Benevento is a city bursting with character—its layered history, lively streets, and authentic regional flavors make it a fantastic destination for those who love immersive experiences. Unlike some tourist hotspots, Benevento’s tours often focus on uncovering local legends, centuries-old architecture, and rural traditions. For instance, a guided walking tour that explores the UNESCO-listed Santa Sofia complex, the Arch of Trajan, and Benevento’s mysterious witches, the Janare, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s soul.
Many visitors enjoy tours that combine history, culture, and local flavors—whether it’s a wine tasting in Torrecuso, a pasta-making class in Morcone, or a beer brewery visit in Apollosa. These experiences are all about connecting with Benevento’s authentic traditions. The list below highlights the best options, from quick city strolls to more active countryside adventures, helping you choose the perfect way to explore this fascinating part of Italy.
The 7 Best Tours in Benevento
1. Benevento: Guided Walking Tour with Strega Liqueur Tasting
At number 1, this 3.5-hour guided walking tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Benevento’s rich history and lively culture. The tour covers iconic sites like the Santa Sofia complex, a masterpiece of medieval architecture listed by UNESCO, and the Hortus Conclusus, an intriguing garden featuring works by the artist Mimmo Paladino. You’ll also stroll along Corso Garibaldi to view the Arch of Trajan and the Roman Theatre, enjoying the city’s ancient grandeur.
What sets this tour apart is its Strega liqueur tasting—a unique opportunity to sample Benevento’s most famous herbal spirit, crafted from a secret blend of herbs and spices. The guide will share stories of Benevento’s legends, like the Janare, the witches believed to haunt the city’s shadows. The tour balances historical insight with vibrant storytelling, making it perfect for first-time visitors who want a rounded experience.
With a friendly guide, you’ll learn about Benevento’s layered past and current traditions in a relaxed, walkable setting. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy cultural discovery paired with local flavors, and the 5/5 review score confirms it’s a well-loved experience.
Bottom Line: This tour combines architecture, legends, and local spirits into a memorable 3.5-hour walk—ideal for those wanting a taste of Benevento’s soul.
2. Benevento: a guided tour of history and monuments
This 2-hour guided tour offers a brisk but enriching overview of Benevento’s most notable monuments. Led by certified local experts, it emphasizes the city’s myth and history, weaving stories behind sites like the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Theatre, and the Chiesa di Santa Sofia.
The focus here is on narrative-driven exploration, perfect for travelers short on time but eager to understand the city’s significance. Since the guides are official and knowledgeable, you’ll gain reliable insights into Benevento’s legends of witches and its Roman legacy. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll get a real sense of the city’s character—its legends, architecture, and vibrant street life.
This tour is particularly suited for those with limited time who want a curated, story-rich experience without sacrificing depth. While the review score isn’t posted, the focus on historical storytelling makes it a practical choice for history enthusiasts or first-time visitors wanting a quick immersion.
Bottom Line: An efficient, engaging way to see Benevento’s key sites and legends in just two hours, perfect for busy schedules.
3. Benevento: Horseback Riding Tour with Aperitif
Number 3 on our list is a 1-hour horseback ride through the scenic landscapes of Cusano Mutri, in the heart of Matese National Park. Priced at $56 per person, this experience offers a unique blend of nature immersion and regional flavor, perfect for active travelers seeking a different perspective on Benevento.
The tour begins with a brief safety briefing and introduction to the horses, then takes you across trails lined with beech and chestnut woods. You’ll ford rivers, feel the splash of water under your hooves, and enjoy panoramic views of the unspoiled Sannio countryside. Midway, there’s a stop for an outdoor aperitif, featuring local Sannio products, which adds a convivial touch to the ride.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to connect genuinely with rural life, observing farm animals grazing nearby and experiencing the authentic pace of countryside. The tour’s manageable length makes it suitable for beginners and those looking for a lighter outdoor adventure.
Review Insight: While no official rating is given, the emphasis on scenic riding and local food suggests a memorable, nature-focused outing.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for outdoor lovers eager to combine gentle adventure with local flavors, all in just an hour.
4. Benevento: picnic among the olive groves of the Sannio and tour of the estate
This 2-hour experience invites you to step into authentic Campania rural life. Starting from V. Monte Serrato, the tour takes you through vineyards, olive groves, and wheat fields on a 50-hectare estate, where farm animals roam freely. With a 4.5/5 review rating, the focus here is on enjoying the landscape and local traditions.
