Matera Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Exploring Matera with a Local Guide: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a visit to Matera and want an experience that feels more like hanging out with a friend than following a script, the Matera Like a Local: Customized Private Tour might catch your eye. This tour, offered through Lokafy, promises a laid-back, personalized walk where you can set your own pace and explore the city’s hidden corners alongside a local host.

What’s great about this tour is the opportunity to skip the typical tourist crowds and instead focus on the spots that truly interest you—whether that’s famous churches, secret eateries, or just soaking in the daily life of this ancient city. Plus, since it’s private, you get a level of flexibility and intimacy that larger group tours often can’t offer.

That said, it’s worth noting this isn’t a deep-dive into Matera’s history or a guided commentary-heavy experience. If you’re looking for an in-depth historical tour with lots of facts, this might not be your best fit. But if you value a more relaxed, authentic connection with a local and customizing your route sounds appealing, this could be just right.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a spontaneous, flexible approach to sightseeing, and those who want to see Matera through the eyes of someone who lives there. Keep in mind, it’s not a stand-alone historical lesson but more of a personalized exploration.

Key Points

• Tailored Experience: You control the start time, duration, and route based on your interests.
• Local Connection: Meet a Matera native who can offer insider tips and authentic insights.
• Flexibility: No set itinerary—explore at your own pace and focus on what matters most to you.
• Cost-Effective: Usually booked 12 days in advance for around $57 per person, making it an accessible way to explore.
• No Group Dynamics: Private tour means no waiting or big crowds—just you and your guide.
• Limited Scope of Details: It’s not a formal history tour; entrance fees, transportation, and food are not included.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Concept of a Customized, Private Walk

Unlike traditional guided tours with a fixed route, this experience is all about you. After booking, you can specify your interests—whether that’s architecture, local cuisine, or hidden gems—and your local guide will craft a route that fits your desires. You can also choose when to start, making it easy to fit into your overall trip plans.

The Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant’Eustachio in Piazza Duomo. From there, your guide may take you anywhere within the city, depending on your preferences and the length of your tour. The duration varies from about 2 to 6 hours, providing flexibility for a quick overview or a leisurely afternoon.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get a private local guide—an “Lokafyer”—who can share personal insights and tailor the walk to your interests. However, entrance fees, personal expenses, tips, food, drinks, and local transit aren’t included. If you’re interested in visiting specific sites, check if there are additional costs or plan accordingly.

The Experience Itself

Since it’s designed to connect you to the everyday life of Matera, expect a more relaxed, conversational style of sightseeing. Instead of a scripted commentary, your guide might share personal stories, favorite spots, and local tips. This is especially appealing if you prefer discovering a city through personal interactions rather than a formal lecture.

The Reviews and Authentic Feedback

One traveler called it a “wonderful city, day and night,” highlighting how they appreciated the guide’s tips on staying and exploring. Others noted that the guide was friendly but wished for more historical detail, which aligns with the experience’s informal nature. A different reviewer suggested visiting the Basilica della Madonna della Bruna, noting that such tips from locals can really enhance your trip.

The Cost and Its Value

At roughly $57 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to explore Matera with a local, especially considering its custom nature. Since you’re the only participants, it can feel more personal and less rushed than group tours. But it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t include entrance fees or transportation—so for a more comprehensive experience, you might want to plan additional expenses.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Since the tour is customized, there’s no fixed route. The starting point at the cathedral in Piazza Duomo sets a central reference point. From there, your guide might take you through the winding streets of the Sassi districts, showing you the famous cave dwellings. You could also explore lesser-known alleyways, peek into local eateries, or visit quieter churches.

Some reviews suggest that with a guide like Agustin, you get tips on where to eat or linger, adding a layer of local flavor that’s hard to find in more formal tours. The ability to request specific sites beforehand can make each trip feel unique, catering to your passions or curiosity.

Pros of a Customized Route

• You avoid long, cookie-cutter routes that don’t interest you.
• You get insider tips on local spots for food, shopping, or relaxation.
• The pace is entirely up to you, making it easier to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Potential Drawbacks

• Without a fixed itinerary, you might miss some of the more famous sights if you don’t specify them.
• The tour’s depth in historical detail depends on your interests and the guide’s style.
• Entrance fees and transportation are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to visit specific sites.

The Authentic Matera Experience

Many reviews emphasize the value of connecting with a local who can share personal insights and tips. For example, one traveler said the guide was “very smart and had a lot of tips,” which can make a big difference when exploring a city like Matera, famous for its labyrinth of caves and atmospheric streets.

This tour’s real strength lies in its flexibility and personal touch. It’s perfect for travelers who want to avoid large groups or scripted narratives. Instead, you’ll stroll through the city with someone who knows its hidden corners and can help you uncover a more genuine side of Matera.

Food, Tapas, and Local Flavors

While food isn’t included, many visitors highlight the local cuisine as a highlight of their trip. Your guide might suggest authentic eateries or local taverns, adding to the overall value of your experience. Sharing tips on where to find traditional Matera dishes or tapas can be a real bonus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a flexible, informal exploration rather than a structured history lesson. It’s ideal if you want to customize your sightseeing, focus on specific interests, or simply prefer a relaxed, personal approach. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want to set your own pace, this private tour can be tailored to fit your schedule and passions.

Those who appreciate local insights and tips will find this especially valuable. However, if you’re looking for detailed historical commentary or want to visit specific sites with an entry included, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Since it’s a walking tour focused on personal interests, it can be suitable for older children or teenagers who enjoy wandering and exploring. However, keep in mind it involves walking and an informal style that may not be engaging for very young kids.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose a duration between 2 and 6 hours, depending on your schedule and interests.

What’s included in the price?
You get a private local guide—your “Lokafyer”—and a customized walking route. Entrance fees, food, drinks, and transportation are extra.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you can specify your interests beforehand, and your guide will craft a route accordingly.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant’Eustachio in Piazza Duomo and may end at a different spot unless you request otherwise.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 12 days ahead to secure your preferred time.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
This is a private experience, so only your group will participate.

Are tips included?
No, tipping is optional and not included in the price.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic way to see Matera and enjoy a bit of local flavor, this Matera Like a Local tour is a good choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want flexibility, personalized attention, and a chance to explore at their own pace. The cost is reasonable, and the focus on connecting with a local makes it stand out from more conventional guided experiences.

While it doesn’t provide in-depth historical commentary or skip the entrance fees, it offers a unique perspective that can make your visit more meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you’re into architecture, local food, or just wandering through atmospheric streets, this tour can be tailored to suit your passions.

For those who value genuine interactions and want to see a city through local eyes, this private, customizable walk can be a memorable part of your Matera adventure.

Remember: Always communicate your interests in advance, and prepare for a relaxed, personal exploration rather than a formal history lesson. That way, you’ll get the most out of your time with your local host in this captivating city.