ALTAMURA AND GRAVINA: guided tours with lunch and transfer from Matera

Discovering Altamura and Gravina: a practical, scenic day from Matera

This guided tour promises a taste of Puglia’s authentic charm, taking you from the historic streets of Altamura to the striking landscape of Gravina. It’s designed for travelers eager to explore beyond Matera’s famous Sassi, offering a blend of cultural richness, local flavors, and stunning vistas.

What we love about this experience are three key points: the chance to stroll through medieval cloisters and historic centers, sampling the best of Apulian cuisine at a traditional tavern, and taking in panoramic views of Gravina’s dramatic ravine and the iconic bridge. The one possible drawback is the limited time at each site, which might leave some wanting more in-depth exploration. Still, it’s a well-rounded way to discover two distinct towns in a single day.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate cultural authenticity, enjoy delicious regional food, and want to see picturesque landscapes without the hassle of driving. It’s especially suited for visitors already based in Matera looking to add a memorable, well-organized day trip to their itinerary.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Combines guided sightseeing, local food, and scenic views.
• Comfortable Transport: Private shuttle ensures ease and flexibility.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to historic centers, cathedrals, and cloisters.
• Local Flavors: Includes bread tasting and traditional Apulian lunch.
• Scenic Beauty: Spectacular views of Gravina’s ravine and bridge.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting from Matera

The tour begins with a convenient pickup point at Matera’s tourist information center, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a private shuttle. This transfer is a key benefit, sparing you the stress of organizing transport and allowing for a relaxed start. The drive to Altamura takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and get a glimpse of the Apulian countryside.

Exploring Altamura’s Historic Heart

Once in Altamura, your licensed guide will lead you through the charming historic center, where history feels alive in every cobbled street and ancient building. The highlight here is the Cathedral of Emperor Frederick II, built in 1232. Travelers often comment on the imposing Gothic façade and the sense of stepping back in time when wandering through the cloisters and atmospheric streets.

A visit to a local bakery offers a unique opportunity to taste the famous Altamura bread, renowned for its crusty exterior and soft interior. This bread isn’t just a snack; it’s a symbol of traditional Apulian baking, and many reviewers mention how delicious it is fresh from the oven. One visitor said, “The bread tasting was a real highlight — you could tell it was made with care and centuries of tradition.”

The tour also includes wandering through claustri — narrow, enclosed streets opening onto small courtyards — which display Altamura’s distinctive architectural style. The guide’s insights about the city’s history and architecture add depth, making the walk more engaging.

Tasting Apulian Cuisine

After the cultural walk, you’ll enjoy a lunch in a typical tavern, where local dishes take center stage. The atmosphere is described as friendly and quirky, adding a warm, authentic touch to the meal. While specific dishes aren’t listed, expect regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Puglia. Many find the meal a perfect way to relax and refuel before the next leg of the journey.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Dramatic Landscape of Gravina

Post-lunch, the transfer continues to Gravina in Puglia, a town that offers a striking contrast to Altamura’s streets. Situated on the edge of a 100-meter-deep ravine, Gravina boasts a karst landscape that is both wild and beautiful. As you walk through the historic center, you’ll notice the unique architecture built on and around the ravine, a testament to how humans have adapted to this rugged terrain.

The Cathedral of the Assumption offers panoramic views of the ravine and the iconic Gravina Bridge, a stunning stone arch that spans the rocky gorge. Many visitors comment on the breathtaking vistas and how the landscape feels like a journey into another world.

The guide points out the geological features and shares stories behind the town’s development, making the landscape feel alive with history and natural wonder. You might spend some time taking photos of the dramatic cliffs, or simply marveling at how the town balances history, architecture, and geography.

Concluding the Day

Your day wraps up with a short drive back to Matera, giving you time to reflect on the diverse experiences packed into just seven hours. The tour ends close to the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

Practical Details & Value

Transportation & Group Size

The private shuttle adds a layer of comfort and convenience, especially compared to public transport, and ensures your schedule remains flexible. With a small group (limited to 15), you’ll benefit from personalized attention and fewer crowds, making your experience more intimate.

Price & What’s Included

At $107.62 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the guided expertise, transport, tastings, and a full day’s itinerary. The package covers all transfers, a licensed guide, bread tasting, and lunch, which are significant costs to piece together independently.

You’ll also receive a map of the sites, helpful for later exploration or personal sightseeing. Extras like entrance to Gravina Sotterranea are optional and paid separately, giving you the flexibility to customize if interested.

Timing & Accessibility

The tour’s duration of 7 hours makes it an ideal day trip — long enough to see key sights but not so exhausting as to cut into your evening plans. The starting times vary, so checking availability is recommended.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. The small group setting ensures everyone’s comfort and allows for questions and interaction with the guide.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for cultural explorers eager to see lesser-known towns with authentic charm. It’s also suitable for food lovers, thanks to the bread tasting and regional lunch. The scenic views and historical sites make it appealing to photographers and landscape enthusiasts.

If you’re in Matera and want a well-organized, insightful day trip with a focus on genuine local experiences, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

This Altamura and Gravina tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and regional flavors. It’s thoughtfully designed for travelers who want to see more of Puglia without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. The inclusion of local cuisine, stunning vistas, and personalized guiding makes it a standout value.

While the time at each site is limited, the highlights and scenic views are memorable enough to justify the price. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time in Matera who crave a taste of authentic Apulian life, culture, and landscape in one engaging day.

If you’re after an easy-to-book, culturally rich experience with great photo opportunities and a taste of regional cuisine, this tour should definitely be on your radar.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a private NCC shuttle takes you between Matera, Altamura, and Gravina, making the day stress-free and comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all transfers, a licensed regional guide, bread tasting at a bakery, lunch at a traditional tavern, and a map of the sites.

Can I customize the tour?
Extras like entrance to Gravina Sotterranea are paid separately, so you can choose to extend your visit or add additional activities if you wish.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, making it a perfect day trip without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy and capture the scenic and historic sights.

When does the tour start?
Start times vary based on availability; check the schedule when booking.

Is there a small group size limit?
Yes, the tour is limited to 15 participants to ensure a personalized experience.

How is the meal?
The lunch is served in a typical tavern, featuring traditional Apulian dishes in a friendly, quirky atmosphere.

What about timing at each site?
You’ll spend around 2 hours in Altamura and 1.5 hours in Gravina, which is enough to see the highlights and enjoy the views.

This guided day trip from Matera offers a balanced look at some of Puglia’s most scenic and historic spots, perfect for those who value meaningful experiences, regional flavors, and stunning landscapes—all in one well-organized package.

You can check if your dates are available here: