Matera Sassi: Ape Calessino Tuk Tuk Tour & Cave House Entry

Summary

Ride through Matera’s winding Sassi in a vintage tuk tuk with cave house stop

You’ll ride through Matera’s ancient streets in a classic Ape Calessino tuk tuk, hear stories from a local guide, step inside an authentic cave house museum, and catch sweeping views over the Sassi districts. Expect laughter, unexpected details, and moments that linger long after you leave those stone alleys behind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect as we squeezed into that little Ape Calessino outside the office in Matera. The engine sounded like a sewing machine, and our driver—Michele, who grew up here—grinned at my awkward attempt to say “buongiorno.” We zipped off, dodging locals on scooters and old women chatting in doorways. First stop was Piazza San Francesco, where pigeons scattered and the Baroque church looked almost too ornate for such a scruffy square. Michele pointed out some faded frescoes I’d have missed on my own. The air smelled like stone dust and bakery bread.

We rattled along narrow lanes toward Piazza del Sedile (there’s always someone playing music there), then up to the cathedral for this wild view over the Sassi di Matera. It’s hard to describe—like honeycomb cliffs full of windows and doors, everything carved straight from rock. Michele told us about how people lived here for centuries, even when it got so poor the government tried to move everyone out. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Sasso Barisano”—I still can’t get it right. But he said it’s normal; even Italians mess it up sometimes.

The real moment for me was stepping into the Casa Grotta. It’s dark and cool inside, smells faintly of earth and old wood smoke. You see how families crammed into these cave houses with their animals—there’s something humbling about touching those rough walls. Later we stopped by Madonna delle Virtù Church (the echo inside is unreal) before ending at San Pietro Caveoso perched above the ravine—windy up there, but you get this sense of time just stretching back forever. On the way back down Via Bruno Buozzi in our tuk tuk, I realized I’d barely checked my phone all morning. That says a lot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Matera by Ape Calessino tuk tuk

• Board tuk tuk at office
• Visit Piazza San Francesco
• Pass by Piazza del Sedile
• Stop at Matera Cathedral
• View Sasso Barisano and Church of Sant'Agostino
• Explore Sassi districts
• Enter Casa Grotta cave dwelling
• Admire Church of San Pietro Caveoso
• Return via Via Bruno Buozzi to Piazzetta Pascoli

Top questions

How long does the Ape Calessino tour in Matera last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers several key stops across Matera’s Sassi districts; plan for about 1–2 hours.

Is entry to Casa Grotta included in this tour?

Yes, admission to Casa Grotta Narrante museum is included in your booking.

Are guides available in English on this Matera tuk tuk tour?

Yes, audio guides are available in English as well as Italian, Spanish, and French.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins at the operator’s office in Matera and ends back at Piazzetta Pascoli after looping through the main sites.

Is this private or shared?

This is a private tour with your own driver/guide.

Are infants allowed on board?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

What main sights are covered on this day trip?

You’ll visit Piazza San Francesco, Piazza del Sedile, Matera Cathedral, Sasso Barisano & Caveoso districts, Casa Grotta museum, Madonna delle Virtù Church, and San Pietro Caveoso Church.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels since most travel is by tuk tuk with short stops for walking.

What’s included

Your day includes a private Ape Calessino tuk tuk ride through Matera with an experienced driver-guide; audio guide available in English (plus Italian, Spanish & French); entry ticket to Casa Grotta Narrante museum; plus you can request a 10% discount coupon for MòVado Food & Drink at their office before or after your tour.