Market tours in Matera deliver the authentic taste of Southern Italy without the tourist traps. The best tours combine morning visits to local markets with hands-on cooking classes. You’ll shop alongside locals, learn about seasonal ingredients, and cook traditional dishes with expert home cooks known as “Cesarine.” What I love about these experiences is how they end – sharing a hearty meal of your creations paired with regional wines around a family table.
My favorite tours keep groups small and focus on genuine connections with local food artisans. The market-to-table experiences are perfect for food lovers who want to learn, cook, and eat like a true Materan.
Check out these top-rated market and cooking tours in Matera:
Good To Know
- Experience the vibrant local market in Matera with a guided tour that offers insider access to the city’s culinary culture.
- Participate in a hands-on cooking class in the neighboring town of Policoro and learn to prepare iconic Italian dishes.
- Enjoy a private market tour and cooking demonstration in Policoro, featuring a multi-course lunch or dinner with local wines.
- Discover the authentic flavors of Matera through a small group dining experience in a local home, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.
- Opt for a private market tour and cooking experience that includes a guided tour, food preparation, and a 3-course meal with local wines.
Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Matera
Visitors to Matera can enjoy the local culinary culture through a private market tour and cooking class at a Cesarinas home.
The experience provides an insider’s look at southern Italian cooking, where participants learn to prepare three regional dishes. The class includes a guided tour of the local market to source fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Afterward, guests partake in a hands-on cooking session and enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner paired with local wines.
The all-inclusive package also includes an official Le Cesarine apron and shopping bag.
With private transportation, this intimate culinary adventure is an idyllic way to discover the flavors of Matera.
Read our full review: Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Matera Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Matera
Travelers embark on a guided exploration of Matera’s local market, seeing the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The small group experience then transitions to a local’s home, where guests savor a 3-course meal featuring authentic Italian dishes like pasta and tiramisu.
Accompanied by water, wines, and coffee, the intimate dining experience allows travelers to connect with fellow guests and enjoy the flavors of the region.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour offers a personalized, hands-on journey through Matera’s culinary heritage, showcasing the essence of Italian home-cooked hospitality.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarinas Home in Matera Review
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Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Policoro
On a Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Policoro, guests embark on a hands-on culinary adventure in Matera’s neighboring town.
Operated by Cesarine, this experience allows up to 12 travelers to share their passion for Italian cuisine.
The activities include a local market tour, learning to make an iconic pasta dish, and preparing the famous Tiramisu.
Guests will enjoy the prepared dishes, accompanied by wine, beverages, and coffee.
With a price starting from $160.25 per person, this experience offers a free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling policy, making it a flexible and accessible option for those seeking an authentic Italian cooking class in the region.
Read our full review: Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Policoro Review
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Market Tour and Lunch or Dinner at a Locals Home in Matera
A fantastic opportunity for an authentic culinary experience awaits guests in Matera. For $149.50 per person, travelers can enjoy a private market tour and lunch or dinner at a local’s home.
The 4-course menu includes a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, a second course with a side dish, and a dessert like tiramisu or crostata, accompanied by local wines, water, and Italian espresso.
The experience is operated by Cesarine: Cooking Class and includes a cooking demonstration. Guests should contact the company prior to booking for any dietary restrictions.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the start make this a flexible and convenient option.
Read our full review: Market Tour and Lunch or Dinner at a Locals Home in Matera Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Matera
For those seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Matera, a small-group market tour and cooking class offers the chance to enhance one’s Italian cooking skills beyond simply dining in restaurants.
Participants join a local cook for a market tour to source fresh, local ingredients. They then learn to prepare two iconic dishes: pasta and tiramisu, in a home cooking setting.
The intimate class size, capped at 12 people, allows for a personalized experience where guests can share their passion for Italian cuisine.
The class includes an Italian aperitivo, tasting session with wine and coffee, as well as a souvenir apron. Priced from €130 per person, this experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Matera’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Matera Review
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Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Policoro
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Policoro can partake in a private market tour, followed by a multi-course lunch or dinner, and an interactive cooking demonstration.
Operated by Cesarine, this 4-course affair includes a seasonal starter, fresh pasta dish, second course with side, and a typical dessert, all accompanied by wine, beverages, and coffee.
The market tour allows guests to shop for ingredients, while the cooking demo showcases a local dish. Priced at $149.50 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Located in Policoro, Matera, this private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but accessible via public transportation.
Read our full review: Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Policoro Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for the tours is typically casual and comfortable. Visitors are advised to wear clothes and shoes suitable for walking around the historic city. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool and relaxed during the tour.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tours typically accommodate various dietary restrictions. Travelers should inform the tour operators of any specific needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, to ensure the experiences are tailored to their dietary requirements.
Are Children Allowed on the Tours?
Yes, children are generally allowed on the tours, though some operators may have age restrictions or require adult supervision. It’s best to check with the specific tour provider for their policies regarding minors.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tours?
The cancellation policy varies by tour operator, but typically allows for full refunds if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled tour. Some may charge a small fee for late cancellations. It’s best to check with each provider for their specific policy.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
Yes, some tour providers offer discounts for group bookings or package deals that combine shopping tours with other activities. Inquire about any available discounts when booking to get the best value.
The Sum Up
Matera offers an array of engaging shopping tours that provide visitors with authentic cultural experiences. From private cooking classes in local homes to group market tours and hands-on cooking demonstrations, these excursions offer a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich culinary traditions. Whether seeking a small group setting or a private experience, travelers can find a tour that suits their preferences and interests in Matera.