Ostuni is a favorite among travelers for its picture-perfect whitewashed streets, lively markets, and welcoming atmosphere. But what truly makes it special are the experiences that connect you with local traditions, flavors, and landscapes. We particularly love tours that go beyond just sightseeing—like the Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting Tour, which takes you through ancient olive groves and underground mills. Walking among thousand-year-old olive trees and tasting three different types of olive oil offers a delicious window into Apulia’s farming history. Plus, the guide’s storytelling enriches the experience, making it both educational and tasty.
If you’re interested in culinary adventures, try the Apulian Food Experience, where you’ll learn how to make traditional orecchiette pasta with a local chef. For a more wine-focused outing, the Ostuni organic wines tour offers a visit to a sustainable winery with tastings of exceptional organic wines. And for travelers wanting a blend of history, nature, and flavor, the Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens reveals old vegetable gardens and biodiversity right in the heart of the city.
Below is a detailed look at each of these engaging tours, helping you find the best fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting Tour, which scores a solid 4.2 out of 5 based on 151 reviews. For around $51, you’ll explore a century-old farm called Masseria Valente, with a guide leading you through ancient olive groves and underground oil presses. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, during which you’ll learn how olive oil has evolved in Apulia, and how local agriculture has changed over the last 100 years.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to walk among trees that are hundreds of years old and visit the hypogeum and epigean mills—places often hidden from the casual visitor. You will taste three different types of olive oil, each with distinct flavors, and learn what makes each unique. Past visitors describe the experience as “fascinating” and “impressive,” especially the underground presses, which are “really impressive.” The guide, Angela, is praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and able to make complicated processes easy to understand. Many guests enjoy pairing their tastings with local taralli and olives, and some extend their visit with wine and appetizers.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and food in a compact, engaging format. Ideal for anyone interested in olive oil or wanting a true taste of Apulian farming traditions.
2. Apulian Food Experience: discovering the flavors of Apulia
At number 2 is the Apulian Food Experience, which boasts a perfect 5-star rating from a single review for its authenticity and fun. For just $59, a local woman guides you through the process of making traditional dishes like orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta.
This experience is very hands-on; you’ll knead dough, shape pasta, and learn about regional ingredients. It’s an interactive experience that emphasizes local culinary techniques and flavors. The highlight is definitely learning how to prepare orecchiette—a skill many travelers find surprisingly rewarding. The guide’s enthusiasm makes the session lively and memorable. It’s a great choice for foodies who want to go beyond tastings and get involved in cooking.
Since the class lasts about an hour, it’s perfect for fitting into a morning or early afternoon. The small group setting ensures personalized attention. While the review is just one, the high rating suggests this is an authentic, enjoyable way to connect with Apulia’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: If you love cooking and want to understand local flavors firsthand, this hands-on class is well worth the price and makes for a fun, immersive experience.
$59 per person
3. EVO Experience: discovering Pomes oil
Number 3 on our list is the EVO Experience, which focuses on tasting and learning about extra-virgin olive oils. For $59 per person, you join an oil expert to discover the organoleptic differences between four single-variety EVO oils and a blended EVO.
The tour, which lasts about an hour, includes tastings, food pairing suggestions, and the preparation of flavored oils. The experience is deeply sensory—tasting oils side by side helps you understand the nuances between different olive varieties. The guide explains how factors like soil and climate influence flavor, giving you a richer appreciation of what makes high-quality olive oil special.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to try four different oils and to create flavored oils that they can take home. This is an excellent choice for gourmets and cooking enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of olive oil. The focus on quality and craftsmanship makes this a valuable experience, especially for those interested in food pairing or olive oil production.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a detailed sensory experience and to improve their olive oil knowledge—an experience that complements visits to local markets or farms.
