Private Tour of Taranto aboard an Ape Calessino - Who Will Love This Experience?

10 Top Tours & Experiences In Taranto (With Reviews & Prices)

Discover the top 10 Tours & Experiences in Taranto, from cheese tastings at Masseria Fragnite to private boat trips and historical museums. Perfect for every interest.

Taranto may not be as famous as some Italian cities, but it offers a surprising variety of authentic, hands-on experiences that give you a real taste of Southern Italy. Whether you’re interested in cheese making, local wines, or exploring the ancient city by tuk-tuk, Taranto’s tours offer something memorable. We particularly love the Mozzarella Experience at Masseria Fragnite for its immersive look into dairy craftsmanship, or the Private Tour of Taranto aboard an Ape Calessino for a quick yet in-depth city overview. These experiences show that Taranto is a city that values tradition and local flavor, making your visit more than just sightseeing—it’s about tasting, smelling, and feeling the place.

If you’re unsure where to start, the list below highlights a diverse collection of tours and experiences that cater to food lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. From wine tastings in Manduria to dolphin-watching boat trips, these activities are designed to give you a deeper connection with Taranto and its surroundings.

1. Mozzarella Experience – Cheese Tour and tastings to Masseria Fragnite

Mozzarella Experience - Cheese Tour and tastings to Masseria Fragnite

At number 1, the Mozzarella Experience at Masseria Fragnite stands out for its immersive approach to Apulian dairy craftsmanship. This tour takes you to a traditional farm where you’ll learn how Mozzarella, Burrata, and Caciocavallo are made, starting from the milking of cows to the aging process. The guide shares insights into the history of the farm and the ethics behind their supply chains, which is especially meaningful for those interested in sustainable food practices. The cheese tastings include both fresh and seasoned varieties, paired with local cold cuts, jams, or mustards, creating a true farm-to-table experience.

What makes this tour unique is its focus on authentic craftsmanship in a small farm setting—you’ll see the dairy process in action and get to taste cheeses made just hours before. Visitors often praise the tour for its informative guides and relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for food lovers wanting a genuine taste of Puglia’s dairy traditions or anyone seeking an authentic, educational excursion outside typical sightseeing.

Bottom Line: For around $40, you get a comprehensive look at Italy’s cheese-making heritage with delicious tastings, making it excellent value for a memorable afternoon.

2. Private Tour of Taranto aboard an Ape Calessino

Private Tour of Taranto aboard an Ape Calessino

Number 2 on our list is the Private Tour of Taranto in an Ape Calessino, a colorful and fun way to see the city’s highlights in just about 50 minutes. This tour is tailored for travelers who want a quick, personalized introduction to Taranto’s most interesting sites, like the castle, the old town, and prominent landmarks. You’ll pass by the Palazzo del Gverno, the Piazza Ebalia, and the National Archaeological Museum of MarTa, getting a lively narrated overview from a knowledgeable guide.

The charm of this experience is the small, open-air vehicle that zips you through narrow streets and less accessible corners, giving you a feel for Taranto’s authentic rhythm. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and the fun of riding in a tuk-tuk as a highlight. It’s a great option for visitors on a tight schedule or those who prefer a more interactive, less formal tour.

Bottom Line: For about $23, this is an affordable, lively way to get your bearings and see Taranto’s key sights without the fatigue of walking or the expense of larger tours.

3. Boat fishing, boat tours, boat party

Boat fishing, boat tours, boat party

Number 3 offers the opportunity to explore Taranto’s coastline from the water with a boat trip that includes fishing, swimming, and even dolphin watching. Spanning around 5 hours, this tour combines adventure with relaxation, perfect for those who want to enjoy Taranto’s marine environment. Onboard, you’ll have the chance to try fishing techniques like bottom fishing and trolling, with the added thrill of possibly seeing dolphins in their natural habitat.

