Is prior cooking experience necessary?

No, this class is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

Wear comfortable clothes and an apron provided or bring your own.

Can I bring wine or drinks?

Regional wines are typically provided and encouraged to enhance your experience.

Is the class suitable for children?

Yes, children over age 12 can participate.

Do I get to eat my pasta?

Absolutely! The final dish is yours to enjoy and take home recipes.

Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Culinary & Cultural Tour with Keys of Italy in Polignano a Mare | Food Tour

Polignano a Mare, located along Italy's stunning Adriatic coast, is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, azure waters, and charming old town streets. This seaside village offers a perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure that immerses visitors in regional traditions. Keys of Italy provides an exclusive orecchiette cooking class where guests get to learn the art of crafting this iconic pasta shape, a staple of Apulian cuisine. Under the expert guidance of local chefs, participants not only acquire culinary skills but also gain insight into the rich history of the area, which has been producing exceptional pasta for centuries. The class typically takes place in a cozy local kitchen, with panoramic views of the coastline. Participants start by selecting fresh ingredients—durum wheat semolina and water—before mastering the technique of creating the perfect, handmade orecchiette. The process involves rolling, shaping, and cooking, culminating in a delicious meal paired with regional wines. This engaging experience offers a rare glimpse into Apulian culinary traditions, making it a standout activity for food lovers. What makes Keys of Italy truly unique is its dedication to authentic regional cooking in an intimate setting, allowing guests to connect directly with local culture. After the class, many choose to linger in the picturesque town, wandering along cliff-side pathways and enjoying the stunning sea views. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, this hands-on experience delivers a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary soul. It’s an ideal stop for anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of Italy’s regional flavors, while enjoying the coastal charm of Polignano a Mare.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–3 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness required, just ability to stand and work with hands.

Wildlife

Seagulls
Dolphins occasionally seen offshore

History

Polignano a Mare’s history dates back to Roman times, with its strategic coastal position shaping its development.

Conservation

Efforts are underway to preserve the coastal cliffs and marine environment, supporting sustainable tourism.

Keys of Italy is a Florence-based tour operator offering curated day trips, private tours, and guided experiences across Italy. Founded to connect visitors with Italy’s regional highlights, the company organizes departures from Firenze to destinations including Cinque Terre, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Chianti, Val d'Orcia, and the Ferrari Museum, as well as long-distance departures to Milan, Venice, Turin, Naples, Bari, and Sicily. Tours range from walking and food tours to wine tastings, cooking classes, museum guided visits, skip-the-line access, private transfers, and active adventures such as 4x4 Etna excursions. The portfolio includes thematic experiences—historical city walks, art and gallery tours (Uffizi, Accademia, Pinacoteca), and specialist itineraries like Egyptian Museum guided visits and automotive museum tours. Food-focused offerings cover pasta, pizza, gelato, Mozzarella, arancino, cannoli, and street-food tastings. Wine experiences highlight Chianti, Brunello, Val d'Orcia, Bolgheri, Franciacorta, and Langhe regions. Many tours explicitly list private options, train transfers, and skip-the-line museum access where indicated. Departure cities identified in tour titles include Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples, Turin, Bari, Catania, Lecce and Palermo-area experiences, making the company’s reach national in scope. Keys of Italy provides practical options such as transfers, tailored private days, and classes alongside classic sightseeing. The collection of over one hundred offered itineraries reflects a broad catalogue of experiences centered on Tuscany and extending throughout Italy. All descriptions above are based on the published trip titles and summaries provided for Keys of Italy and reference only factual elements listed. Information reflects provided trip names, summaries, and stated departure locations accurately.

Base locationPolignano a Mare, Apulia

Tours offered129+

Specialtycooking

StewardshipLeave No Trace