The highlight is the picnic among the olive trees, featuring local delicacies and IGT wines. You’ll walk with a guide, observing the estate’s farming practices, and enjoy a relaxing meal in the midst of nature. It’s an excellent way to experience rural Sannio beyond the towns, with opportunities to learn about local agriculture and taste regional products.
Ideal for travelers who want a slow-paced, scenic experience combined with a delicious picnic, this tour offers value for money in the form of an intimate, farm-to-table outing. The only potential drawback is that the timing varies, so checking availability is advised.
Review Quote: “A real taste of Campania life—peaceful, tasty, and educational.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic rural experience close to Benevento.
5. Benevento: visit and tasting at a brewery in Apollosa
If you’re into craft beer, number 5 is a 3-hour brewery visit in Apollosa that combines education with tasting. Led by a master brewer, the tour takes you through the processing steps, machinery, and equipment used to craft local beers, emphasizing the art and science behind brewing.
What makes this experience unique is the opportunity to participate in physicochemical and sensory analysis, which will deepen your appreciation for each brew. When possible, you’ll see the actual production stage in action—so if your visit coincides with brewing day, you’ll witness the magic firsthand. The tasting includes 3 different beers paired with snacks and regional products, making this both a sensory and cultural delight.
Ideal for beer enthusiasts or anyone interested in small-scale artisanal production, this tour offers a hands-on approach that’s as educational as it is enjoyable. The reviews note the quality of beer and the knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: A must-do for beer lovers wanting an inside look at craft brewing with excellent tastings.
6. Benevento: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Snacks
Number 6 offers a 2-hour journey into Benevento’s winemaking traditions at a family-run winery in Torrecuso. Visiting this established estate founded in 1920, you’ll explore vineyards and the barrel room, gaining insight into the local winegrowing culture.
The highlight is a wine tasting paired with regional snacks, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Sannio in a relaxed setting. The guide shares stories about the estate’s history and the unique characteristics of their wines, which are crafted with care and tradition. This tour is ideal for those interested in wine and food pairing and learning about the area’s viticulture.
While there are no reviews listed, the focus on local wine and the long-standing family tradition promises an authentic experience. It’s suitable for casual wine lovers and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, flavorful experience showcasing Benevento’s wine heritage, perfect for enjoying regional flavors in a scenic setting.
7. Morcone: Pasta-Making Class with Farm Tour and Lunch
Finally, for a 4-hour hands-on experience, Morcone’s pasta-making class brings you into a family-run farm. This immersive workshop teaches you how to make traditional pasta using ancient Saragolla wheat, with the farm’s organic herbs and vegetables providing fresh ingredients for your dishes.
The tour begins with a farm visit, where you pick seasonal herbs and vegetables, then proceeds to a pasta workshop led by experienced locals. After crafting your own pasta shapes, you enjoy a lunch of the dishes you’ve prepared, served with farm-fresh products. The experience is highly rated, offering a genuine taste of Campania’s culinary roots.
It suits food lovers, families, or anyone wanting a full-day hands-on experience that combines agriculture, cooking, and eating. The focus on local ingredients and traditional techniques makes this an authentic and memorable activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to learn and eat, this pasta class offers a true taste of Benevento’s culinary traditions.
How to Choose Your Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re keen on history and architecture, the guided city walk offers a quick yet rich overview. For a deeper dive into local culture and spirits, the Strega tasting combines storytelling with flavors. Outdoor enthusiasts should consider the horseback ride for a scenic adventure, while food lovers can’t go wrong with the olive grove picnic or the pasta-making class.
Budget, time, and physical activity levels are key factors. Tours like the wine and brewery visits are great if you enjoy local drinks and want a more relaxed pace. Be sure to check availability and book early during peak season, especially for popular experiences like the pasta class or wine tours.
Final Thoughts
Benevento offers a diverse range of tours that cater to history buffs, foodies, outdoor lovers, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. If you want a rundown, the guided walking tour provides a perfect introduction. For a more active experience, the horseback ride offers scenic beauty and rural charm, while those wanting to enjoy local flavors will enjoy the olive grove picnic or the pasta-making class.
No matter your interests, Benevento’s tours promise authentic experiences that will deepen your connection to this fascinating Italian city. Booking early is recommended, especially for activities with limited spaces or seasonal availability. Now, go ahead and plan your perfect Benevento adventure—it’s waiting!
