Locorotondo is a charming town in the heart of the Apulian countryside, and it offers more than just beautiful views and whitewashed streets. The town and its surroundings are perfect for meaningful, hands-on experiences that reveal local traditions, crafts, and flavors. Whether you’re interested in making cheese, creating art from stone, or exploring the region in a vintage Fiat, Locorotondo delivers authentic encounters you won’t forget. Among the options, we love the Mozzarella Making Class with Apulian music and dance for its fun, interactive approach, and the Cooking Class with Chef Linda Di Somma for its delicious, homemade dishes. These experiences give you a real taste of Puglia’s rich culture.
If you’re unsure where to start, this list highlights five standout tours—from culinary classes to creative workshops and vintage photo adventures—that capture the essence of Locorotondo. Each offers something unique, whether it’s the chance to learn a traditional craft or explore the landscape in style.
1. Mozzarella making class with Apulian music and dance
In the lush Itria Valley, this mozzarella-making class combines hands-on cheese crafting with lively Apulian music and dance. The experience lasts about two hours, with options to join in the fun in orchards or vineyards, which adds a scenic, rustic backdrop. You’ll start by learning how to stretch and shape your own mozzarella, guided by Enza, a friendly host passionate about sharing local traditions.
What makes this tour special is the combination of engaging activities—making cheese in the open air—while immersed in Apulian culture through live accordion music. Guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to dance along to authentic tunes. It’s a perfect activity for families, couples, or anyone eager to experience Italian culinary traditions firsthand. The food, wine, and convivial spirit make it a memorable night out in the countryside. The price is reasonable considering the fun, the fresh ingredients, and the lively entertainment.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a fun, interactive afternoon or evening that combines food, music, and good company in a beautiful setting.
2. Locorotondo: Create a stone souvenir with your own hands
For those interested in the artisanal side of Puglia, this stone-working workshop offers a rare glimpse into the region’s traditional craft. Hosted in a local studio, the experience lasts about two and a half hours, giving you plenty of time to learn the secrets of shaping and carving local stone. Your guide will help you create a personalized sculpture or object that serves as a unique keepsake of your trip.
What sets this experience apart is the focus on Puglia’s primary material—stone—and the chance to craft something with your own hands. The setting is a peaceful garden, perfect for relaxing and chatting while working with artisans. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a generous aperitif, making it a full, convivial day. Even complete beginners find it approachable, as the guide simplifies techniques and encourages creativity.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to learn a traditional craft in a tranquil environment and to leave with a handmade object. For a fair price, you gain a meaningful souvenir and new skills, making this ideal for creative travelers or those who want a tactile experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about local crafts and want a tangible memory, this workshop offers a friendly, engaging way to connect with Puglia’s artisanal heritage.
3. Locorotondo: Cooking Class with Chef Linda Di Somma
In the picturesque town of Locorotondo, this cooking class led by Chef Linda Di Somma spans four hours of immersive culinary fun. Held in the charming greenhouse of an elegant masseria, it’s a perfect way to learn traditional Puglian recipes—especially orecchiette and cavatelli—from scratch. Under the chef’s guidance, you’ll master the techniques of rolling, shaping, and cooking the region’s iconic pasta.
What makes this tour stand out is the mix of hands-on cooking and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests can taste the rich flavors of family recipes, paired with local Apulian wines, and then enjoy the meal they’ve prepared. The background music from the 60s and 70s adds a relaxed, nostalgic vibe, making it feel like a family gathering.
This class is excellent for food lovers keen to deepen their understanding of Italian cuisine and culture. The price reflects the quality of ingredients, the personalized instruction, and the authentic experience. It’s especially good for couples or small groups seeking a memorable, flavorful afternoon.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn how to make regional pasta and enjoy a hearty Italian lunch, this class is a delicious and authentic choice.
4. Picture-perfect Puglia: a vintage Fiat 500 photo tour
For travelers who love photography and a splash of style, this vintage Fiat 500 photo tour offers a delightful way to explore Apulia’s scenery. You’ll drive an iconic car along the roads of the Valle d’Itria, stopping at carefully chosen spots for perfect photo opportunities. The route includes panoramic views of the countryside, visits to the award-winning Giardini Pistola, and scenic stops where you can capture the essence of Puglia’s landscape.
What makes this tour special is the combination of autonomous driving in a charming vintage car and the chance to take stunning photos in a beautiful environment. The itinerary involves about 45 km of driving, with multiple stops to frame your shots. The car adds a nostalgic touch to your photos, making them truly memorable.
This experience suits photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting a stylish, relaxed way to see the area. The challenge of capturing the best shot, combined with the fun of driving a classic Fiat, makes it a playful addition to your trip. The route and stops are designed for leisurely exploration, not rushed sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for shutterbugs and vintage lovers, this tour blends scenic driving with creative photo opportunities in a laid-back setting.
5. Locorotondo: Wine Tasting with Sommelier
Finally, wine lovers will appreciate this guided wine tasting in Locorotondo, priced at around $41 per person. The experience lasts between one and one and a half hours and includes sampling local wines paired with regional specialties. Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, you’ll learn about the different grape varieties, the winemaking process, and the stories behind each bottle.
What makes this tasting appealing is the intimate setting and the variety of options available—guests can choose from three different experiences tailored to their curiosity. The focus on authentic Puglian wines ensures you get a genuine taste of the region’s viticulture, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and interact.
It’s an ideal choice for small groups or couples who want a relaxed, educational experience, especially if they’re interested in pairing flavors with local cuisine. The tasting provides good value for the price, considering the quality of the wines and the personalized attention from the sommelier.
Bottom Line: If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon sampling regional wines, this tour offers a memorable and authentic experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Locorotondo
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your specific interests and travel style. Love food? The Cooking Class with Chef Linda offers hands-on culinary skills, while if you’re into arts and crafts, the Stone Souvenir Workshop will let you create something tangible. For picture-takers, the Fiat 500 photo tour combines scenic driving with creative fun, perfect if you want to capture your trip.
On a budget? The wine tasting is a cost-effective way to indulge in local flavors, and the mozzarella class is a lively evening activity that doesn’t demand a big time commitment. Looking for something more relaxed? The stone workshop and wine tasting fit well with a laid-back itinerary.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season (spring and summer), to secure your preferred times. Consider combining experiences—perhaps a morning of cheese-making followed by a relaxing wine tasting—to get a well-rounded taste of Locorotondo.
To sum it up, Locorotondo offers a wide array of tours that reveal its culinary, artistic, and scenic delights. For a fun, interactive experience, the Mozzarella making class tops our list, while the Cooking Class immerses you in regional flavors. If photography or unique souvenirs are more your style, the vintage Fiat tour and stone workshop won’t disappoint. Whichever you choose, these experiences promise to turn your visit into a richer, more authentic adventure. Book early and enjoy every moment in this beautiful corner of Puglia.