Ascoli Piceno stands out as a fantastic destination for those who crave authentic Italian experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. Its compact historic center is perfect for exploring on foot, and the city’s lively food scene, wineries, and nearby countryside make it a great base for unique tours. We particularly love the “I’ll tell you Ascoli …” tour because it combines local insights with visits to iconic monuments like the Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio and the historic Caffè Meletti — all with a local guide who’s passionate about sharing their city.
If you’re a foodie or wine lover, you’ll also appreciate options like the Olive Oil Tour, which highlights the region’s rich olive oil tradition, or the Tasting itinerary of Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore, focusing on local wines. For those wanting a more interactive experience, the Cooking and Market Tours allow you to connect with local families and enjoy homemade meals. Whether you prefer cultural walks, food tastings, or outdoor adventures, Ascoli Piceno offers a rich mix to suit all interests.
1. I’ll tell you Ascoli …
This personalized tour stands out because it’s led by a local who’s genuinely passionate about their city. For around $92.89, you get a flexible experience that can last from 1.5 to 3 hours, during which you’ll uncover hidden stories, historical sites, and local anecdotes. The tour includes highlights like visiting the Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio to admire Carlo Crivelli’s Polyptych from 1473 and exploring the crypt with relics of the saint.
A highlight is the visit to the Palazzo dell’Arengo and the Quintana museum, where you’ll see costumes and images of the famous horse tournament. The taste of local culture continues at Caffè Meletti, one of Italy’s historic cafés, where you’ll sample the original Anisetta—a sweet anise liqueur symbolic of Ascoli Piceno. The guide’s local knowledge and anecdotes make this a more intimate way to understand the city than just wandering on your own. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, engaging, and in-depth introduction to Ascoli.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for first-timers wanting a personalized, culture-rich experience that’s both informative and fun.
2. Ascoli Olive Oil Tour with Tasting and Local Food Pairing
If you love food and want to understand Italy’s olive oil heritage, this tour offers a tasty introduction. For approximately $40.35, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours at a traditional olive oil mill. The highlight is seeing how extra-virgin olive oil is made, learning about its history and production techniques directly from the Fratoni family, who have been producing olive oil for over 50 years. The tour is praised for Valentino’s expertise and his family’s warm hospitality, making it more than just a tasting — it’s an educational experience.
After the tour of the mill, you enjoy tasting artisan olive oil, paired with local delicacies like bread, cheeses, and cured meats. Several reviews mention the engaging explanations and the chance to sample real regional products. Guests rave about the authenticity and the opportunity to learn about Le Marche’s olive oil traditions firsthand. The total experience offers great value, especially for those interested in culinary traditions and regional gastronomy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies wanting an immersive, hands-on experience that combines production insights with tasting local products.
3. The Real Truffle Hunting in Abruzzo
For a truly unique adventure, consider the Truffle Hunting experience. Priced at about $296.46, this 2.5-hour activity takes you into the countryside around Abruzzo—just a short drive from Ascoli Piceno—to watch trained truffle-searching dogs at work with their truffle hunters. It’s an authentic look at one of Italy’s most prized ingredients.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see traditional truffle hunting in action and learn the secrets of finding these elusive fungi. You can choose to hunt without a meal or opt for a three-course truffle lunch, during which you’ll savor dishes that showcase the region’s culinary excellence. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the different types of truffles and their roles in local cooking.
If you’re a foodie eager to explore Italy’s gourmet side, this experience offers a mix of outdoor activity and culinary discovery. The small-group size makes it more personal and engaging, especially for those interested in gastronomy and local traditions.
Bottom Line: An outstanding choice for travelers eager to combine outdoor adventure with gourmet food.
4. Offida: Tasting itinerary of Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore
For around $28, this tour delivers a focused wine experience. Hosted at the family-run Cantina Villa Pigna, the tour lasts about an hour and includes a guided walk through the vineyard plus a tasting of their renowned Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore wine. The winery has been producing wine since 1970, and the owners take pride in sharing their craft.
Guests are impressed by Giorgio’s passion and knowledge, which makes the tasting both educational and enjoyable. The wines are complemented by local cold cuts, cheeses, olives, and homemade bread, providing a full sensory experience. Reviewers mention how the tasting exceeds expectations given its modest price, and that the owners’ enthusiasm makes it a memorable stop—not just a quick taste.
This tour suits wine lovers who want a personalized look at regional winemaking. It’s best for those with a keen interest in Italian wines and regional foods. The main drawback is that it’s a brief experience, so serious oenophiles might prefer longer tastings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic, well-priced tasting with expert guidance.
5. 3 Hour Dining Experience in a Local’s Home in Ascoli Piceno
For about $98.48, this immersive dining experience lets you share a home-cooked meal with a local family. Over roughly 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a four-course meal made with authentic ingredients and recipes handed down over generations. This is a perfect opportunity for food lovers who want to see how Italians really eat at home.
