Ape Calessino Tour Sassi of Matera “Standard”

Exploring Matera’s Sassi in Style: The Ape Calessino Tour Review

Our review of the Ape Calessino Tour of the Sassi di Matera highlights a fun, efficient way to get a glimpse of this ancient city’s highlights in under an hour. This experience isn’t about deep archaeological dives but offers a lively, colorful ride through Matera’s steep, winding lanes, giving visitors a taste of the city’s unique charm without the fatigue of walking in the summer heat.

What really caught our eye is the vintage appeal of the Ape Calessino—a classic Italian tuk-tuk that instantly makes the ride feel special. It’s a great way to cover more ground, especially if you’re pressed for time or have mobility considerations. On the flip side, some might find the tour a bit pricey for what it offers, especially if they’re after a deeply personal or immersive experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick orientation of Matera’s stunning Sassi districts, those who prefer a fun, breezy ride rather than long walks, and families traveling with children or mobility issues. If you’re seeking an overview that combines humor, insights, and great photo stops, this experience could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Fast introduction: Perfect for a quick overview of Matera’s highlights.
• Comfortable and unique transport: The Ape Calessino offers a laid-back way to explore steep, narrow streets.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise guides like Antonio, who share engaging stories about the history.
• Great for photos: Stops at viewpoints and key sites allow for memorable shots.
• Limited depth: It’s a brief tour, so don’t expect deep historical dives.
• Value for money?: Some feel it’s slightly overpriced, but the convenience and fun factor add to the experience.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at Via San Francesco D’Assisi, right in the heart of Matera’s old town. It lasts approximately 40 to 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time or as a first taste of the city. The price of around $40.70 per person seems reasonable for the private experience, especially considering the group discounts available.

What You Can Expect

Upon arrival, you’ll hop into the vintage Ape Calessino, a vehicle that’s both charming and practical. The ride whizzes through the city’s steep alleyways and characteristic narrow streets, which would be tiring to walk in the heat. During the trip, your driver acts as a guide, sharing snippets of the 1,000-year history of Matera and pointing out the most important sights.

Many reviewers mention the engaging commentary—a mix of historical facts, local legends, and practical insights. One guest noted how the guide, Patrick, provided a great level of information in perfect English, making the experience accessible for international visitors.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour makes multiple stops, including the rupestrian Church of San Pietro Caveoso and the Palombaro Lungo cistern, a fascinating underground water storage site. You’ll also get sweeping views over the Sassi districts and Murgia Materana Park, perfect spots for photos and soaking in the scenery.

One reviewer also appreciated the stops at small churches in squares and Case Grotte (museum houses), which give a sense of what life was like in these ancient dwellings. The whizzing through the streets makes for a lively experience, and many guests enjoyed the fun, photo-friendly stops.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

Several reviews emphasize the personal touch of guides like Antonio, who is described as passionate, knowledgeable, and very good at explaining complex history in an engaging way. Some reviews mention that the audio guides are functional, but the best experiences come from guides who fill in details with enthusiasm and local insights.

The Pros and Cons

While most reviews are positive, some travelers found the tour less engaging or overpriced. A few felt that the pre-recorded audio detracted from the experience, especially if the guide’s English wasn’t fluent or if they were not able to connect beyond the canned narration.

However, many highlight that this tour is an excellent starter to get orientated with Matera’s layout, especially if they plan to walk around later or revisit specific sites. The fun and quirky nature of the Ape Calessino also makes it memorable, especially for families or those looking for a lighthearted way to explore.

The Practical Side

Transportation and Accessibility

The private transportation in the Ape Calessino is a highlight, offering a comfortable, breezy ride through Matera’s steep streets. The vehicle is particularly appreciated by those with mobility issues, as it avoids the physical fatigue of walking in the hot summer months.

Booking and Availability

Most travelers book about 18 days in advance, suggesting good availability if you plan ahead. The tour is bookable via mobile tickets, which makes it easy to organize last-minute if needed. The tour starts and ends at the same point, making logistics straightforward.

Cost and Value

Considering the price of around $40.70 per person, the tour offers good value for a quick, guided overview of Matera. It’s a private experience, which means your group gets tailored attention, and the stops are spaced out to give a taste of several neighborhoods and viewpoints.

Cancellation and Weather

The policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before—a nice safety net if weather turns bad or plans change. Since the experience relies on good weather, heavy rain or storms could result in rescheduling or refunds.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Ape Calessino ride is best suited for travelers short on time wanting to see the highlights without tiring themselves out. It’s also excellent for families with children or guests with mobility challenges, thanks to the easy, comfortable ride. Those interested in learning quick facts and taking memorable photos will find this tour particularly satisfying.

If you’re after deep historical insights or immersive visits, you might find this tour lacking—it’s more of a snapshot than a full education. However, if your goal is to get a visual and contextual overview of Matera’s iconic Sassi districts, this experience delivers.

Final Thoughts

In a city as visually stunning and historically rich as Matera, a quick, lively tour like this can be a perfect introduction. The Ape Calessino adds charm and fun to the experience, and with knowledgeable guides like Antonio, you’ll come away with more than just pretty pictures—you’ll get a sense of the city’s soul.

The short duration and intimate setting make it a smart choice for those with limited time or who prefer a lighthearted, engaging way to explore. While some feel it’s a bit overpriced or less personal due to the audio guide, the majority agree that it offers good value and memorable views.

This tour stands as an enjoyable, efficient, and authentic way to kick off your Matera adventure, especially if you want to see the city’s most iconic sights without the hassle of walking long distances.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Yes, the Ape Calessino is considered accessible and especially appreciated by families and those with mobility concerns because it requires minimal walking.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 40 to 45 minutes, making it a quick but thorough overview of the main sights.

What’s included in the price?
You get private transportation and a guide providing commentary. Snacks and bottled water are not included.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book around 18 days in advance, but availability can vary. It’s best to book early to secure your preferred time slot.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Via San Francesco D’Assisi in Matera.

Is the tour private or in a group?
This is a private experience—only your group participates, which allows for a more personalized experience.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A classic Ape Calessino, a vintage Italian tuk-tuk, which adds a lot of charm to the ride.

Are there any stops for photos or visits?
Yes, multiple stops allow you to snap photos and visit key sites like churches and underground cisterns.

Is the tour suitable for hot weather?
Absolutely, the open-air vehicle is perfect for warm days, providing a breeze while exploring.

What if it rains?
Since the tour relies on good weather, poor weather might lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

In Closing

If you’re after a light, fun, and practical way to get a first look at Matera’s iconic Sassi districts, the Ape Calessino Tour hits the mark. It’s a charming way to see the city’s highlights without the fatigue, with the added bonus of engaging guides and photo stops. While it may not satisfy those craving in-depth stories or immersive experiences, it offers excellent value for an efficient and memorable introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage site.