Best Food Tours in Apulia: 2026 Rankings
Apulia, or Puglia as it's known locally, is a region in Southern Italy renowned for its rich culinary traditions, stunning coastline, and charming historic towns. From the sun-drenched olive groves to the bustling fish markets, Apulia offers a gastronomic journey unlike any other. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of this captivating region, a food tour is an indispensable experience. This guide to food in Puglia presents the top 15 food tours in Apulia for 2026, meticulously ranked and reviewed to help you savor the best of Pugliese cuisine.
Our Top 15 Apulia Food Tours for 2026
Below is a curated list of the finest food tours, offering diverse experiences from street food adventures to hands-on cooking classes and vineyard explorations.
| Rank | Tour Name | Location | Best For | Rating | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour | Bari | First-Timers & Street Food Enthusiasts | 4.9/5 | | 2 | Lecce Street Food & Sightseeing | Lecce | Culture & Culinary Exploration | 4.8/5 | | 3 | Martina Franca Cheese Making (Terra Che Vive) | Martina Franca | Artisanal Food Experiences & Cheese Lovers | 5.0/5 | | 4 | Ostuni Masseria & Olive Oil Tasting | Ostuni | Agricultural Heritage & Olive Oil Connoisseurs | 4.8/5 | | 5 | Bari Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class | Bari | Hands-On Cooking & Dessert Lovers | 4.8/5 | | 6 | Gallipoli Fish Market Experience | Gallipoli | Seafood Aficionados & Local Market Immersion | 4.9/5 | | 7 | Polignano a Mare Boat & Aperitivo | Polignano a Mare | Scenic Views & Coastal Delights | 4.8/5 | | 8 | Alberobello & Matera Day Trip with Tastings | Multiple | UNESCO Sites & Regional Specialties | 4.6/5 | | 9 | Masseria Seppunisi Burrata Tour | Rural Puglia | Authentic Farm Life & Dairy Production | 4.8/5 | | 10 | Tenute Girolamo Winery Tour | Itria Valley | Wine Enthusiasts & Vineyard Exploration | 4.8/5 | | 11 | Puglia Plates Bari Food Tour | Bari | Local Insights & Hidden Culinary Gems | 4.9/5 | | 12 | Polignano Street Food & Wine | Polignano a Mare | Coastal Flavors & Local Beverages | 4.8/5 | | 13 | Trani Culinary Experience | Trani | Historic Charm & Regional Cuisine | 4.7/5 | | 14 | Gargano Craft Beer Tasting | Gargano | Craft Beer Enthusiasts & Northern Apulian Flavors | 4.7/5 | | 15 | Altamura Bread & Matera Tour | Altamura | Bread Making & Ancient City Exploration | 4.8/5 |
Detailed Reviews of Apulia's Best Food Tours
1. Bari's Ultimate Street Food Tour
This tour is an essential starting point for any culinary exploration of Apulia. It delves into the vibrant street food scene of Bari, offering a delightful introduction to local specialties. Participants can witness the famed "Pasta Ladies" of Bari Vecchia meticulously crafting orecchiette by hand, sample the iconic focaccia barese, and taste sgagliozze (fried polenta slices). The tour provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Bari's gastronomic heart.
"An absolute must-do. Seeing the ladies make orecchiette by hand and then tasting the warm focaccia was the highlight of our trip."
2. Lecce Street Food & Sightseeing Tour
Combining the architectural grandeur of Lecce with its unique culinary offerings, this tour is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. As you explore the Baroque masterpieces of the city, as detailed in our Lecce Baroque Guide, you'll indulge in local Salento snacks such as the savory rustico leccese and the sweet pasticciotto. It's an ideal way to experience the cultural and gastronomic richness of the "Florence of the South."
"Lecce is beautiful, but the food makes it unforgettable. The pasticciotto was life-changing."
3. Martina Franca Cheese Making (Terra Che Vive)
For those with a passion for dairy, this hands-on experience in Martina Franca is a dream come true. The tour offers a deep dive into the traditional art of making mozzarella, burrata, and caciocavallo. Set in a picturesque rural masseria, it provides an authentic insight into Pugliese cheese production, culminating in a tasting of freshly made products.
"Making our own burrata was a dream come true. The lunch afterwards with fresh cheeses and local wine was incredible."
4. Ostuni Masseria & Olive Oil Tasting
Apulia is synonymous with olive oil, and this tour in Ostuni celebrates its "liquid gold." Visitors are guided through ancient olive groves, some featuring trees over a thousand years old, before participating in a guided olive oil tasting. This experience, a highlight of our Ostuni travel guide, offers a profound appreciation for the region's agricultural heritage.
"The history of the olive trees is fascinating. The oil tasting opened my eyes to what real olive oil should taste like."
