From Bari: Visit Polignano a Mare with street food tour

Exploring the charming seaside town of Polignano a Mare becomes even more enjoyable with this full-day street food tour departing from Bari. Priced at $115.68 per person, the tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including transportation from Bari, guided walks, and numerous tastings of iconic Apulian specialties. With a 5.0-star rating based on 3 reviews, this experience has proven popular, often booked 84 days in advance.

The tour is an excellent choice for anyone interested in authentic local cuisine, scenic coastal views, and a relaxed pace that balances food stops with free time for shopping or optional extras like boat tours. The only consideration is that the tour does not include bottled water or the optional boat excursions, SUP, or Ape Car tour, which are available at additional costs. This tour suits those seeking a comprehensive taste of Polignano a Mare’s culinary delights and cultural charm, led by knowledgeable guides and capped at 30 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining transportation, guided walking, and food tastings
• Depart from Bari at 8:00 am, returning by 5:00 pm
• Price of $115.68 per person with included local food and drink samples
• Highlights include special coffee, focaccia, panzerotto, and local wine with burrata and capocollo
• Optional extras like boat tours, SUP tours, and Ape Car trips are available at extra cost
• Expert guides provide detailed insights into Polignano a Mare’s history and culinary traditions

From Bari to the Seaside Charm of Polignano a Mare

This tour departs from Bari at 8:00 am, with a scenic drive that brings travelers to Polignano a Mare by 9:00 am. The town’s stunning coastal views and quaint streets set the perfect backdrop for a day of food and culture. The journey is smooth, and the tour’s air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during transit. Once in Polignano a Mare, the guide leads a series of tastings that showcase the best of Apulian cuisine, starting with a special coffee created by Mario Campanella, renowned across Italy and beyond.

The emphasis on local food products makes this tour a true culinary journey. The focaccia is recognized as the queen of street foods in Apulia, and the panzerotto with mozzarella and tomato sauce is a traditional snack that visitors will appreciate in its many variations. The guide explains each item’s significance while the group enjoys the flavors against the backdrop of sea views, often from a vantage point overlooking the coast.

Exploring Polignano a Mare’s Iconic Coastal Streets

After the morning tastings, there is free time starting at 1:00 pm for lunch, shopping, or optional activities. This flexible window allows guests to explore the town at their own pace, whether browsing local boutiques or enjoying additional bites. The town’s narrow alleyways, panoramic viewpoints, and seaside charm make it a delightful area to wander.

Optional extra services, such as boat tours of the Polignano caves, SUP adventures, or Ape Car rides, can be added for an extra fee. The boat tour, for example, costs $35 per person and offers a unique perspective of the caves and coastline. These activities are popular, especially in the warmer months of July, August, and September, when the sea is calm and inviting.

Returning to Bari at 5:00 pm wraps up the day, leaving plenty of time to savor the memories or plan the next part of your journey.

The Flavors of Apulian Street Food

One of the tour’s standout features is its focus on authentic regional flavors. The special coffee is created by Mario Campanella and is enjoyed as a quick energizer during the morning. The focaccia served is notably the local queen of street foods, with a crispy exterior and soft interior that exemplify Apulian baking traditions.

The panzerotto offers a warm, cheesy bite, with mozzarella and tomato sauce being the classic filling. Visitors can also choose from various other options, making the experience customizable. To accompany the food, the tour includes a glass of local wine, perfect for relaxing and taking in the coastal scenery. The burrata and capocollo platter served with the wine highlight the region’s cheeses and cured meats, adding a savory touch to the day.

Scenic Coastal Views and Photo Opportunities

Polignano a Mare’s spectacular seaside views are a major highlight of this tour. The guide takes guests to scenic overlooks where the rugged cliffs meet the azure sea, providing picture-perfect moments. These viewpoints are perfect for capturing memories of the dramatic coastline and colorful townhouses.

During the free time after lunch, visitors can explore the town’s charming streets or relax at viewpoints that overlook the sea. The optional boat tours enhance this experience, providing a different perspective of the caves and coastlines that are otherwise difficult to appreciate from land.

Knowledgeable Guides Share Local Stories and Food History

The guide, whether Alessandra or Giuseppe, brings a wealth of knowledge about Polignano a Mare’s history, architecture, and culinary traditions. Reviews emphasize the guides’ friendly demeanor and expertise in explaining the significance of each food item and site.

Guides also share stories about Domenico Modugno, the famous singer born here, adding a cultural layer to the day. Their storytelling makes the experience more engaging and informative, especially for those interested in the local background behind the sights and tastes.

Practical Details: Group Size, Transport, and Booking

The tour keeps group sizes to a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation in Bari, making it accessible for most travelers. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable transport between Bari and Polignano a Mare.

Booking is straightforward, with most people reserving their spot around 84 days in advance. The tour operates with mobile tickets, simplifying access. Cancelations are free if made 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Optional Activities to Extend the Day

While the core experience focuses on food and walking tours, travelers have the option to extend their time with additional paid services. The boat tour of the caves offers a new vantage point of the coastline, with prices starting at $35. The SUP tours and Ape Car rides also add a fun, scenic element to the day, ideal for those wanting to explore more of Polignano a Mare’s stunning coastline.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience excels in combining local culinary delights, scenic views, and guided storytelling into a well-rounded day. The focus on Apulian street food, from focaccia to panzerotto, coupled with wine and burrata tastings, offers a deep dive into regional flavors. The knowledgeable guides and flexible schedule make it suitable for food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed day by the sea.

The only notable limitation is the additional cost for optional activities, which can enhance the experience but are not included in the base price. Still, the core tour provides an excellent value, especially considering the quality of tastings and personalized attention.

Polignano a Mare Street Food Tour: An Authentic Taste of Puglia

This tour provides a thorough introduction to Polignano a Mare, led by guides who share stories, food knowledge, and scenic viewpoints. The combination of cultural sightseeing and local cuisine makes it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of this enchanting town.

The delicious street food, paired with stunning coastal vistas and plenty of free time, offers a satisfying and memorable day. While optional extras are available, the core experience delivers authentic flavors at a fair price, making it a wise choice for foodie travelers and curious explorers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes transportation, a special coffee, focaccia, panzerotto, and a glass of local wine with burrata and capocollo.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, from 8:00 am departure to 5:00 pm return in Bari.

Are there options for additional activities?
Yes, boat tours, SUP tours, and Ape Car rides are available for extra fees, mainly during the summer months.

Is there free time for exploring in Polignano a Mare?
Yes, starting from 1:00 pm, there’s free time for lunch, shopping, or optional activities.

Who guides the tour?
Guides like Alessandra and Giuseppe lead the tour, providing insights into local food and history with friendly expertise.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

How many people participate in each tour?
The tour is capped at 30 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed with comfort in mind, including air-conditioned transport.

What is the best time to book?
Most bookings are made approximately 84 days in advance, especially for peak months like July and August.

Where do I meet the guide in Bari?
The exact meeting point is near public transportation, convenient for most travelers arriving in Bari.

This full-day street food tour in Polignano a Mare offers a genuine taste of Apulia’s culinary and coastal charm. With expertly guided tastings, scenic views, and flexible options, it makes for a memorable day by the sea.