Matera & Altamura Tour: A Personal Review of Ancient Wonders

So, you are thinking regarding a trip to southern Italy, specifically Matera and Altamura? Very well, let me tell you regarding a tour that just might tickle your fancy: the Matera Private Tour with a visit to an ancient bakery in Altamura. It is more or less a great mix of history, culture, and scrumptious eats. I had the chance to go myself, and I’m quite eager to share my thoughts with you.

Exploring Matera’s Stone Streets

Matera, that’s an ancient city which is just sitting pretty in the Basilicata region. Its claim to fame? The Sassi districts, which are kind of like cave dwellings that have been inhabited for, like, thousands of years. We are talking prehistoric times! These dwellings are carved right into the limestone rock, and they are stacked on top of each other, creating almost like a honeycomb effect. It looks that way. It can also appear like a big pile of rocks had been constructed to be like an apartment.

Very well, the tour started with a local guide meeting me. The tour guide walked me through the maze of streets and he told me all sorts of cool stories regarding the city’s history. Apparently, Matera has seen it all, from early settlements to being a spot for some serious poverty after that. I went inside a few of the cave homes, which have been turned into museums and also artisan workshops. To be honest, it felt a little bit like stepping back in time.

The Charm of a Private Tour

So, why go private? Very well, that’s a valid question. With a private tour, you’re getting more or less a personalized experience that’s simply difficult to match with a large group. The guide can focus that much more on your interests, answering the questions you have. Are you super interested in the history of the rock churches? No problem! Do you want to know more regarding the local culture? They have got you covered! It makes a big difference in the experience. I mean, if you prefer something generic you can stick with the bus tour.

I noticed that I felt way less rushed and that I had more of an ability to actually absorb the information. And really, let’s be honest, I really was able to ask the silly questions without feeling self-conscious. Basically, that’s a win-win for everyone!

Altamura: Bread and History

Then after Matera, the tour took me to Altamura. This is a nearby town which is really known for its bread. Altamura is famous for a specific type of bread, which in Italy is designated DOP, meaning kind of Protected Designation of Origin. That makes the bread from here special, that is! The bread is made using traditional methods, local wheat, and really old sourdough starter, which seems really intense, honestly.

The tour included a visit to an ancient bakery, in which they baked the bread basically like it was done hundreds of years ago. And, the smell? Basically intoxicating! Watching the bakers was really like a masterclass in the food traditions. Naturally, I bought a loaf (or two) to take home.

A Taste of Tradition

The best thing about the Altamura bread, very well, it is simplicity, I guess. That golden crust and soft, airy interior really do pair nicely with a drizzle of olive oil or a simple tomato. Very well, I made a bruschetta and shared with the family later and everyone just raved regarding it! That might sound funny to people who never thought about trying different types of breads from different countries or regions, and may underestimate them as a carb. The reality is that sometimes what makes the biggest difference is small changes to key ingredients! You’d agree if you ever went to Mexico and found tortillas tasted vastly different.

Final Thoughts

So, would I say the Matera Private Tour and Ancient Bakery visit is worthwhile? That’s a big YES. The tour provided a peek into the history of Southern Italy with scrumptious foodie experience, very well! If you’re someone who really values a intimate and in-depth experience, that private tour is definitely a worthwhile investment, I’m telling you!