Private Tour of Taranto aboard an Ape Calessino

Exploring Taranto on an Ape Calessino: A Friendly Look at This Unique Tour

If you’re passing through Taranto and want a quick, charming way to see the city’s highlights, a private tour aboard an Ape Calessino might be just what you’re looking for. This experience offers a fun, personal way to get a glimpse of the old town, landmarks, and scenic views—all in about an hour. While it’s not a deep dive into every detail, it’s a practical option for those who want an overview without the hassle of walking or larger tours.

One thing we love about this experience is the personalized touch—it’s private, so you get your own guide and driver, making it more engaging and flexible. Plus, the scenic routes through narrow streets and along the waterfront give you a different perspective on Taranto that larger buses simply can’t match. On the flip side, one potential consideration is that the tour is quite short—around 50 minutes—so don’t expect an exhaustive history lesson. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a relaxed, fun ride to get their bearings.

This tour appeals most to travelers who want a light, enjoyable overview of Taranto without overcommitting. It’s particularly good if you’re stopping in town briefly, perhaps on a cruise, and want to make the most of your limited time. It’s also a great way to get a feel for the city’s vibe before deciding to explore more on your own.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Only your group participates, making it more relaxed and flexible.
• Affordable price point: At around $23.26 per person, it offers good value for a quick sightseeing trip.
• Comprehensive route: Passes by key landmarks like the Palazzi del Governo, Piazza Ebalia, and the Roman Temple of Poseidon.
• Knowledgeable guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for their friendliness, enthusiasm, and historical insights.
• Scenic views: From the waterfront to the old town, you’ll see some of Taranto’s most photogenic spots.
• Limited duration: The tour lasts about 50 minutes, so it’s more of a highlights reel than an in-depth exploration.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This private tour is designed to give you a speedy yet thorough glance at Taranto’s most interesting sights. It’s a window into the city’s past and present, with stops that highlight its history, architecture, and natural beauty. The tour departs from Piazza Castello, an ideal central meeting point, and ends back there, making logistics straightforward.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Piazza Castello
From this central spot, the tour kicks off with a quick introduction to Taranto’s layout. You’ll hop into your Ape Calessino—a cute, open-air vehicle that feels more like a fun ride than a standard tour bus. It’s a cozy way to see the city while staying cool, and the small size allows access into narrow streets and hidden corners larger vehicles can’t reach.

Stop 1: Palazzo del Governo & Rotonda del Lungomare
You’ll make a brief stop near the Palazzo del Governo to discuss the fascist-era architecture and the political history it hints at. From here, you can admire the Rotonda del Lungomare from the outside—perfect for a quick photo op with the seaside backdrop.

Stop 2: Piazza Ebalia
A highlight for many, here you’ll learn about the Fountain of the Compass Rose and the impressive Bank of Italy building. The guides often give a quick history of these landmarks, which are central to Taranto’s civic life.

Passing by Key Spots
The tour then continues past the National Archaeological Museum of MarTa and the swing bridge over the navigable canal. These are described but not stopped at, giving you context for the city’s ongoing changes and its ancient roots.

Stop 3: Mare Piccolo
At the end of Vasto street, the view opens up to Mare Piccolo—an area rich with military, fishing, and mussel farming activities. You’ll get a good sense of the local economy and environment, with descriptions of the springs of fresh water “Citri” and the military Arsenal.

Stop 4: Piazza Fontana
A quick stop to admire the restored fountain of the 1980s and the historic clock tower, both adding to the lively atmosphere of the marina.

Stop 5: San Domenico Maggiore Church
Up the San Domenico slope, the tour pauses at this medieval church, which is deeply woven into the local Easter procession traditions. It’s a meaningful spot for those interested in religious and cultural events.

Stop 6: Cattedrale di San Cataldo
The oldest cathedral in Puglia, dedicated to the city’s Irish patron saint, San Cataldo. The guide often shares stories about the saint and the building’s historical significance, giving you a feel for Taranto’s medieval heritage.

