Aosta isn’t just a pretty town; it’s a place where you can really taste the local flavor, see stunning mountain vistas from the sky, and even dine in a local’s home. What sets Aosta apart for tours is its mix of gastronomic adventures, panoramic flights, and intimate cultural experiences. We’re smitten with the full-meal food tour — a feast that highlights regional specialties — and the hot air balloon rides, which offer breathtaking views of Europe’s highest peaks. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a curious traveler, Aosta’s diverse offerings make it a terrific destination for all kinds of explorations. For a taste of what’s possible, check out the Taste Aosta full meal walking food tour.
If you’re after authentic local experiences that blend food, scenery, and culture, Aosta has plenty to offer. The tours below highlight the best of what’s available, from culinary delights and scenic flights to unique cultural encounters. Here’s a quick overview before diving into each one.
1. Taste Aosta: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
This 3-hour 30-minute walking tour offers a true tasting of Aosta Valley’s regional specialties. Led by a passionate foodie, you’ll visit top specialty shops, eateries, and restaurants, sampling cheeses, cold cuts, and regional desserts like tegole. The tour kicks off in Porta Praetoria, where you’ll meet your guide and start exploring the city’s culinary traditions. You’ll taste local cheeses at an old cheese shop, enjoy a platter paired with regional wine at Piazza Emile Chanoux, and learn about the region’s history and rural life from a knowledgeable guide.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive tasting experience packed into just a few hours, with visits to local shops that you might not find on your own. The feedback is excellent — with a 4.5/5 rating — and reviewers praise the generous amount of high-quality food and engaging guides like Roberto and Katya. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to understand the region’s flavors and traditions in an authentic setting. The price of around $108 offers good value considering the quality and quantity of tastings on offer.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, in-depth culinary introduction to Aosta, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who enjoy learning about local products directly from shop owners and chefs.
2. Small-group Street Food Tour in Aosta
For around $115, the Small-group Street Food Tour in Aosta offers an intimate, 3-hour walk through the city’s best local food shops. With a maximum of 12 participants, this tour suits travelers craving a more personalized experience. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll sample some of Aosta’s most typical street foods—think local snacks, regional specialties, and quick bites—while also seeing parts of the city you might miss on your own.
What really makes this tour special is its focus on authentic, everyday eating habits. It’s a great way to peek behind the tourist curtain and see how locals enjoy their meals. The tour is flexible—you can choose morning or evening—and many reviewers note how Adriana tailored the experience to their preferences. This smaller group and personal touch make it feel like exploring with a knowledgeable friend.
Bottom line: If your priority is a relaxed, personalized food experience with local flavor and some sightseeing, this tour is a great choice.
3. Aosta Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Alps with Breathtaking Views
Flying in a hot air balloon is the kind of experience that sticks with you. Priced at about $291, this 3-hour adventure offers a 360-degree panorama of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn. The flight begins from the launch site in Aosta, ascending to about 2000-3000 meters, where the silence and views are truly unforgettable.
Having flown over the central valley, you’ll see the peaks that define the region’s skyline, all while floating gently in the sky. The company’s experienced pilots ensure safety and comfort, and the flight is suitable for most travelers with no previous experience needed. The reviews are glowing, praising the spectacular scenery and the professionalism of the staff — some mention that the weather can influence how high you go, but that’s part of the adventure.
This tour is best for adventure seekers and scenery lovers who want a once-in-a-lifetime view. It’s also a great gift for someone celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom line: If soaring above the Alps sounds appealing, this flight offers unmatched views and a truly memorable experience.
4. Cesarine: Show Cooking & Dining at Local’s Home in Aosta
At around $98, the Cesarine home dinner offers an intimate 2.5-hour experience in a local Aosta home. You’ll watch your host prepare a four-course meal that includes regional dishes like fresh pasta, polenta, venison stew (“civet di camoscio”), and the famous “cotoletta alla Valdostana.” After cooking, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the family recipes paired with local wines.
What makes this experience truly special is the personal connection—you’re not just a tourist, but a guest in someone’s home. The reviews highlight Adriana’s warmth and her skill as a cook, making it more than just a meal but a cultural exchange. This is perfect for travelers interested in authentic local cuisine and a slice of everyday life in Aosta.
Bottom line: For those wanting a culinary experience that’s warm, personal, and deeply local, this home dinner is a standout choice.