The boat is private, accommodating up to 12 people, and features a sunbathing area, music, and a sun canopy. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility to swim in shallow waters and the informal, fun atmosphere. The captain, Nicola, is known for being helpful and friendly, ensuring everyone has a good time.

This trip is best suited for adventurers and nature lovers looking for a leisurely day on the water that combines sport, sightseeing, and relaxation. Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the experience, so check the forecast before booking.

Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, fun day on the sea with the possibility of dolphin sightings, this boat trip offers excellent value and memorable moments.

4. I segreti di una pasta perfetta con Dora

I segreti di una pasta perfetta con Dora

Number 4 delivers a hands-on cooking workshop with Dora, focusing on making Orecchiette, the iconic pasta of Puglia. This 1.5-hour class is perfect for foodies who want to take a piece of Italy home—literally—by learning how to prepare this traditional pasta from scratch. Dora, a talented chef, guides small groups through the process of mixing, shaping, and cooking the pasta, which you’ll then enjoy paired with local ingredients.

What sets this experience apart is its authenticity and intimacy. Participants get to prepare their own pasta and also enjoy an aperitivo with km 0 products before cooking. The workshop is flexible on timing and suitable for couples or small groups, but not singles.

Guests often mention how Dora’s expertise and friendly manner make the lesson enjoyable and educational. It’s an ideal activity for foodies and culture seekers who want to learn a vital regional craft and bring home a tangible memory.

Bottom Line: For about $65, you get a practical skill, delicious food, and a genuine taste of Puglia’s culinary traditions—well worth the experience.

5. Wine Tour “The pearls of Manduria”

Wine Tour "The pearls of Manduria"

Number 5 explores the wines of Manduria, an area famous for its Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. This 1.5-hour wine tasting tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you through a cellar with five generations of winemaking. You’ll learn about the traditions and production methods that make Puglia wines so distinctive before sampling several varieties.

Guests rave about the passion and expertise of the guide, who explains the wine-making process and history in a way that’s engaging even for those new to wine. The tasting includes regional delicacies that pair perfectly with the wines, enhancing the experience.

This tour is particularly good for wine enthusiasts wanting an authentic, in-depth look at Puglia’s most celebrated wines. It offers excellent value for money considering the quality of the guide and the variety of tastings.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed, knowledgeable introduction to Puglia wines, this tour provides a taste of local tradition with memorable flavor.

6. Wine Tour “Discovery Jarche”

Wine Tour "Discovery Jarche"

Number 6 features a wine tasting in the Jarche region, another part of Salento renowned for its Primitivo and Negroamaro wines. This 1.5-hour tour offers a personalized experience with a host who is passionate about local wines. The visit includes a walk among traditional bush-trained vines and a tour of the winery’s aging rooms.

Reviewers highlight how Laura’s hosting and explanation make the experience both fun and educational, with a generous tasting of Primativo DOP. It’s a perfect match for travelers curious about regional wine production and eager to learn more about Salento’s viticulture.

The tour’s small group setting ensures a personalized experience, making it suitable for wine novices and aficionados alike.

Bottom Line: For about 1.5 hours and a relaxed atmosphere, this intimate wine tour offers an authentic taste of Salento’s wine heritage.

7. Taranto: Private Boat Trip with Swimming, Dolphin Watching

Taranto: Private Boat Trip with Swimming, Dolphin Watching

Number 7 offers a full-day private boat trip from Taranto, ideal for swimmers and dolphin enthusiasts. You’ll start from Via Capodoglio and spend the day swimming in shallow waters, watching dolphins, and enjoying fishing if you wish. The boat includes a sunbathing area, music, and a sun canopy for ultimate relaxation.

This trip is customizable, allowing you to choose between a half-day or full-day excursion. The boat’s exclusivity and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat make it quite special. The skipper is experienced, making navigation and fishing smooth.

Perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized marine adventure, with plenty of time to relax. Weather can influence dolphin sightings, so check ahead.

