Ceglie Messapica is a charming town in Puglia that offers more than just pretty streets and good food. It’s a place where you can truly connect with local traditions, whether through hands-on cooking experiences or by exploring the town’s art and history. One of our favorite reasons to visit is the chance to get involved in authentic activities like making cheese or learning how to prepare traditional pasta. These tours give a genuine taste of Puglia’s culinary culture, making your trip more than just sightseeing—they’re about tasting and learning.
For instance, the Puglia: Masseria Seppunisi Tour, Cheese, Burrata Tasting offers a chance to pet cows and create your own fresh cheese. It’s a fun, interactive experience perfect for families or anyone wanting to see how local cheese is made from start to finish. Meanwhile, the Orecchiette Pasta Making Class with Meal combines hands-on cooking with a scenic visit to a traditional trullo house, offering a taste of everyday life in Puglia. If you’re more interested in strolling and tasting, the Between Art and Taste guided walk provides a relaxed way to explore the town’s streets, art, and local flavors.
Below, we’ve rounded up the three best tours in Ceglie Messapica, each with its own appeal for different types of travelers. Whether you want to get your hands dirty in the kitchen, learn about local crafts, or soak in the town’s ambiance, there’s something here for you.
1. Puglia: Masseria Seppunisi Tour, Cheese, Burrata Tasting
For around $51.24 per person, this 2-hour tour offers a delightful peek into Puglia’s dairy traditions. The experience begins at the Masseria Seppunisi farm, where you’ll pet calves and witness farm life firsthand. The highlight is the opportunity to create your own burrata and mozzarella, guided step-by-step by expert cheese makers. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about the difficult craft of cheese-making—something you can’t easily replicate at home.
What sets this tour apart is the genuine hands-on approach. Instead of just observing, you’ll actually make cheese with your own hands, which makes the final tasting of fresh burrata taste even sweeter. The farm’s friendly atmosphere is perfect for families, especially since kids love petting the calves. Reviewers often mention how everything is well-organized and authentic, with one noting, “Everything was on the spot. Kids loved it!” The experience is ideal for those curious about Puglia’s culinary roots or anyone wanting a memorable, tactile activity.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for its intimate, hands-on cheese-making experience and is especially suited for families or cheese lovers wanting to see how their favorite local cheeses are made.
2. Ceglie Messapica: Orecchiette Pasta Making Class with Meal
A true taste of Puglia’s culinary traditions, this 4-hour class is perfect for anyone eager to learn Italy’s famous pasta craft. Starting from scratch, you’ll learn how to make Orecchiette, the signature pasta of the region, in a relaxed, friendly environment. The class takes place inside a charming trullo house, a small conical stone building typical of the area, which adds to the authentic experience.
After mastering the pasta, you’ll enjoy a meal that includes your homemade orecchiette, paired with local ingredients. The instructor, who emphasizes regional recipes and techniques, ensures you leave with both new skills and a full stomach. The course’s value is notable; for four hours of hands-on activity and a meal, it provides a memorable, educational experience for food lovers and aspiring chefs alike.
Reviewers highlight the beautiful Puglia countryside and the intimate setting, with one noting, “Enjoyed marveling at the trullo house and making pasta from scratch.” It’s particularly well-suited for those wanting an immersive cultural activity that combines cooking, scenery, and delicious food.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to take home a new skill and taste the region’s most famous pasta, this class is a top choice. It offers great value and an authentic experience of Puglia’s culinary soul.
3. Ceglie: Between Art and Taste
For a more leisurely, cultural exploration, this guided walk and tasting tour lasts about 1.5 hours. It invites you to discover Ceglie’s narrow streets, stairways, and hidden corners, all while learning about the town’s history and legends. The tour combines storytelling with tastings of local products, bringing the town’s art, flavors, and culture alive.
This tour is ideal if you enjoy strolling through authentic streets and discovering the stories behind them. You’ll hear about the origins of Ceglie, notable figures, and local legends, all while sampling some of the town’s most traditional foods. The relaxed pace makes it perfect for travelers who prefer a culture over physical activity or cooking classes.
While reviews are limited, the experience’s focus on history, art, and local flavors make it a charming way to see Ceglie without a heavy itinerary. It suits those who like learning through stories and tasting in a friendly setting.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a gentle, cultural introduction to Ceglie Messapica, ideal for history and art enthusiasts or those wanting a taste of local life without committing to a full-day activity.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Ceglie Messapica
Choosing between these options depends largely on your interests and how deep you want your experience to be. If you’re passionate about cheese and farm life, the Masseria Seppunisi tour offers an authentic, hands-on experience at a reasonable price. Want to learn how to cook like a local? The Orecchiette pasta class provides a full immersion into Puglia’s culinary traditions, perfect for foodies. For those who prefer relaxing cultural walks, the Between Art and Taste tour makes for a charming, easygoing way to explore the town.
Consider your budget, time availability, and whether you prefer physical activity, culinary learning, or cultural storytelling. Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular cooking classes, which tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Ceglie Messapica offers a versatile array of tours that cater to interests in food, culture, and local traditions. For a complete experience, the cheese-making tour is great for families or curious travelers, while the pasta class is perfect for culinary enthusiasts. If you prefer a relaxed exploration, the cultural walk delivers a taste of the town’s history and flavors.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll find genuine local hospitality and authentic experiences that make your trip to Puglia truly memorable. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot—these experiences are popular and often limited in availability.
