From Bari: Visit Polignano a Mare with street food tour

If you’re planning a trip to Bari and want to soak up some local charm, this full-day tour to Polignano a Mare might just be your ticket. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve gathered plenty of details that can help you decide if it fits your travel style. It’s a solid option if you love discovering authentic local flavors, enjoy scenic coastal views, and appreciate a relaxed pace that leaves room for both sightseeing and tasting.

What really draws me to this experience are the guided food tastings—they promise a taste of some of Puglia’s best-known snacks—and the chance to explore a picturesque seaside town that’s famous for its beauty and cultural vibe. On the flip side, some travelers might find the 9-hour schedule a bit long, especially if you prefer more flexible, unstructured days. But if you’re into immersive experiences that blend culture, cuisine, and scenery, this tour probably suits you.

This tour is especially ideal for those who want to get an authentic taste of Polignano a Mare without worrying about organizing transport or planning the stops. It’s perfect for curious foodies, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see what makes this town a must-visit in Puglia. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides and local stories, this trip has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from Bari with a max group size of 30 ensures a comfortable and personal experience.
• Authentic street food tastings include focaccia, panzerotto, special coffee, and local wine, which showcase the region’s flavors.
• Beautiful coastal scenery combined with lively markets and charming streets make Polignano a memorable visit.
• Optional extras like boat tours and SUP adventures allow for added fun if you want to extend your experience.
• A well-reviewed guide makes all the difference, adding stories and insights that bring the town’s history and culture to life.
• Good value for the price, considering the included tastings and guided experience, especially when compared to self-organized day trips.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

From Bari to Polignano a Mare

The journey begins early, with departure from Bari at 8:00 am. The drive is smooth in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the roughly one-hour trip comfortable, especially if you’re traveling in warmer months. The small group size—limited to 30 travelers—keeps things intimate, so you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd. Arriving around 9:00 am, you get a good chunk of the morning to really soak in the town’s vibe.

The Street Food Tour

At 10:30 am, the guided food walk kicks off, focusing on some of Polignano’s most iconic snacks. This isn’t just about eating; it’s about understanding the culture behind each bite. Your guide, Alessandra, is noted for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both fun and educational. You’ll taste the special coffee, a regional invention by Mario Campanella, which promises to be a highlight for caffeine lovers.

Next up is the focaccia, often called the “queen of Apulian street food.” We loved the way this bread is layered with local ingredients and baked to perfection—each bite delivering a crispy exterior and soft interior. Then there’s the panzerotto, a warm, stuffed pastry with mozzarella and tomato sauce, but also available in other variants. Based on reviews, the panzerotto is a must-try, with many describing it as delicious and comforting.

Throughout the tasting, you’ll be offered a glass of local wine paired with a platter of burrata and capocollo, served while overlooking the sea. The views in Polignano are stunning, and enjoying local flavors with that backdrop makes for a memorable moment. Several travelers, like Mathew P., commented on how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, making the food experience even more enjoyable.

Free Time and Optional Activities

After the food walk, you’re given free time from 1 pm onwards to explore, shop, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. You can opt to stay in the town and indulge in more local dishes or browse artisan shops. If you’re seeking a little more adventure, there are extra services available—like boat tours of the caves, SUP tours, or a quirky “gig” tour—though these come with additional costs.

Return to Bari

The tour wraps up with the return trip around 5 pm. You’ll leave with a good understanding of Polignano’s culinary traditions, along with plenty of beautiful photos and stories to share.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers are uniformly positive, with all three giving a perfect 5-star rating. Mathew P. called it a “fantastic foodie experience,” emphasizing how Alessandra’s knowledge and friendliness made it special. ShellyAnn C. appreciated the “wonderful street food tour,” highlighting the delicious stops like the special coffee, focaccia, and panzerotto, as well as the lovely views. Miguel Angel P. found the tour “unforgettable,” especially enjoying Giuseppe’s guiding, which took them around the city’s hidden corners and local stories.

The consistent praise for guides is notable—having someone who’s passionate and communicative can transform a simple food walk into a memorable cultural journey. The balance between tasting, sightseeing, and free time seems well calibrated, making it suitable for those who like a mix of planned activities and personal exploration.

Pricing and Value

At around $115.68 per person, this tour offers a good value, especially considering the included tastings and guided experience. The food sampling itself—focaccia, panzerotto, coffee, and wine—costs quite a bit if you were to do it independently. Plus, the convenience of transportation and a knowledgeable guide means you’re not stressing over logistics or language barriers.

For travelers wanting a relaxed, immersive introduction to Polignano a Mare, this tour provides a comprehensive snapshot without overwhelming you. The option to add boat or SUP tours for extra fun makes it flexible, depending on your interests and energy levels.

Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers who can handle a full day out. Since most activities are walking and tasting-based, it’s a good choice for those who enjoy exploring on foot and trying local foods. It’s worth noting that the tour requires good weather, as some optional extras depend on favorable conditions. The small group size encourages a more personal experience, but it also means booking in advance—most people book about 84 days ahead.

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer more free time, keep in mind that the schedule is fairly packed, and the focus is mostly on food, views, and cultural insights rather than kid-friendly activities. However, the scenic walk, delicious snacks, and friendly guides make it appealing for adult travelers and food lovers.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Bari to Polignano a Mare offers a balanced mix of local cuisine, scenic beauty, and cultural insights. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to experience the best of this seaside town without the hassle of organizing their own day trip. The food tastings are a highlight, especially if you’re into trying regional specialties like focaccia, panzerotto, and regional coffee. Plus, the views and stories shared by knowledgeable guides add a layer of depth that makes the experience memorable.

If you’re craving a relaxed yet enriching day out, enjoy discovering authentic flavors and charming streets, this tour ticks those boxes. The combination of good value, excellent guiding, and optional extras can make it a versatile choice for many visitors. Just be prepared for a full day—packing some comfortable shoes and an appetite for regional flavors.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the standard tastings include items like focaccia and burrata, the panzerotto typically contains mozzarella and tomato, which vegetarians can enjoy. However, it’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a panzerotto, a piece of focaccia, a special coffee, and a glass of local wine. Additional extras like boat tours or SUP are optional and cost extra.

How long is the free time?
You’ll have from about 1 pm until around 5 pm to explore on your own, shop, or have lunch. This gives you some flexibility to extend your visit or relax.

Can I add boat or SUP tours?
Yes, these are available as extra services. Boat tours are priced at around $35 per person, and SUP tours at the same rate, with prices rising slightly in peak months.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What is the departure time?
The tour starts at 9:00 am, with pickup or meeting points near public transportation options.

How long is the entire experience?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours, including transportation, food tastings, free time, and return.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, most of the activities are suitable for older children who enjoy walking and tasting regional snacks. Keep in mind the full-day schedule.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and clothes suited to the weather are recommended. If you plan to do optional activities like boat tours or SUP, consider bringing a swimsuit and towel.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour provides a well-rounded glimpse of Polignano a Mare’s culinary and scenic charms, making it a worthwhile addition to your Puglia itinerary if you love good food, beautiful views, and engaging guides.