Day tour by car and on foot among the Apulian beauties of Matera

Explore Apulian Treasures with a Self-Guided Day Trip from Bari for $104

This day tour from Bari offers an accessible way to discover two of Italy’s most captivating towns, Matera and Altamura, for $104.11 per person. It spans approximately 7 to 8 hours, combining car transfer with free time for sightseeing in each location. The tour departs from Via Nicola de Giosa, 75, Bari, and features no guide—instead, travelers receive a detailed itinerary and the freedom to explore at their own pace, making it ideal for those comfortable with self-navigation.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to visit Altamura’s historic bakeries—Oven Santa Chiare and Oven Santa Caterina—dating back to medieval times. You’ll also enjoy a walk through Matera’s iconic Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cave dwellings and filming locations for movies like 007 and The Passion of the Christ. A visit to the Complesso Rupestre di San Giorgio al Paradiso adds an extra layer of discovery, showcasing millennia of human adaptation carved into the rock.

While the tour provides valuable insights through the provided materials and the driver’s local knowledge, it’s important to note it is not guided. This means you’ll have ample time to explore independently, which receives mixed reviews—some find it perfect, others wish for guided commentary. The free Wi-Fi in the vehicle helps plan your stops, but some travelers report difficulty locating certain sites like the Rock of San Giorgio cave complex, so a prepared, independent spirit is recommended.

Key Points

• Self-guided tour with car transfer and free time in Matera and Altamura
• Visit historic bakeries in Altamura, dating back to medieval times
• Explore the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location
• Includes a visit to the San Giorgio complex, showcasing rock civilization through preserved channels, cisterns, and sculptures
• Duration of 7-8 hours with flexible exploration—ideal for independent travelers comfortable with navigation
• Price of $104.11 per person, with most bookings made 40 days in advance

Starting Point and Travel Logistics

The tour begins at Via Nicola de Giosa, 75 in Bari, with pick-up included in the car transfer. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience. The car offers free Wi-Fi, allowing for easy access to maps and information during the journey. After the initial transfer, travelers are left free to explore each site without a guide, providing flexibility but requiring some planning and self-guidance.

Visiting Matera’s Sassi in Depth

The Sassi di Matera form the core of this tour’s experience. The three-hour free walk allows ample time to wander the medieval neighborhoods, admire the stone architecture, and visit key sights like the Church of St. Agostino and the Duomo Cathedral. The film fame of Matera—used in movies like Ben Hur and The Passion of the Christ—adds a cinematic charm, which visitors appreciate during their exploration.

Some reviews highlight that the three-hour window may feel limited given the size and richness of Matera’s historic center. If you want more time to dive deeper into the caves and viewpoints, consider extra time or guided tours focused solely on Matera.

Altamura’s Historic Bakeries and Town Charm

In Altamura, the tour offers 1 hour and 30 minutes for sightseeing. The highlight here is visiting the two oldest bakeries in Europe, Oven Santa Chiare and Oven Santa Caterina, which have been producing bread since medieval times. You get to smell the oven’s aroma and experience the warmth of the bakeries, making this stop especially memorable for food lovers.

The town itself is described as a typical Apulian small town, with less grandeur than Matera, but still charming. Some reviews mention that Altamura is worth visiting for its historic bakeries and local delicacies, including focaccia and sweets.

San Giorgio al Paradiso Rock Complex

The Complesso Rupestre di San Giorgio al Paradiso offers a 40-minute visit into millennia of history carved into the rock. This site reveals channels, cisterns, and caves, which show human adaptation from prehistoric times through 17th-century wine production. Its visual narration illustrates how the rock was transformed over centuries, making it a unique archaeological stop.

The site also features a sculpture of San Giorgio, adding a religious and artistic dimension to the exploration. The excursion into this complex is weather-dependent and may require a bit of climbing or walking, suitable for visitors with moderate mobility.

The Experience of Self-Guided Exploration

A key feature of this tour is the self-guided approach after the initial transfer. Participants receive detailed instructions and a list of sights, but many reviews note that finding certain sites, such as the caves of Matera, can be challenging if internet connectivity is unavailable or if directions are unclear.

Some travelers express disappointment when they are unable to visit specific sites like the Rock of San Giorgio or feel they lacked guidance to appreciate the significance of what they saw. Others enjoy the freedom to set their own pace and choose where to linger.

The driver provides basic information, but no guided commentary is offered during the stops. This setup suits independent explorers but might not satisfy those seeking detailed storytelling.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• The tour includes free Wi-Fi in the vehicle, but internet access may be unreliable in remote sites.
• Visitors should bring their own maps or use GPS to locate sites like the Rock of San Giorgio.
• The total time allows for sufficient exploration of both towns, but extra time could enhance the experience, especially in Matera.
• The price of $104.11 covers transport and entry to sites like the San Giorgio complex; meals and additional activities are not included.
• Book at least 40 days in advance, as most reservations are made well ahead of time.

Comparing This Tour to Guided Alternatives

This self-guided tour provides greater flexibility and cost savings compared to guided options, but it also relies heavily on self-navigation. Some reviews suggest that guided tours offer richer context, especially in Matera, where history and architecture are complex.

However, the driver’s local knowledge and the detailed itinerary help mitigate this, offering a balanced experience for travelers comfortable with independent exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Apulian Day Trip

This 7-8 hour tour offers a compelling way to experience Matera’s Sassi and Altamura’s historic bakeries without the commitment of a guided tour. It is especially suited for independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration and are comfortable with navigation.

The inclusion of archaeological sites like the San Giorgio complex adds depth to the day, while the cost-effective price makes it accessible. However, travelers should be aware of the potential challenges in site locating and the lack of guided commentary, which may influence their overall enjoyment.

Balancing freedom and discovery, this tour offers a rich glimpse into Apulian culture and history, making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to discover Italy’s hidden gems at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour guided?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You receive an itinerary and directions, but no guided commentary is provided during the stops.

What sights are included in the tour?
You visit Matera’s Sassi, Altamura’s historic bakeries, and the Complesso Rupestre di San Giorgio al Paradiso. The rock complex offers insights into ancient cave adaptations.

How much time do I have at each location?
In Matera, you get roughly 3 hours for sightseeing. In Altamura, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The San Giorgio complex is allocated 40 minutes.

Are entry tickets included?
Yes, entry to the San Giorgio rock complex is included. Visits to bakeries and other sites are free but not paid for.

What should I bring?
Bring maps or GPS devices for navigation, especially to locate specific sites like the caves. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the rock complex and town streets.

Can I extend my time in Matera or Altamura?
Yes, since the tour is self-guided, you can spend extra time if desired, but be mindful of the return schedule to the meeting point.