5. Aosta: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Stunning Views of the Alps
This hot air balloon ride costs about $307 and offers a 1-hour flight over the Aosta Valley, soaring between 2000 and 3000 meters. Piloted by the skilled Charbonnier team, you’ll lift off from the same launch site as other balloon tours, floating over the mountain peaks, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
The experience includes a brief safety briefing and a scenic flight that offers panoramas of the highest European peaks. Reviewers praise the professional staff and the breathtaking views—some mention the weather can impact the altitude and visibility, but overall, it’s a remarkable experience.
This tour suits adventure and scenery enthusiasts who want a peaceful, panoramic perspective of the Alps from above. It’s ideal for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in one of the most iconic mountain experiences.
Bottom line: If viewing the Alps from a hot air balloon appeals, this flight offers a smooth, scenic ride with unforgettable vistas.
6. Aosta: Hot-Air Balloon Flight with Splendid View of the Alps
This similar balloon flight also costs around $307, with a 3-hour duration and a focus on spectacular mountain scenery. Flying between 2000 and 3000 meters, this experience is led by the Italian champions of ballooning, ensuring safety combined with awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn.
The process includes a short jeep transfer to the launch site, a brief safety briefing, and an hour of serene flight. Reviewers mention the professionalism of the staff and the breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure.
This experience is ideal for viewing the peaks from a unique perspective and is well-suited for travelers who want a dependable, high-quality balloon flight experience.
Bottom line: Both balloon tours provide spectacular mountain vistas—choose based on your preferred timing and availability.
$307 per person
7. The Botanical Gardens of Aosta Valley
At $351 for a group of up to 25, this full-day botanical tour offers a different kind of experience. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore Aosta Valley’s diverse plant life, with a focus on edible and medicinal plants. It’s a great choice for nature lovers and those curious about local flora.
During the tour, many edible plants will be explained and shown, and you’ll return home with plenty of beautiful photos. It’s a more relaxed, educational outing that also offers an opportunity to appreciate the natural environment of the region.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in plants, nature, and a slower-paced day, this botanical journey is rewarding and enriching.
$351 per group up to 25
8. Aosta: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Mountain Views
This is another highly-rated balloon experience, costing about $307, offering a 3-hour flight with mountain vistas. Flying between 2000 and 3000 meters, you’ll see Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn, with the pilot-led flight providing expert handling.
The experience begins with a short SUV ride to the launch, followed by a brief safety briefing and a serene hour in the sky. Reviewers praise the professional staff and the unmatched views, making it suitable for those who want a peaceful, scenic adventure.
Bottom line: If soaring over Europe’s highest mountains sounds appealing, this balloon ride offers an excellent blend of scenery and tranquility.
$307 per person
9. Handbikes Tours
Lastly, for a different kind of exploration, the Handbikes Tours provide an active way to discover Aosta Valley. For around $341, a small group up to 12 people can enjoy a day of riding these innovative bikes, guided by a specialist.
It’s perfect for travelers who want to stay active and see the landscape from a new perspective. The tour promises a fun, memorable experience and the chance to capture some beautiful photos along the way. Ideal for those with good mobility and a sense of adventure, this tour offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking an energetic, engaging way to explore the region, handbikes are a great choice.
$341 per group up to 12
How to Choose the Best Tour in Aosta
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical comfort. Food lovers should look at the full meal walking tour, which offers a rich tasting menu in a compact time frame. If panoramic views top your list, the balloon flights—like the Aosta hot air balloon with mountain views—are hard to beat.
For those wanting an authentic local experience, the home dinner provides a chance to enjoy a family-style meal. Adventure seekers should consider the hot air balloon flights, which combine scenic beauty with a thrill.
For active travelers, the handbikes offer a fun and energetic way to see the landscape, while the botanical garden tour appeals to those curious about nature. Remember to book early in high season, especially for the balloon rides—they’re popular!
In summary, whether your ideal day in Aosta involves savoring local cheeses, floating above mountain peaks, or exploring plants, this list offers something special. For a culinary journey, the food tours are hard to beat. If scenic flights appeal, the balloon rides deliver unparalleled views. For authentic local hospitality, the home dinner experience is unmatched. Consider your interests, budget, and stamina, then pick your perfect adventure—just don’t wait too long to reserve, as many tours fill up quickly!