Lecce: Taranto and Manduria Winery Tour with Wine Tasting

Exploring Apulia: A Day Trip to Taranto and Manduria with Wine Tasting

This tour, offered by Martulli Viaggi, promises a full immersion into the flavors, history, and scenic beauty of southern Italy’s Puglia region. It’s a well-rounded experience blending archaeology, local culture, and genuine wine tasting — all in one day. The combination is quite appealing, especially if you’re eager to see how history and terroir come together.

What I particularly like about this experience is the way it balances structured sightseeing with enough free time to soak in your surroundings. Visiting Taranto’s stunning archaeological museum, MArTA, really highlights the region’s ancient roots, while the drive through the scenic Apulian countryside offers gorgeous views that make the day special. Plus, the wine tasting at a traditional masseria near Manduria is both authentic and delicious — a real highlight for wine lovers.

A potential drawback is the length of the day. At around 8 hours, it’s quite full, and if you’re not accustomed to a busy schedule or long drives, it might feel a bit rushed. Also, the tour is primarily focused on the highlights, so if you’re looking for a deeply guided experience in Taranto’s old town, that might be a limitation since the guided option is optional and not included in the base package.

But overall, this trip offers excellent value, especially for those interested in combining history and wine in one seamless adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded taste of Puglia’s past and present without the hassle of planning individual visits. Now, let’s explore in more detail what makes this tour worth considering.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic regional experience with visits to both a historic city and a traditional masseria.
• High-quality transportation in a private Mercedes V-Class or Ford Transit, making the day comfortable.
• In-depth museum visit at Taranto’s MArTA, home to treasures from Magna Graecia and other ancient civilizations.
• Beautiful scenic drives through the countryside, offering a taste of Puglia’s rolling fields and vineyards.
• Wine tasting of three distinct labels, including the famous Primitivo, in a setting that emphasizes organic and traditional farming.
• Flexible options for guided or self-guided tours allow for personalized experiences.

Discovering Taranto: The “City of Two Seas”

Our journey begins with convenient pickup in Lecce, making it easy to start the day stress-free. The private van ride to Taranto takes about an hour and a half, a good chance to relax and get your bearings. Once in Taranto, you’ll stroll through its historic center, where ancient streets wind their way along the sea, offering charming views and plenty of photo opportunities.

I love the way Taranto’s Greek and Roman past still echoes through its streets and architecture. You might find the sea views especially mesmerizing, with the city straddling two seas—an intriguing geographic feature that influenced its history as a trading hub. A highlight is the visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA), which is packed with artifacts such as gold jewelry, ceramics, and relics from the Hellenistic era. As one reviewer noted, “The museum’s treasures give a real sense of the city’s ancient importance in Magna Graecia,” a sentiment that captures the museum’s value.

You can opt for a guided tour of Taranto’s historic center if you want more context and storytelling, or explore independently. Either way, the museum visit is a highlight, giving you a tangible link to the past that’s both informative and visually stunning.

Savoring History at MArTA

The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto offers a fascinating peek into the region’s ancient civilizations. Expect to see jewelry made of gold and other precious materials, stunning ceramics, and relics that tell stories from over two millennia ago. The museum’s collection of Hellenistic artifacts is especially notable, providing insight into how Taranto thrived during those centuries.

One reviewer appreciated that the museum is “not overwhelming and is perfect for a one-hour visit,” making it a manageable, yet enriching stop. If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the way artifacts are displayed alongside informative descriptions, and for those interested in ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges, the museum’s holdings are quite revealing.

The Charm of the Apulian Countryside and the Masseria Experience

After the museum, the tour continues with a drive through the scenic Apulian countryside, a landscape dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and charming whitewashed farms. This part of the trip is especially valuable because it highlights the region’s agricultural richness—something you might not see just wandering around in a city.

Your destination is a traditional masseria near Manduria, an estate that practices organic farming—an emphasis that adds authenticity and sustainability to the experience. Here, you’ll tour the vineyards and the winery’s cellar, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how local wines like Primitivo are produced.

Wines from Manduria are renowned for their full-bodied character, and tasting three labels—white, rosé, and the signature Primitivo—provides a well-rounded experience. One guest remarked, “The wine tasting was the highlight; it’s clear they care about quality and tradition.” The tasting session is relaxed yet informative, with staff happy to share insights into the region’s wine culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a lover of history, wine, and scenic drives, this trip is well worth considering. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a structured but flexible day with opportunities for independent exploration and guided insights. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic local settings—like a real masseria—and want to taste regional wines that reflect Puglia’s unique terroir.

The tour is also family-friendly—just remember that the wine tasting is only for adults over 18, and comfortable shoes are essential for walking around ancient streets and museum exhibits. If you prefer a less busy day and more personal attention, the private group setup enhances the experience significantly.

Price and Logistics

Priced with the value of private transport, museum entry, and wine tasting included, this tour offers a comprehensive day without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar territory alone. The included pick-up and drop-off in Lecce make logistics straightforward, and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility to your plans.

However, be prepared for a full schedule—if you’re not used to long days or tight timing, you might find the pace a bit brisk. Bringing a packed lunch can be helpful unless you plan to dine at the masseria, which could offer additional local dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Taranto and Manduria wine tour strikes a nice balance between culture, history, and gastronomy. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines archaeological discoveries with the pleasures of wine tasting. The scenic drives and quality guides make it a comfortable choice, especially if you’re interested in spending a day outside Lecce exploring deeper into Puglia’s heart.

If you love discovering the stories behind ancient artifacts, savoring regional wines, and enjoying beautiful landscape views, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s an excellent way to get a broad yet authentic taste of southern Italy in just one day.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for history buffs, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers wanting a manageable, well-organized day trip. It’s suited for those who prefer a balance of guided and independent exploration, and for visitors who enjoy scenic drives and authentic regional settings. Not recommended for young children or travelers with limited mobility, due to the walking involved and the focus on adult-centric activities like wine tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and tasting.

What’s included in the price?
Private round-trip transport, hotel pickup and drop-off in Lecce, museum admission, a guided or self-guided tour of Taranto, a visit to a masseria, and a tasting of three wines.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The wine tasting is only for those over 18, and since there’s walking involved, it’s better suited for older kids or adults.

Can I choose a guided tour of Taranto’s historic center?
Yes, there is an option to have a guided tour, which provides more context and stories, or you can explore independently.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, camera, and water are recommended. You might also want a packed lunch if you prefer not to dine at the masseria.

Are there any restrictions or requirements?
The tour involves walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, alcohol consumption is only allowed after the tasting, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the vehicle.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind if your plans change.

This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to explore some of Puglia’s most treasured sights and flavors. Whether you’re a history lover, a wine connoisseur, or simply eager to experience authentic southern Italy, it’s a day well spent.