Taranto: Ape Calessino Private Tour of Old Town & Lungomare

Summary

Taranto’s city of two seas by Ape Calessino with local stories

You’ll ride through Taranto’s old town and along its waterfront in a classic Ape Calessino with a local guide, catching sea breezes and stories alike. Pause at historic piazzas, see both Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande from the swing bridge, visit ancient churches and temples — all packed into one vivid hour that feels longer than it is.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost skipped Taranto. We were just passing through Puglia, thinking we’d grab a quick lunch and move on. But then this blue-and-white Ape Calessino pulled up, all retro charm and that little engine sound (sort of like a bee with a cold). Our driver, Paolo, waved us over like he’d been expecting us all along. So we hopped in — legs squeezed together, wind coming in from the sides — and suddenly the city felt smaller, like we could actually get to know it.

The first thing that hit me was the smell of the sea mixing with exhaust as we zipped past the Aragonese Castle. Paolo didn’t stop there (he said you need at least an hour inside), but he slowed down so we could stare up at those thick stone walls. The Lungomare was full of people walking their dogs and old men arguing about football — or maybe politics? Hard to tell with my Italian. At the Rotonda del Lungomare, Paolo pointed out these big government buildings from the fascist era. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Palazzo delle Poste” — definitely butchered it.

We crossed over the swing bridge (Ponte Girevole), which is honestly cooler than it sounds. There’s this moment where you see both seas at once — Mar Grande on one side, Mar Piccolo on the other — and for a second everything goes quiet except for the water below and Paolo’s voice explaining how they built all this back in the 1800s. I still think about that view sometimes.

After winding through narrow streets where laundry flapped above us (one shirt nearly hit Paolo in the face), we stopped at Piazza Fontana for a story about an old fountain restored in the 1980s. Then up to San Domenico church — 1300s, dark stone, totally different vibe from outside. Paolo told us about Easter processions here; you could feel how much it meant to him even if you didn’t catch every word.

We ended at the Doric temple ruins in Piazza Municipio, right back where we started but somehow feeling like we’d gone much farther than just a few kilometers. If you only have an hour in Taranto and want more than just another quick meal… well, this is probably your best shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Taranto old town and landmarks

• Admire castle from outside
• Pass along the promenade
• Stop at Rotonda del Lungomare
• Describe fascist period palaces
• Visit Piazza Ebalia fountain
• Describe Bank of Italy building
• Pass National Archaeological Museum
• Pass swing bridge and canal
• Stop at Mar Piccolo viewpoint
• Cross marina streets
• Stop at Piazza Fontana fountain
• Visit San Domenico church
• Walk via Duomo to San Cataldo cathedral
• Visit Doric temple in Piazza Municipio

Top questions

How long does the private tour of Taranto last?

The tour lasts about one hour total.

What vehicle is used for this Taranto tour?

You’ll ride in an Ape Calessino (three-wheeled motor vehicle).

Is there a local guide included on this tour?

Yes, your driver also acts as your local guide during the tour.

Are stops included during the tour or do you stay inside?

You’ll make brief stops at key sites for photos and stories.

Is this private tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap; strollers are welcome.

Does this Taranto tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the starting point.

What main sights are covered during the tour?

You’ll see Aragonese Castle (outside), Lungomare promenade, Piazza Ebalia, National Archaeological Museum (outside), swing bridge, Mar Piccolo views, Piazza Fontana, San Domenico church, San Cataldo cathedral, and Doric temple ruins.

What’s included

Your hour-long ride includes private transportation aboard an Ape Calessino with your driver-guide sharing stories as you go; audio guides are provided too. Stops are made for photos and explanations at key points around Taranto’s old town and waterfront before returning to where you began.