Ascoli Piceno Food Walk: Olive Ascolane & Piazza del Popolo

This three-hour walking tour traces the elegant travertine old town of Ascoli Piceno, the southern Marche city famous for the dish it gave to all of Italy, olive all'ascolana. Starting from the monumental Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in the country, the route winds through arcaded streets and small piazzas with six to eight stops at traditional fryers, salumerie, and bars. The undisputed star is the olive all'ascolana, large green Ascolana tenera olives pitted, stuffed with a seasoned meat filling, breaded, and deep-fried, eaten hot from a paper cone, but the tasting also covers ciauscolo, the spreadable local salami, regional cheeses, and a glass of Rosso Piceno from the surrounding hills. A highlight is a stop at the historic Art Nouveau Caffè Meletti on the piazza to taste Anisetta Meletti, the anise liqueur created in the city. The €65 price covers all tastings, a local expert guide, the wine, and the Anisetta; it does not include a full sit-down meal or bottles purchased along the way. Groups are kept small, typically up to a dozen, and tours run in English at a relaxed pace with the guide explaining the history of the Ascolana olive, the rules behind its IGP-style protection, and why the city's travertine architecture glows in the evening light. Vegetarian substitutions can usually be arranged when requested at booking, though the olive and salumi focus makes a fully vegan version harder. The walk doubles as an introduction to one of the Marche's loveliest historic centres, passing medieval towers and Renaissance loggias between stops. Comfortable walking shoes are advised for the smooth but uneven travertine paving, and arriving hungry is wise, as the tastings amount to a generous light meal.