Ostuni is not just a pretty, white-washed hill town; it’s a hub of authentic experiences that bring you closer to Apulian culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery. Whether you want to explore historic streets, taste local wines, or learn to cook traditional dishes, Ostuni offers a variety of tours that fit different interests and schedules. Among our favorites is the Ostuni: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni & Apulian brunch, which combines sightseeing with culinary delights and olive oil tasting — perfect for travelers who want a little bit of everything in one day. We also love the Ostuni organic wines tour for its focus on sustainable winemaking, and the guided visit to the Medieval Gardens for nature lovers interested in local biodiversity. Each experience offers a unique way to deepen your understanding of this charming region.
Quick Overview
On this list, you’ll find a mix of full-day guided tours, food classes, wine tastings, and cultural walks. For a comprehensive day out, the Alberobello and Locorotondo trip offers a scenic journey through some of Puglia’s most iconic towns, with a delicious Apulian brunch included. If you’re more into cuisine, the cooking class for fried panzerotti and puccitedde is perfect for learning how to make traditional street foods. For wine lovers, the Ostuni organic wines provides a guided tasting at a sustainable winery. And for those who want a deeper connection to Ostuni’s history and nature, the Medieval Gardens and secret gardens walk are ideal. Keep reading for detailed insights into each.
1. Ostuni: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni & Apulian brunch
This full-day tour combines three of Puglia’s most photogenic towns with a delicious Apulian brunch. Led by a certified guide, you’ll visit Alberobello’s iconic trulli, wander through Locorotondo’s charming streets, and explore Ostuni’s whitewashed alleys. What sets this tour apart is the seamless mix of guided commentary and free time—you can soak up the sights or wander on your own. The highlight is the olive oil tasting, where you’ll learn the secrets behind local extra virgin olive oils, and the included brunch offers a hearty sampling of regional products, from freshly baked bread to cheeses and local meats.
This tour is highly rated for its value and personal touch. The guide Danny, with over 25 years of experience, makes the day lively with stories about local architecture and traditions. The hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics. The itinerary is well-paced, allowing ample time at each stop, including two hours in Alberobello—enough to explore and take photos—and a guided walk through Locorotondo’s narrow streets. The reviews praise Danny’s knowledge and friendly manner, with one saying, “I would highly recommend the tour.” It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day with cultural highlights and culinary delights.
Bottom line: This tour is a fantastic introduction to Puglia’s highlights, especially if you value storytelling and local food experiences.
2. Apulian Food Experience: discovering the flavors of Apulia
If you’re craving a hands-on culinary experience, this short but sweet class is a must. Led by a local Pugliese lady, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta, and panzerotti, a popular fried snack. The class offers a lively, interactive environment where you get step-by-step guidance—and plenty of tips to recreate these recipes at home. After cooking, you get to enjoy your creations paired with regional wines, making it not just a lesson but a full sensory immersion.
What makes this experience special is its focus on authentic recipes, passed down through generations. Priced at just $59 per person, it provides exceptional value for a taste of local life. Participants often rave about the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn directly from a local, making it ideal for foodies keen on a culinary souvenir. It’s a quick, fun way to connect with Apulian cuisine, especially if your schedule doesn’t allow for a full-day tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious cooks and those wanting a genuine taste of regional dishes without a big time commitment.
3. Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens of Ostuni
This 1.5-hour guided tour takes you into the medieval vegetable gardens beneath Ostuni’s historic center. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll explore an eco-conscious project that protects local plant varieties and promotes biodiversity. The gardens are a working example of sustainable agriculture, where organic products are grown directly on-site. Besides learning about traditional farming methods, you’ll enjoy tastings of fresh, organic produce—an authentic taste of local flavors.
The tour offers a rare view of Ostuni from below, revealing the city’s hidden agricultural heritage. Visitors consistently praise the guide’s passion and knowledge, which helps bring history to life. The experience is suitable for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in sustainable farming. The tour’s intimate size and focus on biodiversity make it stand out from more typical sightseeing.
Bottom line: An educational, enriching experience that combines nature, culture, and a taste of organic produce—ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
4. In the white of Ostuni
This 1.5-hour walking tour offers a relaxed look at Ostuni’s most iconic sights, including its magnificent churches and baroque obelisk. Strolling through Piazza della Libertà, you’ll learn about the history and architecture that give Ostuni its nickname, “The White City.” The tour includes product tastings—local cheeses, sweets, or olive oils—and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos of the town’s famous white facades.
While some reviews mention the tour’s short duration, it’s a good overview for first-time visitors who want a brief but informative introduction. Properly paced, it suits visitors with limited time or those seeking a leisurely city walk. The guide’s explanations help deepen your appreciation of Ostuni’s baroque details and urban layout.
Bottom line: A perfect short tour for newcomers, combining culture, architecture, and tasty samples in an easy stroll.
