dinner featuring four courses, from regional starters to desserts, with drinks included. The host, Cesarine, shares family recipes passed down through generations, offering a genuine taste of Sanremo’s culinary soul.
Guests describe the experience as warm and authentic, with plenty of food and personalized insights. It’s a great way to connect with local culture without the touristy feel. This experience suits those seeking an intimate, home-cooked meal with a friendly host.
Bottom Line: An authentic, cozy way to enjoy regional cuisine and meet locals in their own home.
9. Cooking Class Pesto Sauce
Number 9 offers a focused Pesto Sauce Cooking Class for about $80.41. You’ll learn how to make authentic Ligurian pesto using traditional tools—a marble mortar and wooden pestle. The instructor shares the history and secrets behind this iconic sauce, then you taste your freshly made pesto with pasta, Ligurian olive oil, and Taggiasca olives.
What makes this class stand out is its emphasis on traditional methods and local ingredients. Reviewers appreciate the personable guide and the chance to master a key regional dish. It’s ideal for foodies eager to learn authentic techniques that they can replicate at home.
Bottom Line: Short, skill-focused class perfect for those wanting to master a classic Ligurian delicacy.
$80.41 per person
10. Travel with Photography: Your Own Personalized Photo Shoot
Finally, for roughly $164 per group, the Photography Tour offers a personalized session with a professional photographer. Tackle your favorite locations, whether for spontaneous moments or posed portraits, and receive professionally edited photos within 48 hours. This is perfect for travelers wanting to turn their trip into lasting memories or share high-quality images with loved ones.
This experience is especially suited for those comfortable in front of the camera and eager to improve their photography skills. The guide tailors the shoot to your interests, making it a flexible and creative way to document your trip.
Bottom Line: An ideal add-on for photo enthusiasts wanting professional-quality images of their Sanremo visit.
$164 per group up to 4
How to Choose the Right Tour in Sanremo
When selecting your perfect Sanremo tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you’re a dedicated foodie eager to master pasta, Pasta & Basta offers a hands-on, scenic meal. For a mix of culture and wine, the Dolceacqua & Nervia Valley is a scenic day trip that combines art, history, and wine tasting. If you want a quick but memorable experience, the pizza-making class delivers a fun, practical cooking lesson with delicious results.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, Vespa and E-bike tours offer scenic rides, perfect for active travelers. And if authentic local hospitality appeals most, the home dining and cooking class provide intimate insights into Ligurian life.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred experience and date.