Holly_uncasdewar

I'll be arriving in Matera around 2 pm, with that afternoon and all of the next day to see the sites. I'd like to spend a few hours with a tour guide when I arrive, before setting out the next day on my own. I'm leary about scheduling a guide ahead of arrival, in case the trains are late and my arrival time changes. I do have Nadia's email, but my question is - are there tour guides around town who might be available at the last minute for a few hours? Or do they all require prebooking for specific times? Anyone know? (Yes, tedgale, this one's for you - but comments from anyone who's been there and has some insight would certainly be appreciated.) FWIW, the trip is in 4 weeks, so it won't be the height of the season.

kybourbon

Here's a list. I'm sure you could find someone last minute.

http://www.aptbasilicata.it/MATERA.1623.0.html#c7761

raincitygirl

There is a tourist office in the main square with guides available. They were touting for business while we were waiting for Nadia. (this past October)
If you can book Nadia I can highly recommend her. She gave us an amazing tour that lasted for hours and was so interesting.

We also ate lunch at a restaurant of her recommendation: Ristorante Nadi, via Fiorenti 1/3, Sasso Barisano. The food was delicious and we ate outside on a small patio.
It is located in the first sasso, so if you are in the main piazza, there is a lookout point where you can look down into the sasso, you will see stairs going down, just follow them down to the bottom. I think it is to your left but I had to ask someone as I got turned around, no problem finding it with the local instructions.

Enjoy Matera, it is like no other place I have been.

Holly_uncasdewar

That's good to know, if I don't reserve ahead of time. The restaurant looks good, as well, and not far from where I'm staying. Thanks!

isabel

Last July there were tons of guides looking for business outside the tourist office. Inside the tourist office there were a variety of maps and books (with maps) if you want to self guide.

We visited three ‘museums’ in the sassi. The Casa Noha is an unfurnished sassi house that shows a series of videos which did an excellent job of explaining the entire history of Matera, not just the fifty or so years of extreme poverty. It’s right behind the Duomo and we kind of found it by accident but it was the best introduction to the town. Even though I had done some research before the trip, this was by far the best explanation and I highly recommend going here. The video presentation is about half an hour long, the visit is free but they ask for a donation.

This is a good site for some background: http://www.madeinsouthitalytoday.com/city-of-matera.php

raincitygirl

You are welcome Holly. Just thought of this place as well, Lounge Caffe via del Corso 60. ( one of the main streets near the sassi, not up in the newer part of town)

We stopped in there for an aperitivo with Nadia after our tour (about 8:00 pm) and the drinks were good and came with an assortment of very tasty snacks and little sandwiches which were free with the drinks. We made that dinner that evening!
Their gelato was also really good.

Prices reasonable and it had a nice vibe, very modern furnishings and nice staff.

Oh and there is a specialist grocery shop I believe also called Nadi,( just above Nadi the restaurant, you can see it from the patio), where I bought some yummy Senise peppers and other Basilicatan food stuffs.
The owner is very friendly and helpful.

Holly_uncasdewar

More good info. Thank you both.