Day tour by car and on foot among the Apulian beauties of Matera

Traveling through Italy often means encountering picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and unique cultural experiences. This day tour from Bari to Matera and Altamura offers a perfect blend of these elements, giving you a taste of southern Italy’s best without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Led by knowledgeable drivers, Gianluca and Francesco, this service provides a comfortable ride and flexible exploration time—ideal for travelers who prefer to carve out their own adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the chance to visit Matera’s famous Sassi districts—the ancient cave dwellings made even more special by their feature in Hollywood films like The Passion of the Christ. You also get the rare opportunity to wander through Altamura’s historic center and visit two of Europe’s oldest bakeries, where the aroma of fresh, medieval-style bread will surely tempt your senses. Plus, the inclusion of the San Giorgio al Paradiso rock complex offers an intriguing peek into millennia of human adaptation, all set amid breathtaking scenery.

However, a potential consideration is that this is not a guided tour in the traditional sense. It’s more of a drop-off and explore experience, which means you’ll need a little independence and good map-reading skills, or a sense of adventure to find your way around some sites. Some reviews mention that, without guidance or prior information, visitors can miss out on key attractions, such as the caves or specific landmarks, unless they do some homework beforehand.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy free time combined with local tips, want to see multiple sites in one day, and prefer the flexibility of exploring at their own pace. It’s especially well-suited for those comfortable with self-guided adventures but who appreciate the convenience of private transport and insider advice.

• Flexible exploration: You get around via comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable driver for transport.
• Historic highlights: Focused visits to UNESCO-listed Matera Sassi, Altamura’s historic centers, and San Giorgio al Paradiso.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunity to visit ancient bakeries, taste traditional bread, and learn about local craftsmanship.
• Self-guided discovery: You’re left free to explore on your own, which can be perfect for independent travelers.
• Limited guided commentary: No formal guide, so prior research or curiosity is helpful to fully enjoy the sites.
• Good value: At $104.11, it offers visits to multiple key attractions with transport included, making it a practical way to cover significant ground.

This tour begins in Bari, where you meet your driver at the specified location—Via Nicola de Giosa. From there, the journey to Matera takes roughly an hour by car. The vehicle itself is described as clean, comfortable, and equipped with free WiFi, so you can stay connected or share your excitement about the day’s upcoming sights.

Stop 1: Journey to Matera

Travel time is smooth, thanks to Francesco or Gianluca’s expert driving, and the scenic route offers glimpses of the Apulian countryside. Some reviews mention the drivers’ attentiveness; one traveler appreciated Marco’s kindness and felt reassured about safety throughout the trip. This initial leg sets the tone for a relaxed, hassle-free day.

Stop 2: Sassi di Matera

The highlight of this tour is the two-hour free exploration of Matera’s Sassi districts, a location famous for its ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone. You’ll be dropped off in the heart of the historic center, with ample time to wander, take photos, and absorb the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most striking towns.

Reviewers highlight the uniqueness of Matera’s scenery, calling it “unbelievable” and “much larger than expected,” indicating that even a few hours can reveal its scale and charm. Many note that the daytime views are stunning but suggest Matera becomes even more enchanting at night, so if you have time later, a return visit might be worthwhile.

Some visitors emphasize the importance of prior knowledge; one mentioned that a guided tour would have enhanced their experience. Without a guide, you may miss some of the hidden stories behind the facades, but local vantage points and suggested routes help in creating a memorable visit.

Stop 3: Return to Bari via Monopoli

After a brief stop in Monopoli—just 30 minutes—where you can take quick photos or stretch your legs, the driver will bring you back to the meeting point, setting you up for the next part of your day.

Stop 4: Altamura and Ancient Bakeries

The next leg drops you in Altamura, a small but historic hilltop town renowned for its medieval bakeries. You’ll have about an hour and a half here to explore. Reviewers love this part, especially for the chance to visit the Oven Santa Chiare and Oven Santa Caterina, which date back to medieval times. The aroma of freshly baked bread—particularly focaccia—and the warmth of traditional ovens create an immersive sensory experience.

Chiara and Caterina, the owners of these bakeries, are praised for their hospitality and for sharing their family recipes. One reviewer fondly recalled being “intoxicated by the smell of bread,” which perfectly captures the authentic atmosphere. For those who appreciate local crafts and culinary traditions, this stop is a highlight.

