Matera Cooking Class

Dive into the Heart of Matera with a Private Cooking Class

The Matera Cooking Class offers an intimate and authentic culinary experience for those eager to explore the rural side of this historic Italian city. For $161.34 per person, participants spend approximately 4 hours immersed in local traditions, visiting a traditional farm just outside Matera. This tour is ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy a genuine taste of Southern Italy. The tour operates with a small group limit of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What sets this experience apart is its combination of farm visit and hands-on cooking, guided by a local family. With top ratings of 5.0 from 66 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, it’s clear that visitors highly value the authenticity, knowledge, and warmth offered during this class. While the price may seem higher than some standard cooking classes, the inclusion of fresh farm produce and a country-style meal makes it a memorable and worthwhile experience for those who enjoy culinary craftsmanship and rustic charm.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience: Visit a family-owned organic olive and orange farm outside Matera.
• Hands-on learning: Prepare traditional pasta, starters, and two classic Matera dishes.
• Local ingredients: Learn about and sample extra virgin olive oil and fresh farm fruits.
• Country-style lunch: Enjoy a casual meal featuring the dishes you’ve helped create.
• Small group size: Limited to 6 guests for a personalized touch.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point at Bari Airport Bus Station

This private cooking experience begins at the Bari airport bus station, located at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 20, 75100 Matera MT. The tour departs promptly at 10:00 am, giving you a full morning and early afternoon to enjoy the countryside and culinary activities. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, simplifying your arrival and departure logistics.

Participants are collected from this central location, and the activity concludes back at the same spot, making it easy to plan your day afterward. The tour is designed to suit guests who appreciate a relaxed pace and want to avoid the crowds, as the group is limited to 6 people.

Visiting Silvia’s Organic Olive and Orange Farm

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Agriturismo L’Assiolo, a charming farm run by Silvia, Greg, and their family. The farm’s organic olive and orange groves provide a true connection to local agricultural traditions. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, enjoy the scenic views, and taste fruits directly from the trees — an authentic farm-to-table moment.

During the farm tour, you’ll learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil, often called liquid gold. Silvia’s family produces their own olive oil, and seeing the process firsthand offers insight into what makes this region’s produce so prized. The farm visit not only enhances understanding of local ingredients but also provides leisure time for photos and soaking in the peaceful countryside atmosphere.

Silvia’s Expertise and Traditional Matera Cooking Techniques

Silvia, the daughter of the family, brings over 20 years of experience in Matera farmhouse cooking. She guides the class with warmth and patience, sharing authentic recipes and secret techniques that have been passed down through generations. Her approach emphasizes simplicity and quality, focusing on ingredients’ natural flavors rather than complex preparation.

Participants learn to make fresh pasta from scratch, experiencing the traditional method that involves kneading and rolling dough by hand. They also prepare a typical pasta sauce and two dishes unique to Matera. The focus on original methods ensures that the dishes reflect genuine local flavors, making it a truly immersive culinary lesson.

Cooking in a Rustic Kitchen Setting

The cooking takes place in Silvia’s farmhouse kitchen, a cozy space that exudes rustic charm. Guests roll up their sleeves and actively participate in every step, from mixing ingredients to shaping pasta. Silvia’s explanations are clear, and her hands-on guidance helps build confidence in the kitchen, whether novices or experienced cooks.

The kitchen’s natural ambiance, combined with the farm’s fresh ingredients, creates a warm and authentic environment. The experience offers a break from busy sightseeing, allowing guests to connect with local food culture through practical participation.

Sampling Your Creations: A Country-Style Lunch

Once the cooking is complete, participants sit down to enjoy a casual country-style lunch featuring the dishes they’ve prepared. The meal includes small dishes that showcase the flavors of the region, complemented by freshly made pasta and farm-grown fruits.

This communal dining experience emphasizes sharing and savoring the homemade food, with the farm setting providing a relaxed backdrop. You’ll taste the quality of the olive oil, savor the authentic sauces, and appreciate the simplicity that defines Matera’s traditional cuisine.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is booked on average 57 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among those planning ahead. The price of $161.34 per person covers the full 4-hour experience, including farm visits, cooking, and lunch. It’s a private experience with a mobile ticket, offering flexibility and convenience.

Guests should note that confirmation is received within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The tour is suitable for travelers with basic mobility; service animals are permitted.

What to Expect During the Experience

Participants can expect a relaxed pace with opportunities to ask questions and learn about local food traditions. The small group size fosters an intimate environment, ensuring personalized attention from Silvia and her family.

The timing allows for a leisurely farm tour, hands-on cooking, and a generous tasting meal in approximately 4 hours. The experience is designed to be informative, fun, and delicious, making it a memorable way to discover Matera beyond the usual sightseeing.

Why This Tour Stands Out Among Other Matera Experiences

Compared to guided walking tours of the city, this cooking class offers a deep dive into local food culture and rural life. It’s a rare chance to visit a working farm, learn authentic recipes, and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a peaceful countryside setting.

The personal connection with Silvia’s family, her extensive experience, and the inclusion of farm tour + cooking + tasting make this experience a comprehensive introduction to Matera’s culinary roots. The small group size enhances interaction and ensures that each guest feels involved.

Suitable for Food Enthusiasts and Curious Travelers

This tour is perfect for those interested in cooking, farm visits, or authentic local experiences. It suits travelers who value hands-on participation and want to enjoy Matera’s rural traditions. The 4-hour duration makes it a manageable addition to a sightseeing itinerary.

Since the experience involves active participation in the kitchen, it’s best suited for guests comfortable with basic culinary tasks. It offers a delightful insight into the countryside lifestyle that most visitors to Matera may not see during typical city tours.

Matera Cooking Class: Authentic, Personal, and Delicious

In summary, the Matera Cooking Class provides a rare opportunity to combine culinary skills with rural exploration. With top-rated guides and a warm farm setting, the experience promises genuine insights into Matera’s food traditions.

Although the price is relatively high, it reflects the included activities: farm visit, hands-on cooking, and a homemade lunch. This experience is especially rewarding for those who appreciate authentic ingredients and want to take home not just memories but recipes and new skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers the farm visit, hands-on cooking class, and country-style lunch featuring the dishes prepared.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Bari airport bus station in Matera at 10:00 am and concludes back at the same location.

Is this a private or group experience?
It is a private experience, limited to 6 guests for a personalized approach.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

Do I need any prior cooking skills?
No prior experience is necessary; the class is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
This information isn’t specified, but it’s advisable to communicate special needs when booking.

What is the age limit for participation?
No age restrictions are detailed; however, the activity involves active cooking, so younger children should be evaluated accordingly.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation is not included, but the meeting point is accessible by public transport.

What makes this tour unique compared to other Matera experiences?
The combination of farm visit, traditional cooking, and local family involvement offers an intimate look at Matera’s countryside culinary scene, which is rare among typical city tours.