5. Ostuni: cooking class for fried panzerotti and puccitedde
For food lovers wanting hands-on fun, this 2.5-hour cooking class is a highlight. With a local host, you’ll learn how to make fried panzerotti and puccitedde, two beloved regional street foods. The class emphasizes authentic techniques—from dough preparation to frying—so you’ll come away with skills you can try at home. After cooking, the best part awaits: sitting down with the family for a lunch of your own creations, paired with local wine.
The experience is praised for its friendly atmosphere and informative instruction. It’s well suited for foodies, families, or anyone eager to connect with local cuisine on a deeper level. The chance to relax and chat in a family setting makes this a memorable cultural encounter. It’s also a great value considering the lunch included and the personal attention from the host.
Bottom line: A delicious, interactive option for those who want to learn regional recipes and enjoy a hearty meal right after.
6. Ostuni organic wines – tour and tasting in the winery
Wine aficionados should not miss this 2-hour tour of a sustainable winery in Ostuni. The winery is committed to respecting the environment and recovering ancient grape varieties, making their wines both unique and eco-friendly. During the visit, you’ll explore the state-of-the-art facilities and learn about the winemaking process, focusing on organic practices.
The tasting session features a selection of organic wines paired with local produce. Guests often comment on the quality and distinctiveness of the wines, especially the recovery of rare grape varieties. The guide’s knowledge enhances understanding of sustainable viticulture, making this experience ideal for wine lovers wanting an educational and flavorful experience.
Bottom line: A worthwhile visit for those interested in organic wines, sustainability, and unique regional varieties. A tasting that combines education and flavor.
7. Ostuni: pizza cooking class with local family in the countryside
If you love pizza and want to learn by doing, this 3-hour class is a real treat. Held in a country home in Ostuni, you’ll learn how to make pizza from scratch, including using a wood-fired oven—a skill that will impress your friends back home. After cooking your pizza, you’ll enjoy it paired with local wine, and share stories with the hosts.
The experience is praised for its relaxed pace and authentic atmosphere. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a fun, hands-on way to connect with local food traditions. The lunch included adds great value, especially as you get to eat what you’ve made in a friendly setting.
Bottom line: A wonderful way to enjoy Ostuni’s culinary traditions, especially if you want to learn new skills and relax in a countryside setting.
8. The divine Monday: WalkingWine’s Happy Hour
This 1-hour experience proves that even Monday blues can be transformed into a cheerful hour. WalkingWine’s Happy Hour combines a wine tasting with a casual walk through Ostuni, making it perfect for starting the week on a positive note. You’ll sample local wines while strolling in a relaxed atmosphere, ending with Apulian tasting plates.
Reviews highlight the casual, friendly vibe and the quality of wines. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for a quick, enjoyable event without a large time commitment. It also works well as a pre-dinner activity or a way to unwind after sightseeing.
Bottom line: A short, fun way to enjoy Ostuni’s wines and social scene, especially if you’re looking for a light, convivial experience.
9. Walk and Aperitif in the Secret Gardens of Ostuni
This 3-hour guided walk takes you through hidden corners of Ostuni, revealing secret gardens, architectural details, and little-known stories. The tour ends with an aperitif featuring local cheeses, olive oils, and artisanal taralli, served with an enchanting view of the surrounding countryside.
It’s a perfect choice for history and culture enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the main streets. The experience’s focus on local secrets and flavors, along with the intimate group size, makes it a special way to see Ostuni from a different perspective.
Bottom line: An immersive cultural walk with delicious tastings, ideal for those interested in discovering Ostuni’s lesser-known stories and spots.
10. EVO Experience: discovering Pomes oil
This 1-hour session pairs you with an oil master to understand the organoleptic differences of Pomes oils. You’ll taste four oils, including single-variety EVO oils and an EVO blend, while learning how to prepare flavored oils and enjoy food tastings.
The experience is praised for its focused approach and the chance to gain a deeper appreciation for regional oils. It’s especially suited for foodies and anyone interested in olive oil production or culinary arts. The guide’s expertise ensures you leave with useful knowledge and new tasting skills.
Bottom line: An engaging, sensory adventure into the world of high-quality olive oils, perfect if you want to elevate your understanding of regional flavors.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting the right experience in Ostuni, consider your interests and schedule. For a comprehensive day with sightseeing and food, the Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni tour offers a well-rounded introduction. If your focus is culinary skills, the cooking class for fried panzerotti provides hands-on fun with a hearty meal. Wine lovers should consider the Ostuni organic wines, which combine sustainable winemaking with tasting.
For those interested in history and nature, the Medieval Gardens tour and Secret Gardens walk offer intimate insights into Ostuni’s less-visible side. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter Walking Wine Happy Hour, while avid foodies will love the Apulian food experience.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, and consider combining experiences if your schedule allows for a richer stay.
Ostuni’s tours range from culinary workshops and wine tastings to cultural walks and sustainable agriculture. For most travelers, choosing between a full-day adventure like the Alberobello and Locorotondo trip or a focused class such as the pizza cooking will depend on your time and interests. Either way, early booking ensures you’ll secure your spot among Ostuni’s memorable experiences.