Matera Tour: Taste and Handicraft

Planning a trip to Italy often means dreaming of bustling cities like Rome or Venice, but there’s something uniquely captivating about Matera, especially when you explore it through a tour that combines history, local crafts, and culinary delights. This 2.5-hour experience offers a chance to see the UNESCO-listed Sassi, learn about the city’s past, and indulge in authentic Lucanian flavors. While it’s not a lengthy excursion, it promises a rich, intimate glimpse into Matera’s soul—perfect for those craving a blend of culture and cuisine.

What immediately draws us in is how this tour balances guided storytelling with tasting traditional products, making it as much a sensory experience as an educational one. We love the way it highlights Matera’s fascinating rock churches and cave dwellings, giving you a real sense of how residents once lived and thrived in these rocky surroundings. The private group option ensures a personal touch, and the opportunity to choose between a shared or private tour makes it flexible depending on your preferences.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. The tour’s duration of 2.5 hours means it’s relatively brisk; if you’re a history buff or food enthusiast, you might wish for a deeper dive or longer tasting session. Also, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility issues, given the uneven terrain and ancient sites. That said, if you’re looking for a manageable but immersive experience of Matera’s highlights, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Most suited for curious travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Matera—combining history, architecture, and local gastronomy—this experience can serve as a perfect primer before exploring on your own or for those with limited time but a desire for authentic engagement.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines sightseeing with tasting traditional local products.
• In-Depth History: Guides share the story of the city’s cave dwellings and frescoed churches.
• Culinary Delights: Tastes include ham, cheese, bread, wine, focaccia, and more.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a shared group or private tour for a personalized experience.
• Ease of Access: Focused on the Sassi and civita, the tour offers a curated glimpse, though not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Ideal Duration: At 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable way to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

Our journey begins in Matera’s Sassi, the iconic hillside neighborhoods carved from limestone, recognized UNESCO World Heritage sites. The guide leads you through the labyrinth of narrow alleys, showing you the ancient cave dwellings where residents lived until the early 20th century. This part of the tour is not just sightseeing; it’s a walk through history—tiny homes, stone churches, and frescoes that whisper stories of centuries gone by.

One of the highlights is the fascinating rock churches adorned with frescoes, which are truly a sight to behold. These religious sites, carved directly into the rock, offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of past inhabitants. As you wander through, your guide shares insights about the civita—the oldest part of Matera—and how this rugged landscape was transformed into a vibrant community.

From here, the tour moves to the Cathedral Santa Maria della Bruna, built in the Apulian Romanesque style, adding a touch of architectural grandeur to your walk. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, providing context about how Matera has evolved from a cave settlement to a UNESCO jewel, and you’ll appreciate the personal anecdotes that help bring the history alive.

Food and Tasting Stops: A Feast for the Senses

What sets this tour apart is the culinary component. You’ll visit a local bakery to enjoy focaccia with tomatoes, a simple yet irresistibly flavorful pastry that captures the essence of Matera’s bread-making tradition. Then, you’ll explore a shop offering cruschi peppers, cheeses, and local ham, all served with fresh bread and extra virgin olive oil—foods that speak of the region’s rural roots.

Reviewers consistently praise the generous tasting portions, noting that they’re often more filling than expected. One guest fondly remembered being “stuffed after sampling the bountiful food,” which makes this not just a snack but a mini feast. The wine tasting at the end adds a nice touch, with select local wines complementing the savory bites.

The Experience of a Guided Tour

Having a live guide in multiple languages—including Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish—means you’ll get tailored insights and easy communication, no matter your background. The passionate guides make a difference; for example, one reviewer described Angela as “a fountain of knowledge,” who shared her connection to Matera with genuine enthusiasm. That personal passion really enriches the experience.

The private group format ensures a cozy environment, fostering questions and conversation. It’s ideal if you want a more personalized experience or are traveling in a small group. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later are practical perks, especially in uncertain travel times.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, so it’s perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary without fatigue. However, large bags or luggage are not permitted, and the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, given the uneven terrain and historic sites.

Pricing is reasonable when considering the guided storytelling, the tasting sessions, and exclusive access to parts of the city. The reviews suggest that the value is high; many guests point out that the food portion sizes are quite generous, with some describing the meal as “spectacular and bountiful.”

This experience is best suited for travelers interested in history, architecture, and food. If you enjoy immersive, small-group tours that combine storytelling with tasting local specialties, you’ll find it highly rewarding. It’s especially good for those who want to get a feel for Matera’s unique landscape and cultural richness without spending an entire day on sightseeing.

Because of the walking involved, it’s less ideal for guests with mobility issues or those unwilling to navigate uneven streets. Families with older children or teenagers who appreciate history and food might also enjoy it, but younger kids might find the pace slow or the terrain challenging.

This Taste and Handicraft Tour in Matera offers a genuine, well-rounded taste of what makes the city special. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances cultural storytelling with delicious local foods, making it a perfect introduction for first-time visitors or those short on time but craving depth.

The passion of the guides, paired with the authentic flavors, leaves many guests — like Jennie who called it “one of the best local tours” she’d ever taken — genuinely satisfied. If you’re eager to explore Matera’s fascinating cave neighborhoods and sample its culinary delights, this tour is a solid choice.

For those seeking an engaging, intimate look at Matera’s history and traditions, this experience delivers exactly that, with just enough time and effort to leave you enriched and eager for more.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, unfortunately, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain and historic sites that may be difficult to navigate.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and enriching addition to your day without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour private or shared?
You can choose between a shared group or a private tour, depending on your preference for a more personalized experience.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are available in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

Are large bags allowed during the tour?
No, luggage or large bags are not permitted on the tour, to help preserve the historic sites and for safety reasons.

What kind of food will I taste?
Expect a variety of traditional local products including ham, cheese, bread, focaccia with tomatoes, cruschi peppers, and regional wines, all generous in portion and authentic to Matera.

If you’re looking for a taste of Matera that combines history, culture, and cuisine in a friendly, small-group setting, this tour hits all those notes. It’s a chance to see the city’s fascinating rock architecture, hear passionate stories, and enjoy delicious local flavors—all in just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: