Ape Calessino Tour Matera Lungo

If you’re considering a visit to Matera, you’ve probably heard about its ancient cave dwellings and winding stone streets. This Ape Calessino Tour Matera Lungo promises a lively, compact way to see the city’s highlights without tiring yourself out. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, reviews and details suggest it’s a fun and practical option, especially if you’re short on time or find walking in the heat or hilly terrain challenging.

What we especially like about this experience is how it offers a quick, scenic overview of the Sassi and the old town, all while keeping things light and relaxed. Plus, with a knowledgeable guide and stops at key points like the Casa Grotta di Matera, it feels like a well-balanced introduction. Keep in mind, the tour lasts just over an hour, so it’s a snapshot — not an in-depth exploration. This makes it ideal for travelers who want a taste of Matera without committing hours on foot. If you’re someone who loves to see the sights without the hassle of navigating narrow alleys yourself, this could be just right.

A potential consideration is that some reviews highlight issues with language barriers or the tour being more driving than guiding, especially if you’re expecting detailed English narration. Also, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Matera’s history or off-the-beaten-path sites, this probably isn’t the best fit. But for those wanting a fun, efficient, and visually engaging ride around one of Italy’s most captivating cities, this tour hits the spot.

It’s a good pick for families, older travelers, or anyone with mobility considerations — especially since the Ape Calessino is wheelchair-friendly and can save your legs from steep climbs. Overall, if you’re after a leisurely, enjoyable way to get your bearings in Matera, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Compact and time-efficient way to see Matera’s main sights
• Comfortable and accessible for those with mobility needs
• Guided stops for photos and brief visits, perfect for a quick overview
• Highly praised guides contribute to a friendly, engaging experience
• Price point offers good value for an hour-long tour
• Weather considerations matter — it’s best in good weather, as with most outdoor experiences

What to Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at Piazza San Francesco, a lovely starting point right in the heart of Matera. From there, you’ll hop into an Ape Calessino, a colorful, classic Italian tuk-tuk that’s part vehicle, part sightseeing icon. It’s a charming way to weave through the narrow streets of the old town without the fatigue of walking.

Your first stop is the Casa Grotta di Matera, a house museum that gives a glimpse into what life was like in the Sassi’s ancient dwellings. As one reviewer noted, “the scenery and the old cave house visit were the highlights,” giving you a feel for the city’s unique architecture and history in just a few minutes.

Following this, your guide will likely make small stops along the route, helping you snap photos and explaining the significance of various churches, alleys, and historic sites. Some reviews mention that guides like Antonio are “knowledgeable and personable,” making the experience more personal and enriching. Others appreciated how guides took the time to stop for photos and provide interesting insights about local life and history.

The Experience and Its Highlights

The main draw here is the visual journey through Matera’s Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The streets are often steep and uneven, which can be tiring if you’re walking for hours, especially in the heat. Riding in the tuk-tuk keeps you comfortable while still immersing you in the atmosphere.

The small stops for photos are particularly appreciated — many travelers mentioned that this helps them get good memories without missing the chance to capture the stunning views. The visit to the Casa Grotta is a highlight, as it offers a tangible connection to how people once lived in these cave dwellings.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes, making it perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a quick overview. It’s private, so only your group will participate, which means a more personalized experience.

Price and Value

At around $51.59 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering it includes a guided experience, a stop at a key site, and the convenience of transportation. Several reviews pointed out that riding in the tuk-tuk saves your legs from climbing steep streets and blends sightseeing with comfort.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are quite positive, with ratings averaging 4.7 out of 5. Many travelers praised the friendly guides, especially Francisco and Antonio, for their deep knowledge and personable manner. One person highlighted how Francisco “took the time to provide many interesting details,” making the city come alive in a short time.

Some reviews mentioned minor issues, like the lack of English narration—a pre-recorded audio guide was sometimes the only English content, which disappointed travelers expecting a live, fully English-speaking guide. Others noted that the tour is more driving than guiding, but for many, that’s part of its charm and practicality.

Weather and Rescheduling

One traveler appreciated that the tour provider was flexible, rescheduling due to rain, which shows good customer service. Since the experience is outdoors, good weather makes a big difference in enjoyment.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

Given that the tuk-tuk is wheelchair accessible and can help avoid tiring walks, this tour can suit travelers with mobility issues. It’s also a fun family ride, with kids and older adults alike enjoying the relaxed pace and interesting stops.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re after a short, visually appealing introduction to Matera’s Sassi and old town. It’s particularly great for families, seniors, or travelers with limited time who want to see the main sights without too much walking. If you’re curious about Matera’s history but prefer a relaxed, guided ride, this experience fits well.

However, if your priority is a detailed, comprehensive exploration, or in-depth historical storytelling, you might find this tour too brief or surface-level. Also, those expecting a guide in perfect English and storytelling might want to clarify that some narration is pre-recorded or in other languages.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Matera and want a fun, easy way to see the Sassi without tiring yourself out, the Ape Calessino Tour Matera Lungo is a solid choice. It offers a good balance between sightseeing, comfort, and affordability, especially with its friendly guides and memorable photo stops. While it’s not a deep historical dive, it’s a charming and practical way to get your bearings and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.

Travelers who value convenience, fun rides, and a touch of local charm will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Matera visit. It’s especially suited for those wanting a relaxed overview, perhaps as a first stop before exploring more on foot later.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the Ape Calessino is wheelchair-friendly and offers a comfortable way to explore the hilly streets without extensive walking or climbing.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a quick, manageable experience that fits easily into most schedules.

Are there options for different languages?
Some reviews mention an audio guide and requests for different languages like French or Spanish. However, the main narration appears to be pre-recorded, and English-speaking guides may not always provide live commentary.

Can I cancel or reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, there’s a flexible cancellation policy — you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The provider also considers weather cancellations and offers rescheduling options or refunds.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the tuk-tuk ride, stops at key sites like Casa Grotta di Matera, and the guide’s explanations. The admission ticket to Casa Grotta is included.

Would this tour be good for families?
Yes, especially because it’s fun, accessible, and doesn’t require much walking. Kids tend to enjoy the ride, and it’s a safe way for families to see Matera’s main sights.

If you’re looking for a friendly, relaxed way to explore Matera’s Sassi and streets, this Ape Calessino tour offers a memorable, efficient experience. Just remember to check the weather and clarify language expectations beforehand, and you’ll be good to go.