Altamura is a fascinating place to explore, especially for travelers interested in authentic local culture, food, and craftsmanship. Known as the “Lioness of Apulia,” this town offers a blend of medieval streets, impressive cathedrals, and culinary traditions that truly stand out. We particularly enjoy the Altamura: Highlights Walking Tour and Tasting because it combines a lively walk through historic alleyways with a chance to sample some of the town’s famous baked goods. If you’re curious about wine, the Wine Museum Guided Tour with Tasting offers a deep dive into regional winemaking, and for olive oil lovers, the Tour del Frantoio Perniola con Degustazione di Olio EVO brings the flavors of Puglia right to your palate. Each of these experiences offers a different way to connect with Altamura’s rich gastronomic heritage, making them worth considering for any visitor.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ll explore three top-rated tours in Altamura:
– A 2-hour walking tour with history and baked goods sampling
– A 1.5-hour wine museum experience with tastings
– An olive oil tasting tour at the Perniola oil mill
Each appeals to different interests—whether you’re after cultural insights, wine, or culinary craftsmanship. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
1. Altamura: Highlights Walking Tour and Tasting
At number 1 on our list is the Altamura: Highlights Walking Tour and Tasting, which scores 4.3 out of 5 based on seven reviews. Priced at around $68.33 per person, this 2-hour guided walk offers an engaging way to discover the city’s medieval streets and significant landmarks. The tour covers Altamura’s centuries-old history, including visits to the interior of the majestic Cathedral and a local museum that showcases artifacts and historic displays.
What really makes this tour stand out is the blend of education and tasting. After exploring the narrow lanes and learning about the city’s origins, you’ll enjoy sampling some of Altamura’s traditional baked goods, famous for their crusty texture and rustic flavors. The guide, Rosanna, has been praised for her lively storytelling and deep knowledge—one reviewer even called her “simply engaging.” This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of culture and culinary experience in a compact timeframe. It offers good value for anyone wanting an immersive, yet manageable, way to understand Altamura.
Bottom line: If you love discovering local history with a tasty snack at the end, this tour combines both seamlessly.
2. Altamura: Wine Museum Guided Tour with Tasting
Coming in at number 2 is the Wine Museum Guided Tour with Tasting, which has received perfect 5-star reviews. For approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll explore the Cantina Frrud Wine Museum, where the focus is on the region’s long-standing winemaking traditions. The guided tour walks you through the history of local wine production, with stories behind the artifacts and methods used over generations.
The highlight is the wine tasting itself—sampling some of the best regional wines, which are complemented by a selection of local cheeses and cold cuts. Guests rave about the well-preserved objects and the storytelling skills of Paolo, who brings the history to life. The quality of the wines and the authenticity of the experience make this a favorite among connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike. This tour is perfect if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Apulian wine, often regarded as among Italy’s finest.
Bottom line: For those interested in oenology, this tour offers a rich, flavorful experience that’s worth splurging on.
3. Tour del Frantoio Perniola con Degustazione di Olio EVO
At number 3 is the Tour del Frantoio Perniola con Degustazione di Olio EVO, a fantastic choice for olive oil enthusiasts. Costing about $23 per person, this tour lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and offers an intimate look into olive oil production at the family-run Perniola mill. Visitors get to see the oil extraction process, learn about the different types of extra virgin olive oils, and hear stories about the family’s passion for quality.
What makes this experience stand out is its interactive approach—you’re not just watching but also sampling various oils, with tips on food pairings. The guide shares passionate insights into the nuances of olive oil, making it a must for fans of authentic, handcrafted products. Reviewers mention the engaging lessons and the delicious oils they took home. It’s suited for anyone curious about Puglia’s agricultural traditions or wanting a practical, hands-on experience that connects food with local culture.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a flavorful and educational peek into olive oil craftsmanship.
$23 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and plans. If you prefer a comprehensive cultural walk with local tasting, the Highlights Walking Tour is your best option. For wine lovers wanting a deep dive into Apulia’s viticulture, the Wine Museum Tour provides an immersive experience. If culinary craftsmanship, particularly olive oil, excites you, then the Olive Oil Mill Tour offers a practical, flavorful adventure.
Consider your budget, your interest in food, wine, or history, and how much time you want to spend exploring. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Altamura offers a range of tours that highlight its rich culinary and cultural heritage. The walking tour combines history and food, perfect for those who want a compact yet fulfilling experience. The wine museum tour appeals specifically to wine enthusiasts, while the olive oil tour delivers a hands-on, flavorful lesson in Puglia’s olive oil traditions.
For travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction, the walking tour provides a good balance of history and local flavor. Food and wine lovers will find the museum and olive oil experiences especially rewarding, giving you authentic tastes of the region. Remember to book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences—Altamura’s treasures are worth it.