The host family will walk you through each dish, sharing stories about local traditions and ingredients. You’ll taste everything from antipasti to dessert, complemented by local wines and soft drinks. The reviews praise the warmth and authenticity of the experience, describing it as a chance to connect with local culture in a genuine setting.
This tour is well-suited for adventurous travelers and foodies who want more than just a meal — they want an authentic cultural exchange. The downside is that it’s a relatively short experience, so those seeking a full-day culinary tour might prefer other options.
Bottom Line: A memorable, authentic experience perfect for foodies looking for genuine Italian hospitality.
$98.48 per person
6. Local Market Tour and Dining experience at a local’s home in Ascoli Piceno
This tour combines a market visit with a homemade meal. For about $161, you’ll explore Ascoli’s vibrant local market, then transfer to a host’s home for an intimate 4-course dinner. The meal includes starter, pasta, main dish, and dessert, with drinks like local wines and coffee included.
The experience emphasizes learning about regional ingredients and cooking techniques, with visitors describing it as relaxed and fun. One reviewer noted how they laughed, learned, and cooked alongside the host, feeling like part of the family.
Suitable for travelers who want to see local life firsthand and enjoy a multi-course homemade meal with intimate storytelling. Its higher price reflects the personalized experience and the inclusion of a guided market tour. It’s best for those comfortable with walking, standing, and engaging in hands-on food preparation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary travelers who want an immersive, social experience that brings them closer to local traditions.
$161.05 per person
7. Private Cheese Tasting Experience in Amatrice
At just $15.06, this short but delightful cheese tasting offers an authentic taste of Italy’s cheese-making traditions. Hosted in Amatrice, the experience involves a short excursion and a tasting of local cheeses, with insights into country life and cheese production.
While small in price and duration, the focus on local cheese varieties makes it ideal for travelers eager to understand Italy’s dairy heritage. The host’s friendly approach makes this a relaxed, authentic activity suited for travelers on a budget or those with limited time. It’s a straightforward experience without the bells and whistles but with genuine flavor and insight.
Bottom Line: Great for cheese lovers wanting a quick, authentic taste of Italy’s dairy craftsmanship.
$15.06 per person
8. Exciting E-Bike Tour among the beauties and history of Ascoli
For around $138.91 per group (up to four people), this e-bike tour offers an active way to see Ascoli’s highlights. While the guide is included and the history and art of the city are explained, note that the e-bike rental is not included, so plan accordingly.
This tour is ideal for those who want to cover more ground than walking allows, especially if you’re interested in outdoor activity combined with cultural insights. The reviews mention the professional guide and the smooth ride, making it suitable for moderate fitness levels. A practical choice for groups or families wanting to combine sightseeing with light exercise.
Keep in mind that the tour takes about 2-3 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with a bit of stamina and a love for active exploration.
Bottom Line: A good pick for active travelers who want to see more of Ascoli in less time.
9. Ascoli Piceno: Olive Oil Tasting with Local Products
This 2.5-hour tour combines a tour of olive oil production with tasting local products. Priced at $54.66, it’s a practical option for those interested in understanding the traditional and innovative methods of olive oil extraction. The guide introduces you to regional specialties and how they complement the olive oil.
It’s a well-rounded experience for those curious about olive oil craftsmanship and regional flavors, available in multiple languages including Italian, English, and Spanish. Visitors particularly appreciate the detailed explanation of the production process and the tasting of local delicacies.
Suitable for travelers who want to learn about regional food culture without committing to a longer tour. It’s especially recommended for those with an interest in agriculture and culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for foodies wanting a comprehensive yet concise olive oil experience.
$54.66 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Ascoli Piceno, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you’re passionate about culture and history, the personalized “I’ll tell you Ascoli …” walk offers a rich, guided experience. For foodies and wine lovers, the olive oil and wine tasting tours provide deep dives into regional specialties. Active travelers might prefer the E-bike tour, while those seeking authentic local life should consider the market and home dining experience.
Think about how much time you want to dedicate—shorter tastings and walks are perfect for tight schedules, while immersive experiences like the market and home dinner provide a richer taste of local life. Booking ahead is advised, especially for popular experiences like the truffle hunt, to secure availability.
Final Thoughts
From cultural walking tours and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and culinary experiences, Ascoli Piceno offers a broad spectrum of options. For those wanting a personalized, in-depth introduction, the “I’ll tell you Ascoli …” tour is a top choice. Food connoisseurs will love the olive oil and wine tastings, while active travelers can enjoy the E-bike experience.
No matter your interests, these tours provide a fantastic way to see and taste what makes Ascoli Piceno special. Booking early is a good idea, especially for limited spots and popular times of year. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to walk away with memorable stories and a deeper appreciation for this charming Italian city.