We'll be in Matera the first week of Matera for 2 nights and one day. Anyone know of a good self-guided audio tour? Or a group tour? I know there are private tour options (around 120 Euros and up) but looking for something a bit less expensive. Thanks.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9080 posts
This is the one I did last May. It was $35, and I enjoyed it!
Sassi di Matera Tour with entry to Cave Houses” had been reserved, and 8 of us (the English tour) walked through several parts of Matera for three hours to see & learn about the history. Our guide also pointed out where scenes were filmed from several movies, especially for the James Bond movie. We stopped in a few churches, she shared details in the cave homes, and a man enthusiastically led us in a song, playing the pig stomach traditional drum.
Posted by
new york
903 posts
If you read up about Matera in advance, and have a good guidebook or online notes, I'm not even sure you need a tour. The highlight is the city itself (the part that's in the sassi) and just walking around, and stopping into the house museum(s) might be enough. Having said that, I did take a private tour during my first visit and enjoyed it very much, but the price was nowhere near 120 euro back then (about 15 years ago).. The person who guided us was named Nadia Garlatti; not sure of recent contact info, but if you do find her and you do want a private tour, she was wonderful.
We've been to Matera twice after that first visit and it never fails to enthrall...an added plus are the fantastic restaurants that have popped up since our first visit.
Do not skip the Upper Town; it's very pleasant--the main piazza, the belvederes, and the food market.
edit: I just found this on a thread I began for Fodor's, but her contact info is likely different now.
<< In Matera, Nadia Garlatti was excellent. She is very passionate and knowledgable. We did a 4 hour walking tour for €50. Contact: [email protected] or phone: 347 8548845>>