Final Stop: Tempio di Poseidon
Your last stop is at the ancient Doric temple from the sixth century BC, the only visible remnant of the Greek Magna Graecia era in Taranto. Standing here, you’re walking through history—literally.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Feedback for this tour is overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 179 reviews. Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, describing Francesco, Sara, Florina, and others as friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to share insights. Several reviewers mention how the guides make the tour lively and personal, often highlighting their ability to explain complex history in accessible terms.

Many appreciate the scenic routes—especially the views of Mare Piccolo and the waterfront—that give a different perspective on Taranto’s beauty. As one reviewer put it, the tour offers a “great trip around Taranto” that’s more manageable than walking everywhere. The small, electric tuk-tuks are frequently described as comfortable, with a sense of adventure that adds to the fun.

However, not everyone loved it equally. A few reviews point out the short duration—around 35 to 50 minutes—and feel that some stops are too quick, or that the content could be richer. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was “stretching out for the sake of it,” and suggested the city has limited sights, which might leave some visitors wanting more.

Nevertheless, the overall consensus is that this tour provides a value-packed snapshot of Taranto, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Practical Details That Matter

Pricing & Value:
At just over $23 per person, this tour is quite affordable considering it’s private and includes a dedicated guide. You’re paying for a personalized experience, friendly narration, and access to scenic areas that might be tricky to navigate alone.

Duration:
The hour-long duration means you won’t get overwhelmed or spend hours on sightseeing—ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or just want a taste of Taranto’s charm.

Booking & Availability:
Most travelers book about 35 days in advance, which suggests that it’s popular but also stable. It runs daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, giving plenty of flexibility for planning.

Meeting Point & End Location:
The tour begins at Piazza Castello and returns there, simplifying logistics. It’s near public transport, so if you’re arriving by bus or train, getting there should be straightforward.

Weather & Cancellation:
The experience is weather-dependent; poor weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds available if that happens. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is pretty standard but worth noting if your plans are flexible.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed way to get a sense of Taranto’s highlights without committing a whole day, this is a great pick. It’s particularly suited for people who enjoy short guided rides with plenty of storytelling. Travelers with an interest in ancient ruins, seaside scenery, or local architecture will appreciate the stops, especially the Temple of Poseidon and the old cathedral.

It’s also perfect if you’re arriving via cruise or only have a limited amount of time ashore. The private aspect means you get undivided attention and the flexibility to customize your experience a bit—though the itinerary is fairly fixed.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is private and relaxed, it’s primarily a scenic drive with some stops for sightseeing. Kids who enjoy short rides and sightseeing should be fine, but very young children might get restless during some of the stops.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 50 minutes, making it a quick but rundown of the city’s main sights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Piazza Castello, a central location ideal for travelers arriving by public transport or cruise.

Is the Ape Calessino comfortable?
Yes, most reviews mention that the tuk-tuks are new and comfortable, offering a fun but smooth ride through Taranto’s streets.

What sights are included in the tour?
Stops include key spots like the Palazzo del Governo, Piazza Ebalia, Mare Piccolo, Piazza Fontana, San Domenico Maggiore, San Cataldo Cathedral, and the Temple of Poseidon.

Is this experience suitable for someone on a tight schedule?
Absolutely. With just about an hour needed, it’s perfect for fitting into a busy day or a short port stop.

Do guides speak good English?
Yes, multiple reviews highlight guides who speak excellent English, making the experience informative and easy to follow.

To sum it up, this Ape Calessino tour of Taranto offers a cozy, fun, and insightful way to see a city that might be overlooked on a quick stop. It’s especially good for curious travelers who want a friendly guide, scenic views, and a taste of local history—all without the commitment of a full-day tour. If you enjoy engaging guides and unique transportation, it’s definitely worth considering for your Taranto stop.