5. Bari Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class
This interactive cooking class in Bari is perfect for travelers who wish to bring a piece of Apulia's culinary magic back home. Participants learn the secrets to crafting traditional Pugliese pasta, such as orecchiette, and the beloved Italian dessert, tiramisu. It's a social and educational experience that culminates in enjoying the fruits of your labor.
"Great fun and very educational. I can finally make orecchiette that doesn't look like a blob!"
6. Gallipoli Fish Market Experience
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Gallipoli's fish market, where the day's catch is brought ashore. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the lively auction and, for the adventurous, to sample incredibly fresh seafood, including raw shrimp and sea urchins, directly from the harbor. It's an authentic taste of coastal Apulia.
"Raw shrimp and sea urchins right at the market—it doesn't get more authentic than this."
7. Polignano a Mare Boat & Aperitivo
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Polignano a Mare's sea caves from a unique perspective. This tour combines a scenic boat trip along the stunning coastline with a classic Italian aperitivo, complete with prosecco. It's an idyllic way to enjoy the dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters in this Polignano guide favorite.
"Sipping prosecco while looking at the cliffs of Polignano is the definition of a perfect afternoon."
8. Alberobello & Matera Day Trip with Tastings
For those with limited time, this tour offers an efficient way to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the trulli of Alberobello and the ancient Sassi of Matera. The journey is punctuated with local tastings, providing a cultural and culinary overview of these iconic destinations.
"A long day but worth every second. The bread in Altamura was a surprise highlight."
9. Masseria Seppunisi Burrata Tour
Discover the charm of authentic farm life with a visit to Masseria Seppunisi. This tour offers a more intimate and less commercialized experience of burrata production. You'll learn about the dairy farming process and, of course, enjoy a tasting of their exquisite burrata, highlighting the passion and tradition of Pugliese agriculture.
"A real working farm. The passion of the family is evident in every bite of their cheese."
10. Tenute Girolamo Winery Tour
Delve into the world of Apulian winemaking with a tour of Tenute Girolamo in the picturesque Itria Valley. This experience focuses on the region's renowned grape varietals, Primitivo and Negroamaro. The tour includes a visit to the vineyards and cellars, followed by a generous tasting of their finest wines, set against the backdrop of stunning scenery.
"The winery is stunning and the tasting was very generous. Highly recommend the Primitivo."
11. Puglia Plates Bari Food Tour
Led by knowledgeable locals, the Puglia Plates tour offers an intimate exploration of Bari's culinary landscape, venturing beyond the typical tourist paths. This tour provides deeper insights into the city's food culture, allowing participants to discover hidden culinary gems and interact with local vendors. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a more personalized and authentic experience.
"Georgina knows everyone in the neighborhood. We felt like locals, not tourists."
12. Polignano Street Food & Wine
This tour in Polignano a Mare focuses on the unique coastal flavors of the region. Beyond traditional street food, it introduces participants to local beverages, including the famous "special coffee" of Polignano. It's a delightful way to experience the town's culinary identity while enjoying its beautiful seaside setting.
"The octopus sandwich was incredible, and the special coffee is a must-try."
13. Trani Culinary Experience
Trani, a lesser-known gem in Apulia, offers a peaceful and delicious culinary experience. This tour highlights the town's regional cuisine amidst its historic charm, including its magnificent cathedral. It's a relaxed yet enriching way to discover the flavors of a beautiful, tranquil Apulian town.
"Trani is so peaceful compared to Bari. The food tour was relaxed and delicious."
14. Gargano Craft Beer Tasting
Breaking away from the region's dominant wine culture, this tour in Gargano focuses on Apulia's burgeoning craft beer scene. It offers a refreshing alternative, allowing participants to sample local brews and products from Northern Apulia. Set in a beautiful natural environment, it's a unique gastronomic diversion.
"Unexpectedly great beer in a beautiful forest setting. A nice break from wine!"
15. Altamura Bread & Matera Tour
This tour celebrates the world-famous DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) bread of Altamura. Participants learn about the ancient techniques and ovens used to produce this dense and flavorful bread. The tour often combines this experience with a visit to the nearby ancient city of Matera, offering a blend of culinary history and breathtaking landscapes.
"The bread is so dense and flavorful. Learning about the ancient ovens was fascinating."
Apulia's food tours offer an incredible opportunity to delve into the heart of its culinary landscape. Whether you're a fan of street food, a budding chef, a cheese connoisseur, or a wine enthusiast, there's a tour perfectly suited to your palate. These experiences not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a deeper understanding of the region's culture, history, and the passionate people behind its delicious traditions. Ready to book Puglia tours? Embark on one of these tours in 2026.
