Ape tour Matera – Guided tour in ape calessino

Key Points

• Affordable and popular: Priced at $61.54 per person, this tour is highly booked, averaging 49 days in advance.
• Unique vehicle experience: Travel in a comfortable ape calessino, a charming open-air vehicle ideal for sightseeing.
• Expert local guide: The tour features a knowledgeable guide, often a local, who shares authentic stories and insights.
• Thorough itinerary: Visit key sites including Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Matera Cathedral, the Sassi districts, and a cave house museum.
• Flexible timing: Starts at 8:00 AM and runs till 7:00 PM, with the option to select your preferred departure.
• Exclusive experience: This is a private tour, meaning your group enjoys personalized attention without sharing with strangers.

Exploring Matera in the Ape Calessino

This guided tour offers an engaging way to discover Matera’s iconic Sassi districts aboard a stylish ape calessino, a classic open-air vehicle that adds a touch of fun to sightseeing. Priced at $61.54 per person, the experience is designed to be both affordable and memorable, with most bookings made around 49 days in advance. The tour lasts about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, making it ideal for those with limited time or wanting a quick yet rundown of the city.

Starting from Via del Corso, the tour takes you through the historic heart of Matera, offering panoramic stops and opportunities for stunning photos. The private nature of the tour ensures your group receives personalized attention, and the local guide—often a lifelong resident—provides authentic insights into the city’s transformation from a national shame to a world-renowned destination.

Visiting the Main Squares of the Sassi of Matera

The tour begins with a visit to Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, the main square in Sasso Caveoso. This 5-minute stop includes admission tickets, so visitors can appreciate the square’s charm and historical importance. From here, the guide explains how this area forms the core of the ancient city, offering a glimpse into traditional life in the caves.

Next, the Piazza Duomo provides a chance to admire Matera’s cathedral, with another 5-minute stop. Visitors can choose to enter independently and explore the interior, gaining a deeper appreciation for the architectural beauty of this historic religious site. The guide highlights the significance of the cathedral in Matera’s history.

Crossing the Sassi Districts with Panoramic Views

The main part of the tour involves a 30-minute crossing of the Sassi di Matera, the famous ancient cave dwellings. The guide leads the group through narrow streets and viewpoints, sharing stories about how the city evolved from these prehistoric structures into a modern urban landscape. During this time, panoramic stops allow for photo opportunities and explanations about the city’s urban development.

The Sassi districts are a highlight of this tour, showcasing tunnels, caves, and layered architecture that tell a story of resilience and adaptation. Visitors learn about life within these caves up until the 1960s, including the living conditions and the transformation of the area.

Visiting Key Churches and Cave Houses

A notable stop at the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino offers both a photo opportunity and an explanation of its architectural and religious importance. Just 5 minutes long, this stop emphasizes Matera’s spiritual history.

The Antica Matera Casa Grotta provides a 5-minute visit into a house museum, illustrating daily life in the Sassi districts until the 1960s. The museum reveals original furnishings and living conditions, helping visitors understand how residents adapted to their environment.

Exploring a Rock Church and Photo Stops

The Chiesa rupestre di San Pietro Barisano is accessible via an autonomous entrance, allowing up-close exploration of one of the largest rock churches within the Sassi. This 5-minute stop is informative, though admission is not included. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and artistic features of this rock-cut church.

The tour concludes with a return to Piazza Duomo, offering a final photo stop that captures the essence of Matera. This 5-minute session is perfect for taking last pictures and reflecting on the tour.

Practical Details and Meeting Points

The tour begins at Via del Corso, 78 in Matera, with the flexibility of entering a preferred departure time, thanks to special requests. The experience operates daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, accommodating various schedules.

The group size is limited to a private experience, ensuring personalized attention. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. The tour includes mobile tickets and group discounts, making it convenient and cost-effective.

The Guide: Local, Knowledgeable, and Friendly

According to numerous reviews, the guide—often a local—is friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled at tailoring the experience. One guide, Vito, is praised for his enthusiasm and excellent English, making the information accessible and engaging.

Many reviews highlight the guide’s personal stories, especially about Matera’s history and life in the caves, which add depth and authenticity to the tour. The ability to ask questions and customize stops makes this experience particularly enriching.

Pacing, Stops, and Photo Opportunities

The tour’s pace is generally described as well-balanced, with plenty of stops for photos and short explanations. Some reviews mention feeling slightly rushed, but overall, most find the timing sufficient to see key sites without feeling hurried.

Photo opportunities are plentiful, especially at panoramic viewpoints, which are carefully selected by the guide to maximize your visual experience. The flexibility to choose departure times allows for a more relaxed experience based on personal preferences.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This tour can be booked online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Weather conditions might impact the experience, but if canceled due to poor weather, an alternative date or full refund is provided.

Most travelers find that booking early is wise, as ape calessino tours tend to fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Why Choose the Ape Calessino Tour in Matera?

The main advantage of this tour is the unique mode of transportation—the ape calessino—which makes touring more fun and memorable. The private setting ensures personalized storytelling and flexible stops, making it especially suitable for families, couples, or small groups.

The expert guides, often from Matera itself, provide rich insights and local anecdotes, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. The short duration makes it ideal for a quick introduction to Matera’s wonders.

Final Thoughts on the Ape Tour Matera

This tour offers a cost-effective, personalized, and enjoyable way to explore Matera’s historic districts. The apecalessino ride adds a charm that’s hard to match, making it a favorite choice for visitors wanting to see the highlights efficiently.

While some may wish for more detailed visits or longer stops, the expert guidance and panoramic views compensate well, especially for those short on time or seeking a fun shortcut through the city’s narrow streets.

The high ratings and glowing reviews affirm that this private ape calessino tour is a top recommendation for discovering Matera in a lighthearted, authentic way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $61.54 per person.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Via del Corso, 78 in Matera.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is suitable for most. However, limited mobility might affect access to some stops like the caves or churches.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, special requests allow you to enter your preferred departure time.

Are tickets included for the stops?
Yes, stops like Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Piazza Duomo, and Casa Grotta include admission tickets.

Is the tour private or group-based?
This is a private tour, meaning your group will enjoy exclusive access.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 49 days ahead, but it is wise to reserve early to secure your preferred time.

Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

This ape calessino tour in Matera combines fun, comfort, and authentic insights, making it an excellent choice to explore the ancient city in style.