Ape Calessino Tour, 50 Minutes

Ape Calessino Tour, 50 Minutes, 50 minutes, rated 4.8 across 162 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a 50-minute ride through Matera in an Ape Calessino, driven by a local guide. It is run by Martulli Viaggi as a private tour, so only your group rides along. You meet on Via Alessandro Volta and set off from there.

The route takes in the Cathedral of Matera, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with views over Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso. Commentary comes through an audio guide available in Italian, English, Spanish and French. Admission to the Casa Grotta Narrante museum is included in the fare, and a discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink can be requested at the operator's office. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

It suits first-time visitors who want a quick orientation before exploring on foot, and it works especially well for anyone who struggles with Matera's hills. Travellers who want slow, detailed commentary should note that several reviewers found the pace brisk and the explanations brief.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet on Via VoltaThe departure point is on Via Alessandro Volta in Matera, at the street number shown on the booking page. Arrive a little early, and confirm the exact spot in advance.
2. Piazza Vittorio VenetoThe piazza is one of the sites explored on the excursion, according to the operator's description.
3. Cathedral of MateraThe Cathedral of Matera is among the sites named in the tour description.
4. Church of San Giovanni BattistaThe Church of San Giovanni Battista also features among the stops listed by the operator.
5. Views of the two SassiThe ride takes in scenic views over Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso.
6. Casa Grotta NarranteAdmission to this museum is included in the tour price, so there is no extra entry fee.
7. Return to Via VoltaThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Via Alessandro Volta.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this ride fits your plans and your expectations.

• Pace and duration. The listing quotes 50 minutes, but several travellers reported the ride finishing closer to 40. Reviews also mention feeling rushed, so treat this as a quick loop rather than an in-depth visit.
• Audio guide. Commentary comes through an audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish and French. Some reviewers found the driver's spoken English limited.
• Best as an overview. Reviewers often describe this as a good first approach to the city before walking it, or a fun ride rather than a deep history lesson. Set expectations accordingly.
• Heat and hills. Multiple travellers recommended it on very hot days and for anyone who moves with difficulty, since it saves walking up and down the city's slopes. Dress for the weather on the day.
• Meeting point. The start is on Via Alessandro Volta in Matera, at the street number listed on the booking page, near public transportation. It is worth confirming the address before you go.
• Extras after the ride. A 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink can be requested at the operator's office, and the Casa Grotta Narrante ticket is already covered by the tour price.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, though most travellers can participate and a minimum of two people per booking is required. Several reviewers reported the ride running shorter than the advertised 50 minutes, and a few found the commentary rushed or the driver's English hard to follow. One reviewer described an initial attempt to charge extra for the audio headsets before it was resolved, and another mentioned a delayed start, so it pays to confirm the meeting details and what is included before departure. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions