Discover Taranto on a private tour
Taranto pulses with the echoes of its storied past, a city where the legacies of ancient warriors still shape its narrow streets. Dubbed the "City of the Two Seas," Taranto blends history, culture, and lively local life. With your local guide, you'll peel back the layers of history, from the Aragonese Castle's imposing presence to the bustling fish market, where fresh catches are celebrated with vibrant chatter. Private tours in Taranto reveal the city's hidden facets, allowing you to savour the sea's offerings on a food and wine tour and connect with the past on a stroll through its historic centre. Skip the lines and fully immerse yourself in Taranto's rich narrative. A tour with your local guide promises lasting memories of this city’s profound heritage. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Taranto. Explore Taranto your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Taranto tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Taranto for every interest, including: History tours: Trace Spartan and Roman footprints with a walk to the Doric columns of the Temple of Poseidon, step inside Castello Aragonese, and slip into the Old Town’s hypogea beneath noble palaces as your guide unlocks access and stories you won’t find on signs. Nature and Wildlife tours: Cruise the Mar Piccolo to see traditional mussel farms and spot herons and cormorants around the Palude La Vela Reserve, or head along the coast to Torre Colimena’s Salina dei Monaci to look for flamingos with binoculars and a simple field guide. Museums tours: Dive into the MArTA collections to see the famous Gold of Taranto and exquisite Magna Graecia artefacts, then pair it with the Spartan Museum – Ipogeo Bellacicco for a guided look at underground chambers that tie the exhibits to the streets above. The historic centre is walkable and there are local buses, but lagoons, reserves, and coastal sites sit farther out; you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation or a boat for these parts of your tour. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Taranto inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Experience Taranto through a private walking tour and immerse yourself in its diverse neighbourhoods. Let a local guide lead you through the city’s unique blend of history and culture. Consider adding these neighbourhoods to your tour: - Old Town (Città Vecchia): Cultural tourists will be captivated by the ancient architecture and historical sites. Wander through the narrow alleyways, and don't miss the Aragonese Castle and the Cathedral of San Cataldo. - Borgo Umbertino: Ideal for families, this lively area is home to numerous parks and open spaces. Explore the local markets and enjoy a picnic in one of the scenic spots. - Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III: Perfect for those seeking meaningful connections, this waterfront promenade offers stunning views and a chance to engage with locals. Enjoy a leisurely walk while soaking in the maritime atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Taranto You can use Taranto as a simple base to reach whitewashed hill towns, cave cities, and easy coastal stops in under two hours, so plan day trips that fit what you like; these day trips also work as private tours focused on food, wine, or architecture without wasting time in transit. Alberobello: Walk the trulli districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, learn how the dry‑stone roofs were built, and browse small craft studios; if you enjoy design and photography, the patterns and limestone textures keep you busy, and local trattorie make it easy to add a relaxed lunch to your day. Matera: Explore the Sassi cave quarters and rock churches, step into restored cave homes, and take in the canyon views; history fans and film buffs get a strong sense of place here, and cafés carved into stone give you simple breaks between sites. Ostuni: Wander bright lanes and stairways up to the cathedral and lookout terraces, then drop down to nearby Adriatic beaches for a swim; if you like clean lines and good light, the whitewashed walls and blue sea deliver it, with shops selling olive oil and ceramics for a quick stop. Lecce: See baroque façades in warm limestone, visit paper‑mâché workshops, and snack on a pasticciotto or a rustico between churches and courtyards; art and architecture lovers can focus on details, while lively streets around the historic centre make it easy to mix culture with a simple food stop. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Taranto most travellers miss.