Matera: Private Tour and an Ancient Bakery in Altamura

Nestled in the heart of southern Italy, the ancient city of Matera captivates visitors with its otherworldly charm. Explore the city’s iconic cave dwellings, the Sassi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – on a private tour that delves into the region’s rich cultural heritage. But the journey doesn’t end there. Venture further to Altamura, where the aroma of freshly baked, centuries-old bread beckons, inviting you to savor the flavors that have endured through time.

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Key Points

The private tour of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, offers a 6-hour guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour includes visiting a furnished cave house (Casa Grotta) and an ancient rock church (Chiesa Rupestre) to understand the cultural heritage.
Participants can experience the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread at a 15th-century ancient bakery in Altamura.
The tour is priced at $677.18 per group of up to 4 people and includes private transportation and a local guide.
Flexible booking options are available, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private tour of Matera and Altamura is priced from $677.18 per group, accommodating up to 4 participants for a 6-hour excursion.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The tour showcases the UNESCO-listed Sassi district in Matera, where visitors will explore ancient cave dwellings, a furnished cave house, and an ancient rock church.

Travelers will also experience a 15th-century bakery in Altamura.

Private transportation and local guide services are included, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive cultural experience.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Matera

Exploring Matera’s Ancient Cave Dwellings

Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, captivate visitors with their timeless allure.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these unique structures date back thousands of years, carved into the region’s limestone cliffs.

Unique structures dating back thousands of years, carved into the region’s limestone cliffs, earning UNESCO World Heritage status.

Visitors can wander through the winding labyrinth of narrow streets, exploring the intricate network of cave houses, churches, and public spaces that once housed a thriving peasant community.

The guided tour offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Sassi’s former inhabitants, showcasing their resilience and ingenuity in adapting to the harsh environment.

This immersive experience connects modern travelers to Matera’s rich cultural heritage.

Guided Walking Tour of the Sassi District

As visitors explore the Sassi district, they’re led by a knowledgeable local guide who provides captivating insights into the historical significance of this UNESCO-protected landscape.

The guide leads them through the maze of cave dwellings, pointing out architectural details and sharing stories of the people who once called these ancient abodes home.

Visitors marvel at the Chiesa Rupestre, an ancient rock church carved directly into the stone, and explore a Casa Grotta, a furnished cave house that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Sassi’s former inhabitants.

The walking tour showcases the heart of Matera’s cultural heritage.

Visiting a Casa Grotta and a Chiesa Rupestre

During the private tour, visitors have the opportunity to step inside a Casa Grotta, a furnished cave dwelling that offers a captivating glimpse into the daily lives of Matera’s former inhabitants. These cave houses, carved directly into the rock, showcase the resourcefulness and resilience of the Sassi community. Visitors can also explore a Chiesa Rupestre, an ancient rock church that exemplifies the spiritual and cultural significance of the region.

| Casa Grotta | Chiesa Rupestre |

| — | — |

| Furnished cave dwellings | Ancient rock churches |

| Insight into daily life | Spiritual significance |

| Carved into the rock | Integral to the community |

| Resourcefulness of inhabitants | Cultural heritage preservation |

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Experiencing an Ancient Bakery in Altamura

Beyond exploring the captivating cave dwellings and ancient rock churches of Matera, the private tour also takes visitors on a journey to the historic town of Altamura.

Here, they’ll experience an ancient bakery dating back to the 15th century. Stepping inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, transporting guests to a bygone era.

Guides share the bakery’s rich history and demonstrate the traditional methods used to craft the renowned Altamura bread, a local delicacy.

Visitors can even sample the warm, crusty loaves, savoring the flavors that have sustained the region for centuries.

There's plenty more to explore in Matera

Guided Experience and Transportation

The private tour of Matera and Altamura provides a guided experience led by a knowledgeable local guide.

They’ll share insights into the history of the Sassi district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests are transported in a modern, comfortable minivan, with pickup and drop-off service in Bari, within a 30 km radius.

The private nature of the tour allows for a personalized experience, with the ability to customize the itinerary to participants’ interests.

With this guided exploration, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and Altamura’s historic bakery.

Matera’s Cultural Significance

Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, reflect the heart of the region’s peasant community and showcase its rich cultural heritage.

These remarkable structures, continuously inhabited for millennia, stand as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Their labyrinthine layout and carved stone homes paint a vivid picture of life in this ancient settlement.

Visitors can enjoy the history and traditions of the Sassi, exploring furnished cave houses and rock-cut churches that have stood the test of time.

Matera’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its cultural significance and enduring allure.

Additional Tour Information

Along With exploring the captivating Sassi district, the private tour in Matera offers several other highlights that enrich the cultural experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but it can be customized to suit participants’ interests. After the guided tour, visitors are free to explore the area independently.

The private transportation in a comfortable minivan ensures a seamless journey. With a duration of 6 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides flexibility and convenience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and traditions of Matera and Altamura on this private tour. Uncover the allure of the Sassi caves, a UNESCO-listed marvel, and indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. This enchanting experience offers a glimpse into the enduring cultural tapestry of Southern Italy.