$59 per person
4. Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens of Ostuni
Number 4 is the Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens, which lasts about 1.5 hours. This tour takes you through ancient vegetable gardens tucked beneath Ostuni’s streets, revealing how locals cultivated and preserved biodiversity. Led by an expert guide, you’ll walk through organic gardens that showcase local varieties of vegetables and herbs.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on biodiversity and sustainability, highlighting an agricultural and social project aimed at protecting traditional varieties. You’ll sample organic products grown on-site, which enhances the connection between food and place. The tour also offers a perspective on how urban cultivation played a role in Ostuni’s history. Visitors praise the guide’s passion and knowledge, and the exclusive view of the “White City” from this vantage point is memorable.
This experience appeals to anyone interested in urban agriculture, biodiversity, or organic food. It’s particularly good for families or curious travelers who want a more meaningful understanding of local food systems and landscapes.
Bottom Line: An enriching, eco-conscious tour that blends nature, history, and food into a compact, insightful experience.
5. In the white of Ostuni
The In the white of Ostuni is a walk-focused tour that explores Ostuni’s iconic whitewashed streets, churches, and the baroque obelisk. With a duration of about 1.5 hours, it’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see the city’s key sights.
You’ll stroll through Piazza della Libertà, admire the city’s architecture, and enjoy some local product tastings along the way. While it’s a shorter tour, it offers stunning photo opportunities and a chance to soak in Ostuni’s distinctive charm. This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer light walking and want a quick overview of the city’s aesthetic highlights.
The review rating of 3.8 suggests that it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re constrained on time or prefer self-guided exploration with expert commentary. It’s great for casual walkers interested in visual beauty and local culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a relaxed introduction to Ostuni’s architecture and atmosphere without a heavy commitment.
6. Ostuni organic wines – tour and tasting in the winery
Number 6 features the Ostuni organic wines tour, which lasts around 2 hours. This tour takes you to the Cantine Amalberga, a winery committed to environmental sustainability and restoring ancient grape varieties.
During the visit, you’ll tour modern and eco-friendly facilities, learning how the winery produces organic wines. The tasting includes several selections of wines and local products, allowing you to appreciate the distinct flavors that come from organic and traditional practices. Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to explore a cutting-edge, eco-conscious winery in the countryside.
This experience suits wine lovers and those interested in sustainable agriculture. It offers a good balance between education and tasting, making it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. The focus on rare grape varieties and environmental respect adds value for travelers looking for authenticity.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded wine tour that combines biodiversity, sustainability, and regional flavor—ideal if you want to visit a winery with a conscience.
7. Walk and Aperitif in the Secret Gardens of Ostuni
Finally, the Walk and Aperitif in the Secret Gardens offers an immersive 3-hour experience exploring hidden corners and secret gardens near Ostuni’s center. Starting at Via Peppino Orlando, you’ll walk through lesser-known parts of the city, discovering archival tales, architectural details, and pockets of tranquility.
The tour concludes with an aperitif featuring local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and artisanal taralli, all enjoyed with a view in the L’Orto Giardino di PurOstuni. It’s a great way to combine culture, history, and gastronomy in one outing, perfect for cultural explorers and food lovers alike.
Although it doesn’t have a formal review rating, the combination of hidden gems and a relaxed social end makes it a very appealing option. It’s especially suited for those who like storytelling and discovering the city’s lesser-known spots.
Bottom Line: A charming, leisurely walk that combines history, architecture, and local flavors—a wonderful cozy experience.
$71 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Ostuni
When deciding which tour best suits you, start by considering your interests and schedule. For example, if you’re passionate about food and cooking, the Apulian Food Experience is a fantastic choice. If you’re more into history and nature, the Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens offers a peaceful, educational walk.
Budget and time are also important; the olive oil tasting is relatively short and affordable but packed with insight, while the Walk and Aperitif takes longer and offers a more relaxed experience. For wine lovers, the Ostuni organic wines provides a deep dive into local viticulture.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the food class or wine tour. Consider the season—spring and early fall tend to offer the best weather for outdoor activities.