Ape Calessino Tour of Matera Sassi: An Honest Review

So, you’re thinking of checking out Matera, Italy, right? It’s almost certain that the Sassi are on your list – those cave dwellings are something else. Yet, if you want to soak all that history and architecture in, a tour might be right up your alley. Now, there are options galore, yet the Ape Calessino tour is really eye-catching. But the question, I suppose, remains: is that Ape Calessino tour in Matera really worth your time and money? I thought that a close look at what the tour offers is really a must to get the whole picture. Then, I will share some opinions and advice if it might suit your needs!

What exactly is the Ape Calessino, anyway?

OK, so, first things first: what exactly is that “Ape Calessino”? Basically, you should think of it as something along the lines of a quirky, three-wheeled Italian vehicle. Picture, very almost, a vintage Vespa mixed with a tiny carriage. Very popular in southern Italy, this little car is surprisingly used for city tours, especially in spots where those roads are rather narrow and winding – I’m telling you, that comes very handy in places like Matera!

What’s the deal with Sassi di Matera?

Anyway, why’s everybody going nuts about the Sassi di Matera? It’s clear to me, they’re ancient districts, where homes were carved right into the rock face. People have been inhabiting these cave-houses for maybe thousands of years! From simple dwellings to fancy churches, you might find anything carved right into the limestone. Very close is the feeling that you’ve travelled back in time once you’re wandering the streets.

What’s so great about seeing Matera with an Ape Calessino?

Basically, this Ape Calessino tour lets you wind through those ancient streets with a little extra flair. Also, they let you reach spots buses simply can’t! This way you just take cool photos and soak in views without hiking a lot. Often, tour guides offer some local insights, as I was saying before, too, giving context that goes far beyond just looking around.

Going on an Ape Calessino tour: my actual experience

Right, let me give you a peek into that experience on that Ape Calessino. I decided on a midday tour so I could dodge that heat. After I met my tour guide, who seemed very friendly, and clambered aboard, it was right off we went!

Cruising through cobblestone streets, basically

Basically, those cobblestone streets might not be ideal for super comfy rides, but the Calessino takes them with plenty of style. As a matter of fact, heads turned while we cruised by – I guess you can’t not stare when you are seeing a vehicle like that!. Plus, those alleys would have taken forever to see by walking.

Cool photo spots

The guide sure did know all the picture-perfect spots. Now, there are scenic overlooks of the Sassi, yet he also had some quirky doors and tucked-away corners in mind that added fun. In that case, I could not stop snapping shots, and yes, I really got some winners!. So, too, that sunset ride can give some next-level stunning photo opportunities, just so you know.

History and fun anecdotes

The tour wasn’t all just about the views, either. Apparently, my guide was super knowledgeable, with so many fun anecdotes about Matera’s past. So, it was kind of like seeing some history come to life, and understanding local culture. Just a little tip: sometimes they let you visit local artisan spots so you might be experiencing that traditional craftsmanship firsthand, you see?

Pros and Cons of the Calessino ride

Ok, so let’s weigh it all a little: Calessino tour’s a quick way to cover more ground, for instance. This allows you to see lots without wearing yourself out. And the guides, as I told you before, often offer some real insights which turn that tour from simple sightseeing into quite the enriching adventure. Very clearly, it is more thrilling and personal than a normal bus tour. All those small streets are pretty fun!

But is it that perfect?

Of course not! The cobblestones might not make your bum so happy, and in that summer, heat might transform your ride to something, more or less, like a portable oven, and it can get too noisy at times, not letting you listen to the guide very closely. Tours can often be just a little pricier than that old classic walking tour too.

Things you might want to consider when picking an Ape Calessino

Basically, prices fluctuate and the routes may be affected because of the season or event going on. You could possibly shop for some rates and, obviously, confirm what’s included on the route. Anyway, if you are thinking of the summer? You, like your past self, could pick earlier hours in the morning or later in the afternoon! I would seriously vouch for those sunset views. Now, they say, some companies feature extras like tasting of local products – so you might keep your eyes open for those things. You know, it is worth seeing if tours are offered in English or the language you may like.

Is it the tour for you?

Anyway, how to see if it is for you? Think about the heat and your comfort and needs! Are you all about saving that precious energy, in that case, consider that Calessino. Now, think about this – is seeing Matera in some new and off-the-wall ways right up your alley? If so, well there you have it. You know, budget matters a lot here, because Calessino rides do seem slightly pricier. The elderly, in this case, would sure benefit from saving those feet from too much walking, if I am being honest.

Other Ways to Explore Matera

Right then, it’s obvious, the Calessino’s cool but surely it ain’t the only way to soak in Matera! Check this: walking tours are quite great, since guides know that terrain, with a history crash course while on foot. Plus, walking might just let you stumble onto spots which tour buses fail to spot!. Also, plenty of Matera folk are ready to suggest cool spots – which in my opinion you should consider too! It will feel unique in some respect, to what the masses do.

• Walking Tours: So, too, explore at your own pace, get close to everything!
• E-bikes: Great if you still crave covering some ground with more ease, not getting too sweaty!.
• See Matera from Above: You know, drone footage is also easy to access to have new views on the city from new perspectives

Ape Calessino tours: worth it in Matera?

Anyway, let’s put a ribbon around it: The Ape Calessino is a way that you might want to explore Matera with that unique, I’d even say almost movie-like Italian flair! Basically, they zoom past hard routes and also show things from angles that you won’t see any other way! Now, you, similar to myself, could appreciate how knowledgeable guides make Matera’s history so accessible and alive too!

• Quirky yet easy-going way around those winding Sassi alleys
• A mix of sightseeing coupled to insight from local folk.
• Perhaps easier on less mobile peeps vs trekking far.

Matera could blow your mind. Yet if you are tired of standard trips then grab onto some Ape Calessino tours – Matera has a new exciting adventure just waitin’ ahead!

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