Ape Tour Matera

Historic Center and Sassi Maxi

The Sassi Maxi tour is the perfect choice for those who want to discover Matera in a comprehensive, relaxed, and personalized way. During two hours of exploration, aboard Vito’s Ape Calessino, we’ll traverse not only the most famous streets but also hidden corners, for an authentic experience full of surprises.

We’ll visit a typical cave house in the Sasso Barisano, an emblematic example of a peasant dwelling carved into the rock, and a rock church—usually San Pietro Barisano—a testament to the profound spirituality that permeates these places. The route also includes some of the city’s most iconic squares, such as Piazza Duomo and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, where we can stop to admire the views and take some photos.

Along the way, we’ll pass through the city’s three historic districts—Civita, Sasso Barisano, and Sasso Caveoso—stopping at the most picturesque viewpoints. We can also customize the route to your preferences, allowing you to discover artisan workshops, hidden gems, or simply enjoy the scenery.

The tour is also a journey behind the scenes of cinema: we will stroll through the locations made famous by films such as Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, James Bond’s No Time to Die, and the hugely popular Italian series Imma Tataranni.

Un’esperienza ricca, dinamica e su misura, pensata per chi vuole vivere Matera senza fretta, tra cultura, tradizione e scenari da film.

GUIDED TOURS BY APE CALESSINO ARE PRIVATE. IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 4 PEOPLE, MULTIPLE VEHICLES WILL BE USED.

Booking requests

This is just an availability inquiry; your reservation will be confirmed by email or phone. Tour reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Requests received the same day as the tour will not be accepted.

The price you see is indicative only and may vary based on time, duration, and custom requests, which cannot always be scheduled.

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*The exact time will be determined based on availability. The price is subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where does the tour start from?

The starting point is usually at Via del Corso 78, at the main entrance of BPER Banca. Upon request, we can pick you up at an accessible location in the historic center of your choice.

Where can we leave the car?

Here are the recommended parking lots, in order of proximity:

Lucana Parking – Via Pasquale Vena 8
Sant’Isidoro car park – Via Lanera 16
Via Lucana – Blue lines (on-street parking)

Why may the price shown be different from the confirmed price?

The price may vary based on specific factors (time, duration, customized requests) that cannot always be calculated at the initial request stage.

How can I pay?

We accept cards, cash, and, in exceptional cases, also cured meats and cheeses. In some cases, we may require a deposit to confirm your reservation.

What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?

Out of mutual respect, we do not charge penalties if cancellations are communicated promptly. Reservations with a deposit paid are an exception, for which specific conditions apply.

Which tour is best for kids?

Ape Calessino tours are perfect for little ones: they have so much fun… or fall asleep blissfully.

How far in advance should I book?

There are no hard and fast limits, but the earlier you book, the easier it is to find the perfect time.

9. What is the best time to take the tour?

We recommend this tour as a first experience in the city, so you can get a general overview and then decide which places to explore further.