Stop 5: San Giorgio al Paradiso Complex

A unique aspect of this tour is the visit to the San Giorgio al Paradiso rock complex. This site offers a glimpse into millennia of adaptation: from an ancient cave shared by humans and animals, to a church, oil mill, and finally a wine cellar in the 17th century. Visitors can explore channels, cisterns, and ancient structures carved into the rock, witnessing a visual narration of historical evolution.

One reviewer described it as an “evocative route,” emphasizing the complex’s significance as a testament to human resilience and ingenuity over centuries. The presence of a statue of San Giorgio adds a spiritual layer, making this stop both educational and contemplative.

Final Return to Bari

After this immersive visit, your driver will transfer you back to Bari, ending the day around 7 to 8 hours after departure. The overall pacing allows plenty of time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed, although some reviews note that certain attractions—like the caves—might be missed if not mentioned explicitly or if time runs short.

While most reviews praise the drivers’ professionalism and the value of seeing multiple sites in one day, some travelers have expressed reservations about the lack of guided commentary. For example, one noted that the tour isn’t guided but is more of a “drop-off and navigate yourself” experience, which requires some initiative to find attractions like the caves.

Others appreciated the clear communication and helpfulness of drivers like Gianluca and Marco, who answered questions about the region and provided suggestions for exploring on your own. The well-organized pickups and drop-offs, combined with detailed WhatsApp information sent beforehand, were also highlighted as positive aspects.

On the downside, a couple of reviews mention difficulties finding specific sites, especially the cave entrances. One traveler was unable to locate the San Giorgio caves despite having tickets included in the tour. The company responded by clarifying that the tickets were included and that they had been in contact with the museum owner, but it underscores the importance of preparation and a good sense of direction.

Pricing at $104.11 per person is considered reasonable, given the small group size (maximum of 8 travelers) and the inclusion of transport and some key visits. The value hinges on your desire for independent exploration combined with personalized transportation, rather than a guided tour with detailed commentary.

This experience appeals to travelers who prefer flexibility and self-guided exploration but want the convenience of private transport. It’s ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and local culinary traditions—especially the bakeries in Altamura. The tour is also suitable for independent-minded travelers comfortable with navigating sites on their own, possibly with some prior research or curiosity.

However, it might disappoint those looking for a guided narrative or detailed historical commentary. If you prefer a more structured, guided experience, you might consider other options. It’s also worth considering that the time allocated—around 3 hours in Matera and 1.5 in Altamura—may limit your ability to see everything in depth, especially in a city as layered as Matera.

This day trip offers a fantastic balance of scenic drives, historic sites, and authentic local experiences at a reasonable price. The comfort of private transport, combined with the freedom to explore at your own pace, makes it a practical choice for those who want to see Matera and Altamura without the constraints of a large tour group or public transportation. The highlight for many is undoubtedly the visit to the Sassi districts, complemented by the sensory delights of Altamura’s bakeries and the fascinating San Giorgio complex.

If you’re someone who loves independent exploration but appreciates local insights and a smooth logistical experience, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just be prepared to do a bit of self-guided wandering and research to make the most of your day.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s more of a drop-off and explore experience with a driver. You’ll have free time to see the sites on your own, but the driver does not provide a guided commentary.

How long is each stop?
In Matera, you get about 3 hours to explore the Sassi districts. In Altamura, you’ll have around 1.5 hours for sightseeing and visiting bakeries, plus 40 minutes at San Giorgio al Paradiso.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation by car, driver’s expertise, and tickets for the San Giorgio al Paradiso complex. The tour also offers free WiFi on the vehicle.

Can I visit the caves in Matera?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the San Giorgio al Paradiso rock complex, which showcases different historical phases. However, some travelers have mentioned difficulties finding or accessing certain attractions like the caves; prior research or asking the driver for directions can help.

Is this tour suitable for families or small groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 8 travelers, it’s intimate enough for families or small groups looking for flexibility and comfort.

How do I prepare for self-guided exploration?
It’s helpful to review the suggested sites beforehand, carry a map or use mobile navigation, and have some basic knowledge of the sites’ significance to maximize your visit.

What if I want a guided experience?
You might consider other tours that include guided commentary; this particular option is designed for independent exploration with transport support.

This tour offers an authentic, flexible way to experience some of Italy’s most captivating towns in Apulia. Whether you’re captivated by Matera’s Sassi, intrigued by Altamura’s medieval bakeries, or curious about the ancient rock complex, you’ll find it’s a day packed with visual splendor and local flavor.