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

Experience the Charm of Matera and Altamura on a Self-Guided Day Trip

If you’re craving a day filled with history, architecture, and local flavors, this day tour from Bari offers just that. For around $104 per person, you’ll spend about 7 to 8 hours exploring Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi, the ancient Altamura, and two of Europe’s oldest bakeries. Led by a friendly driver—Gianluca or Francesco—you’ll get the freedom to wander at your own pace, with helpful tips along the way.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are its authentic local flavor—from tasting freshly baked bread in Altamura to soaking in the breathtaking views of Matera—and the flexibility of self-guided exploration. You can truly tailor your visit, avoiding the rush of guided tours while still benefiting from expert local knowledge.

One consideration to keep in mind: this is not a guided tour in the traditional sense. If you’re hoping for a guide to lead you through every corner of Matera, you might find this format less satisfying. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy autonomy and are comfortable navigating on their own, with a dash of insider tips.

If you love discovering unique towns, tasting regional specialties, and exploring at your own pace, this tour offers a fine balance of independence and local insight. It’s ideal for those who want to see key sights without the hassle of organized group tours or public transportation.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format with a driver providing local tips rather than a full guide
• Visit Matera’s Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Altamura, known for its historic bakeries
• Opportunity to taste freshly baked bread and local delicacies in Altamura
• Includes free Wi-Fi in the vehicle for easy planning and photo sharing
• Timing allows for about 3 hours in Matera and 1.5 hours in Altamura, ideal for a taste rather than an exhaustive tour
• Great for independent explorers comfortable with navigation and self-directed sightseeing

The Detailed Experience: What to Expect and Why It Matters

This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience two iconic Apulian towns comfortably and flexibly. Starting in Bari, you’ll hop into a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi—a modern perk that keeps your phone ready for maps, photos, or quick research. The journey to Matera takes about an hour, giving you a scenic introduction to southern Italy’s landscapes.

Stop 1: Arriving in Matera and Exploring the Sassi

Your driver will leave you in the heart of the Sassi di Matera, a district carved into stone that has starred in Hollywood films like 007 and The Passion of the Christ. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sassi are often called the “city of stones”—and for good reason. The tangle of ancient cave dwellings, churches, and winding alleyways is unlike anywhere else in Italy.

While this is a self-guided experience, many travelers, including those who wrote reviews, found the freedom to explore independently refreshing. One visitor noted, “Matera is a must-see. It’s unique and much larger than expected.” The key here is to enjoy the vantage points, hidden corners, and historic sites at your own pace.

However, some reviews highlight the challenge of finding specific sites, such as the caves or museum entries. A common complaint was the difficulty locating the entrance to the cave dwellings or caves like San Giorgio al Paradiso, especially without internet. We recommend downloading maps beforehand or asking your driver for precise directions.

Visiting the Old Town and Local Businesses

You’ll have about 3 hours to soak in the sights. Many guests appreciated the opportunity to wander freely, visit local churches, and snap photos of the stunning stone architecture. One review mentioned, “Gianluca took us to wonderful vantage points,” showing how local tips can enhance your visit.

A standout feature was the chance to visit a family-run bakery. This is a real highlight; tasting freshly baked focaccia and bread made in medieval ovens adds an authentic flavor to your day. Several reviews praised the delicious baked goods, describing the experience as “intoxicating” and “a highlight of the trip.”

The San Giorgio al Paradiso Complex

An interesting, lesser-known stop is the Complesso Rupestre di San Giorgio al Paradiso, where you can see layers of history in the rock—from caves shared by humans and animals, to a church, an oil mill, and a wine cellar from different eras. This site offers a visual narration of millennia of adaptation, with channels dug into the rock and cisterns still visible.

While the complex is included in the tour (with about 40 minutes allocated), not all reviews mention it, and a few travelers felt they missed out due to a lack of guidance—they weren’t aware of it until later or couldn’t find the entrance.

Transition to Altamura

After exploring Matera, your driver will pick you up for the roughly 30-minute transfer to Altamura, a charming small town famous for its medieval bread ovens. Here, you’re free to walk around, visit historic bakeries, and absorb the local atmosphere.

Highlight: Bread and Local Cuisine in Altamura

The bakeries—Oven Santa Chiare and Oven Santa Caterina—are a major draw. Travelers frequently comment on the aromatic smell of fresh bread and the warmth of the ovens, which have been baking bread since medieval times. Several reviews describe the bread tasting as a “must-do,” with one reviewer saying, “Let yourself be intoxicated by the smell of bread and the warmth of the oven.”

You’ll also have about 1.5 hours in Altamura to enjoy the town’s medieval streets, local cafes, and small shops, making it a perfect spot to experience authentic Apulian life.

Returning to Bari

The final part of your day involves a 45-minute drive back to Bari, with a stop in Monopoli for a quick look—though some travelers felt this was a brief and less engaging part of the trip. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, leaving you with lasting memories of two distinct towns and regional flavors.

The Real Value of This Tour

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of self-guided freedom and local insights. You won’t be herded from site to site with a guide dictating your pace but instead will have ample time to explore and discover hidden gems on your own, aided by your driver’s tips.

The price point—around $104—reflects the value of transportation, local knowledge, and the unique experiences of tasting bread and wandering historic streets. For travelers comfortable with independent exploration, this is an excellent way to see Matera’s Sassi and Altamura without the constraints of a guided tour.

However, keep in mind the limitations: you’ll need to navigate on your own, and some sites might be tricky to find without prior research or internet access. If you’re someone who prefers a guided experience, with detailed historical commentary and assistance, this might not be your best fit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration but want the convenience of round-trip transportation. It’s ideal if you’re interested in local food, especially baked goods, and want to experience two historic towns without a rigid schedule. If you’re comfortable navigating a bit and enjoy free time to wander, you’ll appreciate the flexibility this trip offers.

Travelers who value authentic experiences—like tasting bread in medieval bakeries or soaking up Matera’s unique atmosphere—will find it rewarding. But if detailed guided commentary or access to specific sites (like the caves) without hassle is your priority, consider whether this format matches your travel style.

FAQ

Is this tour guided?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. The driver provides transportation and some tips, but you explore the sites on your own.

How long do I have in Matera?
You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore the Sassi neighborhood independently, which is enough for a good overview but not exhaustive.

Are there opportunities to taste local food?
Yes, you’ll visit two historic bakeries in Altamura, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread and regional specialties.

What is included in the tour price?
Transportation, free Wi-Fi in the car, and admission to the San Giorgio al Paradiso complex are included. Food tastings are not included but can be enjoyed at your own expense.

Is the tour suitable for families or seniors?
Yes, the vehicle transfer and walkable towns make it accessible, but travelers should be comfortable with independent navigation in open-air settings.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a self-guided exploration, you can decide how much time to spend at each site within the allocated timeframes.

What if I get lost or have questions during the trip?
Your driver is available for assistance and can be contacted by phone if needed, though some reviews mention communication issues.

To sum it up, this day trip from Bari offers a flexible, authentic way to experience Matera’s iconic Sassi and Altamura’s historic charm. It’s perfect for adventurous, independent travelers eager to combine sightseeing with local flavor at their own pace. While it may not suit those seeking a guided tour with constant narration, it rewards those who enjoy discovering on their own and appreciate regional specialties. Whether you’re captivated by ancient cave dwellings or the aroma of freshly baked bread, this tour helps you uncover a slice of Italy that’s truly one-of-a-kind.