Bottom Line: If a full-day on the water with swimming, dolphin watching, and optional fishing sounds appealing, this private boat trip is a top choice for a memorable day.

8. Wine Tour and Dinner: Puglia at the table

Wine Tour and Dinner: Puglia at the table

Number 8 combines a wine tour in a historic cellar with a dinner in an old mill from the 1700s. Over 4 hours, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of regional wines paired with traditional dishes, making it an excellent way to experience Puglia’s culinary and viticultural traditions in a relaxed setting.

The experience is ideal for food and wine lovers seeking a more comprehensive evening, blending learning with local cuisine. The dinner features dishes that emphasize authentic flavors, matched perfectly with the wines sampled earlier.

While the price isn’t specified, the combination of tasting and dinner suggests good value for an immersive cultural experience. It’s also a great way to enjoy an evening in Taranto with a mix of history, taste, and atmosphere.

Bottom Line: For an elegant, multi-course experience that pairs wine with local dishes, this tour is perfect for those wanting a deeper dive into Puglia’s flavors.

9. Vineyard Walk and Tasting at a Masseria Winery in Taranto

Number 9 offers an intimate visit to a newly modernized winery situated in an ancient masseria. You’ll walk among oak barrel rooms, visit vineyards close to the coast, and enjoy a tasting of three regional wines paired with local delicacies.

The tour provides insights into the production process, from grape harvest to aging, with an emphasis on traditional and innovative techniques. The sweeping vineyard views from the panoramic hall make it a scenic, relaxing experience, ideal for wine lovers seeking quality over quantity.

Guests have highlighted the expert guidance and generous tasting as key features. This smaller-scale experience is perfect for those who want to understand the winemaking process in a peaceful environment.

Bottom Line: For about $52, this winery visit offers a personalized, educational experience with excellent regional wines and stunning vineyard vistas.

10. Taranto: National Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket

Taranto: National Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket

Rounding out the list, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto is a must for those interested in ancient artifacts and Mediterranean history. This ticket grants access to magnificent gold artifacts, Byzantine icons, and the Venus of Parabita, tracing centuries of cultural development.

While it’s a straightforward visit, the museum’s vast collection offers a deep dive into Magna Graecia and Taranto’s role in ancient trade and craftsmanship. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting a quiet, contemplative afternoon immersed in Italy’s archaeological riches.

The ticket costs $14 and is valid for a day, giving plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Bottom Line: For an affordable way to understand Taranto’s ancient past, this museum visit complements any cultural itinerary.

How to Choose

When selecting your ideal Taranto tour, consider your interests, time, and budget. Food lovers might gravitate toward the cheese or pasta workshops, while history enthusiasts will find the archaeological museum compelling. If you’re after a quick overview, the Ape Calessino tour provides a fun introduction, and the private boat trips are perfect for a full day of relaxation and adventure.

For wine aficionados, both “The pearls of Manduria” and “Discovery Jarche” offer authentic insights into Salento’s viticulture. Budget travelers will appreciate the affordable tuk-tuk tour or museum visit, while those with more time can indulge in multiple experiences.

Book early, especially for the cheese and pasta workshops, which tend to fill up fast. Look for tours with flexible timing if you’re visiting during peak season, and always check the weather forecast for outdoor trips, particularly the boat excursions.

Final Thoughts

Taranto’s diverse range of tours offers something for every traveler—whether you’re eager to taste fresh cheeses, sample regional wines, or explore the city’s ancient relics. The Mozzarella Experience and private boat trips stand out as top-value options, while the Ape Calessino makes for a fun, quick city introduction. For those who want an immersive, hands-on experience, the pasta workshop is unbeatable.

Whatever your interests, booking early ensures you get the best times, especially for popular activities like the cheese and wine tours. Taranto rewards curious travelers with authentic flavors and stories, making it well worth the effort to explore beyond the typical Italian tourist trail.