From Bari: Street Food tour in Polignano & Cooking class

Authentic Flavors and Hidden Gems in Polignano a Mare

If you’re looking to truly taste the essence of Puglia, this combined street food tour and cooking class in Polignano a Mare offers a delightful way to do so. From strolling through cinematic alleys with stunning sea views to rolling up your sleeves in a local chef’s kitchen, this experience promises a good mix of sightseeing, tasting, and hands-on cooking. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from just a couple of travelers, emphasizing how informative and enjoyable the tour is.

What I particularly like are the knowledgeable guides, like the one praised for sharing a wealth of local insights with humor and warmth, and the authenticity of the foods you’ll sample — from focaccia to burrata, all served with a splash of local wine. But, of course, the timing requires a bit of planning, as you’ll need to carve out an entire day from your schedule, and the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so convenient transportation from your accommodation is something to arrange ahead.

One possible drawback? If you’re especially sensitive to food allergies, this tour might be less suitable, since it features a variety of local specialties, some of which might contain common allergens. Nonetheless, for lovers of Italian cuisine and small-group experiences, this is a rewarding way to spend a day.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic local flavors: Tasting regional specialties like focaccia, panzerotto, burrata, and Capocollo di Martina Franca.
• Hands-on experience: Making traditional orecchiette pasta with a local chef, gaining skills and insight into Apulian cuisine.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides, like the reviewer who praised the guide’s humor and depth of knowledge.
• Beautiful setting: Exploring Polignano a Mare’s alleyways and seaside views, making the experience visually stunning as well as culinary.
• Flexible options: You can add an optional Tuk Tuk tour during free time for an extra fun way to see the town.
• Value for money: At just over $113 per person, the combination of guided food tasting and a cooking class offers a comprehensive glimpse into Puglia’s flavors.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour begins early in Bari, with a 9:00 am departure that gets you into Polignano a Mare by about 9:30 am. The journey itself is a short 30-minute ride, giving you time to settle into the picturesque town. The first highlight is the 2.5-hour street food tour, starting at Piazza caduti Via Fani. Here, your guide—who receives high praise for being both informative and humorous—leads you through the narrow, cinematic alleys filled with history and the aroma of local delicacies.

During this walk, expect to sample some of the region’s most iconic bites: focaccia, a staple of Apulian bread, and panzerotto, that lovely pocket of mozzarella and tomato sauce, with variations to suit different tastes. One of the standout treats is the “caffè speciale”, a coffee creation by Mario Campanella that has gained recognition beyond Italy — a must-try for those curious about regional coffee customs. You’ll also taste burrata, a creamy mozzarella from Puglia, and capocollo, a rich, slow-cured cold cut from Martina Franca, which has earned the Slow Food Presidia label for quality.

Following the tasting, the highlight is the pasta cooking class led by a local chef. This two-hour session allows you to learn the traditional method of making orecchiette, a shape that’s uniquely Apulian. The chef, who is praised for her warmth and expertise, guides you through the process step by step, sharing tips that you’ll want to remember long after the class ends. Expect to enjoy your freshly made pasta with other local specialties, complemented by a glass of regional wine, all while soaking in seaside views.

After the class, there’s time to explore independently or add an optional Tuk Tuk tour, which costs around €30 for 30 minutes or €60 for an hour. This is a fun way to see more of the charming town without tiring out your feet. The day wraps up with a pickup at 5:30 pm for the return trip to Bari.

The Logistics and Value

The entire experience spans a full day—starting early and ending in the late afternoon—offering a well-rounded taste of Puglia’s culinary treasures. The price of about $113 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the combination of guided tastings, a hands-on cooking lesson, and transportation, it’s quite reasonable. Plus, the small group size—limited to just two participants—ensures personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the focus on authentic, local experiences. From the expert guides to the regional specialties, every element is aimed at giving you a genuine taste of Polignano a Mare’s culinary soul. It’s ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, and those who want an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience that you won’t find in more commercialized tours.

Who Would Love This?

If you’re eager to learn how to make traditional pasta, enjoy sampling regional delicacies, and appreciate small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour a winner. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to dig beneath the surface of touristy sights and connect with local culture through food. Keep in mind that it involves quite a bit of walking and standing during the street food part, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Final Thoughts

This combined street food and cooking experience in Polignano a Mare offers a well-rounded immersion into Puglia’s flavors, scenery, and culinary traditions. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and humor, making the day both enjoyable and educational. The chance to learn how to make orecchiette from a local chef is a rare, authentic touch that adds value beyond just tasting.

The experience is especially rewarding for those who love Italian cuisine, small-group settings, and memorable cultural insights. While it’s a full day, it provides a genuine taste of the region’s culinary heart, paired with the beauty of Polignano’s charming alleyways and sea views. For a mix of hands-on learning, tasting, and sightseeing, this tour is a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Bari included? No, the tour includes transfer from Bari to Polignano a Mare, but you need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

How long does the entire experience last? The full day lasts from the 9:00 am departure until around 5:30 pm, including free time and optional add-ons.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially as there’s walking involved through the alleys of Polignano a Mare.

Is this suitable for vegetarians or people with food allergies? The tour features regional specialties that may contain common allergens. Those with specific allergies should inquire beforehand, as the tour might not be suitable for everyone.

How many people will be on the tour? The group is limited to just 2 participants, making it a very intimate experience.

What’s included in the price? Guided street food tour, tastings, pasta cooking class, aperitif, and transfer from Bari.

Can I add extra experiences? Yes, during free time, you can opt for an additional Tuk Tuk tour, which costs around €30 for 30 minutes or €60 for an hour.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is available in English and Italian.

Is there any cancellation policy? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, this tour offers a taste of Puglia that’s as delicious as it is authentic. With expert guides, regional specialties, and a hands-on pasta lesson, it’s a memorable way to experience Polignano a Mare’s culinary culture. Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike, it’s a day that’s likely to inspire your next Italian meal.