Ape Calessino Tour nei Sassi di Matera

If you’re considering visiting Matera and want a way to see the city’s highlights with a touch of charm and comfort, the Ape Calessino Tour might catch your eye. This guided ride offers a breezy, personalized introduction to one of Italy’s most captivating towns, especially if you prefer to skip long walks or large group tours. It’s a popular choice, with many travelers booking it well in advance — on average about 48 days ahead — which suggests it’s a well-loved way to explore.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines a unique mode of transportation—the iconic, vintage-style tuk tuk—with expert guidance that brings Matera’s story to life. Plus, the scenic views of the Sassi districts and some key landmarks make for memorable photo opportunities. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts roughly 50 minutes, so it’s a quick taste rather than an exhaustive deep dive.

One thing to keep in mind: since the tour is private and limited to your group, it offers a more intimate experience, without the bustle of larger crowds. This is a fantastic choice if you’re after a relaxed, engaging way to get your bearings in Matera, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a tailored experience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: As a private tour, it’s customized to your group, offering flexibility and attentiveness.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable local guides help you understand the city’s history while showing off the best spots.
• Iconic Transport: The Ape Calessino tuk tuk makes the journey fun and photogenic, adding a nostalgic touch.
• Quick but Rich: At about 50 minutes, it’s a great way to get an overview without feeling rushed.
• Scenic & Cultural Highlights: Visits include the main cathedral, Sassi districts, and charming piazzas.
• Good Value: At around $40, it’s a reasonable price for an engaging, memorable introduction to Matera.

A Closer Look at the Ape Calessino Tour

When you think about visiting Matera, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the incredible Sassi districts—two neighborhoods carved into limestone, with winding alleys, caves, and houses built into the rock. This tour offers a gentle, scenic way to get acquainted with those areas, with the added fun of a vintage tuk tuk ride.

Starting Point and Meeting Location

The tour begins at Martulli Viaggi’s office, located conveniently on Via Alessandro Volta. From here, you’ll hop into the adorable Ape Calessino, which instantly sets a playful tone for the journey. The vehicle itself is an eye-catching vintage-style tuk tuk, perfect for Instagram and making the sightseeing feel more special. Because the tour is private, your group will be the only ones onboard, enhancing the feeling of a personalized adventure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a quick stop at Piazza San Francesco, home to the Baroque Church of San Francesco d’Assisi. This square is a lovely introduction to the city’s architectural heritage, and it gives you a chance to snap some photos early on. From there, the guide takes you to Piazza del Sedile, which features the Conservatorio di Musica Egidio Romualdo Duni—a nice stop for those interested in local culture or simply enjoying the vibrant city vibe.

Next, you’re headed to the Cathedral of Matera, officially called the Cathedral of Madonna della Bruna and Saint Eustace. While the tour doesn’t include an entrance ticket, the panoramic views from outside are stunning, and you’ll get a sense of the historical importance of this main Catholic church. It’s a brief stop—around five minutes—but it’s well worth it for the photo opportunities.

Exploring the Sassi Districts

The real highlights begin as you move toward the Sassi of Matera, the ancient districts carved into limestone. Your guide will point out the contrasting Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, which have been inhabited since prehistoric times. These districts are like open-air museums of rock-cut architecture, with buildings, cave dwellings, and churches all built into the landscape.

One of the standout stops is the Church of Sant’Agostino in Sasso Barisano, which offers panoramic views of the district and is perfect for photos. You’ll learn about the city’s past and appreciate how these districts have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years.

Authentic Experience at Casa Grotta Narrante

A visit to the Casa Grotta Narrante gives you a taste of what life was like for the ancient inhabitants. It’s a reconstructed cave dwelling illustrating peasant life in historic Matera, with furnishings and details that make the past feel real. Visitors often find this stop particularly interesting, as it offers a tangible glimpse into local life of bygone days.

Final Stops and Scenic Ride Back

The tour wraps up at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, a cliffside square overlooking the Gravina gorge. Here, you’ll admire the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, perched dramatically on the edge of the rock. The setting alone makes this a special photo spot.

To end on a high note, the tuk tuk takes you on a scenic ride through Via Bruno Buozzi and back to the starting point. Travelers often mention how charming and fun this part of the experience is, seeing the city from a different perspective while relaxing in style.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with comments like “Francesco was entertaining and very informative,” and appreciate the scenic views and photo opportunities. Many mention that the tour provides a perfect first overview of Matera, especially beneficial if you’re new to the city or short on time.

One reviewer highlighted how the tour helped them understand the “true life” of the Materans, describing it as a “wonderful experience.” Others enjoy the comfort and uniqueness of the tuk tuk, calling it “the most beautiful vehicle” they’ve seen in circulation.

Some travelers did note that the tour is quite brief—about 50 minutes—so if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, this might be just a starting point rather than your only visit. However, as a gentle introduction, it’s hard to beat for its charm and personal touch.

Analyzing the Value

At $40.70 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering it’s private and includes a personable guide. The excellent reviews suggest that most travelers feel they received their money’s worth, with the personal attention and scenic stops standing out as major perks.

The brief duration makes it an easy, low-commitment way to get a sense of Matera’s layout and highlights before exploring on your own or with a walking tour. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a relaxed, fun, and efficient overview.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, stylish introduction to Matera without the hassle of large-group tours. It’s ideal if you enjoy quirky transportation and scenic views and prefer guided insights over wandering alone. While not a deep dive into every historical detail, it’s an excellent way to get your bearings and capture some memorable moments.

It’s also perfect for visitors with limited time or those who prefer a more relaxed pace, especially in hot weather, since you’re seated comfortably and don’t need to walk long distances. Families with older children might enjoy the playful tuk tuk ride, but it’s mostly suited for those who appreciate a light, scenic tour rather than intensive sightseeing.

FAQs About the Ape Calessino Tour

Is this a private tour? Yes, it’s exclusively for your group, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

How long does the tour last? The tour is approximately 50 minutes, offering a quick but engaging overview of the city.

What sites are visited? You’ll see Piazza San Francesco, the Cathedral of Matera, the Sassi districts, the Church of Sant’Agostino, Casa Grotta Narrante, and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso.

Are tickets included? Most stops, like the Casa Grotta, include tickets, but some sites like the cathedral or Sant’Agostino church do not include admission, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is it suitable for children? While the tour is typically enjoyed by most travelers, it’s best suited for those who can sit comfortably in the tuk tuk and are interested in scenic sightseeing.

What language are the guides in? Most reviews mention friendly guides who provide clear explanations, often in multiple languages, including French.

Final Thoughts

The Ape Calessino Tour in Matera is a delightful way to see the city’s key sights with a relaxed, fun touch. Its private nature ensures your group gets personalized attention, and the vintage tuk tuk adds a playful, photo-worthy element. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a quick, scenic introduction without the fatigue of walking or the crowds of larger tours.

While it’s not an exhaustive exploration, it’s a well-paced, charming way to start your Matera experience. For a reasonable price, you’ll enjoy insightful commentary, beautiful views, and memorable moments—especially if you love a bit of nostalgia and scenic sightseeing.

For anyone looking to get a feel for Matera’s unique districts in style, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your visit.

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