If you’re dreaming of experiencing Italy beyond the typical tourist trail, this olive harvesting tour around Matera offers a genuine taste of Mediterranean life. It’s a full-day adventure combining physical activity, mouthwatering food, and a close-up look at how Italy’s beloved extra virgin olive oil is made. What sets this experience apart is its focus on tradition, local sustainability, and hands-on participation — perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing.
We particularly like the balance of outdoor activity and culture. The chance to hand-pick olives among ancient trees is an authentic connection to Italy’s agricultural roots. Plus, the homegrown farm-to-table lunch paired with freshly pressed oil makes for a deeply flavorful experience. However, keep in mind that the tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so it’s best suited to those with a moderate level of mobility and a curiosity for rural life.
This tour might not be ideal if you’re looking for a quick, low-effort activity or traveling with very young children. But if you’re interested in genuine food traditions, don’t mind getting a little dirty, and want tangible memories (and maybe a bottle of oil), it’s a wonderful choice.
Key Points
- Authentic hands-on experience: You’ll hand-pick olives directly from the trees, connecting with Italy’s farming traditions.
- Farm-fresh meal: A rustic, farm-to-table lunch served among the olive groves features local ingredients and showcases the farm’s olive oil.
- Educational mill tour: See how olives are cold-pressed into extra virgin olive oil, with a tasting that highlights the vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Limited group size: Small groups (max 10 participants) ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
- Sustainable focus: The farm is recognized as a Slow Food Presidia farm, committed to local, environmentally respectful farming methods.
- Seasonal timing: Available during October and November, aligning perfectly with olive harvest season.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Matera.
The Starting Point: Azienda Agricola Mantenera
This tour begins at Mantenera, an olive farm recognized by Slow Food for its dedication to sustainable practices and high-quality products. The farm’s landscape of rolling hills dotted with ancient olive trees immediately sets a picturesque scene, perfect for those who love rural scenery and tranquility. The farm’s commitment to preserving local varieties and traditional methods means you’re stepping into a living museum of olive-growing.
Olive Picking: A Touch of Tradition
The highlight for many is the hands-on olive harvest. You’ll learn how to pick olives by hand, just as farmers have done for generations. The activity involves gloves and baskets, and the guide will share insights into native olive varieties and sustainable practices. This activity isn’t just fun — it’s a sensory experience. We loved the way the leaves rustled underfoot and the smell of fresh olives filling the air.
Reviews mention that the activity is suitable for all ages, emphasizing its accessibility and the joy of engaging directly with nature. One guest noted, “It was a wonderful feeling to pick the olives ourselves, understanding the effort that goes into every bottle of good Italian oil.” The process is slow and respectful, emphasizing quality over quantity, and making the experience meaningful rather than rushed.
A Rustic Farm-to-Table Lunch
After harvesting, everyone gathers for a picnic-style lunch among the trees. It’s a relaxed, communal affair that celebrates local ingredients. Every dish features the farm’s olive oil, which you will taste in various forms. The meal includes regional specialties, often from the farm’s own garden or local producers, paired with regional wine.
Guests have described the meal as “authentic and hearty,” with a focus on simple, seasonal flavors. One reviewer said, “The olive oil was the star — vibrant, with a peppery finish that made everything taste better.” The setting, under the shade of ancient olive trees, enhances the experience and offers a respite from busy sightseeing days.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Mill Tour and Olive Oil Tasting
In the afternoon, the tour shifts gears — you’ll visit the farm’s olive mill. This nearby facility uses cold-pressing techniques to extract oil, a process we appreciated seeing up close. You’ll witness olives being crushed and pressed, with explanations about how freshness and quality are preserved throughout.
The tasting of freshly pressed olive oil is a sensory revelation. Expect aromas that are vibrant and flavors bold, with a peppery finish that’s typical of high-quality extra virgin varieties. Visitors often comment on how much they learn about the different nuances of olive oil, deepening their appreciation for this everyday ingredient.
Why This Tour Matters
This experience isn’t just about the activity — it’s about understanding the land, the tradition, and the care that goes into every drop of olive oil. As one reviewer put it, “You can taste the passion in the oil — it’s not just a product, but a story of the land and people who made it.”
Practical Details and What to Expect
Duration & Schedule: The tour lasts about 6 hours, with start times available depending on the season. It begins at Mantenera and ends back there after the mill visit. The schedule is flexible enough for guests to plan their day, especially since the mill is only about 18 km away from the farm, roughly a 30-minute drive.
What’s Included:
- Guided olive picking experience
- Traditional farm lunch among the trees
- Guided tour of the olive mill
- Tasting of freshly pressed olive oil
- A small gift of local products
What’s Not Included:
- Transfers beyond 5 km — so if you’re staying farther afield, plan your own transportation or carpool.
Group Size & Language: The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a friendly, intimate setting. It’s offered in English and Portuguese, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes suitable for walking
- Camera to capture the scenic moments
- Clothes that can get dirty and are suitable for outdoor activity
- Insect repellent (biodegradable preferred)
Accessibility and Considerations
While the activity is suitable for most ages over 10, it does involve outdoor walking and some physical activity. The terrain is rustic but manageable. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, food, and hands-on activities. You might find the experience particularly rewarding if you’re interested in sustainable agriculture or traditional food production.
Value and Overall Impression
At a price point that includes a full day of engaging activities, local food, and educational insight, this tour offers excellent value. You’re paying not just for a taste of Italian culture but for a meaningful, participatory experience. The emphasis on traditional methods and local, sustainable practices makes it stand out from more commercialized tours.
Many reviewers have highlighted how this tour deepened their appreciation for high-quality olive oil — not just as a condiment but as an integral part of Italian life and landscape. The chance to see, taste, and touch the process makes it memorable and authentic.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re a food lover eager to understand Italy’s culinary traditions, this experience is ideal. It’s also perfect for nature enthusiasts and those interested in rural life. Families with children over 10 will enjoy the outdoor activity and rustic lunch, but very young kids might find it less engaging. Travelers seeking a slow-paced, meaningful day that combines learning, eating, and exploring will find this a worthwhile addition to their Matera itinerary.
Those who appreciate small-group experiences and want to avoid touristy, cookie-cutter activities will find this tour offers genuine connection and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 10, as the activities involve outdoor walking and handling olives. Younger children might find it less engaging or tiring.
Does the tour include transportation?
Transportation is not included beyond 5 km, so you’ll need to arrange your own car or carpool for the drive to the mill, which is about 30 minutes from the farm.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are best, as you’ll be outdoors and walking among the groves. Clothes that can get dirty are advisable.
Can I buy the olive oil I taste?
While the tour includes a tasting of the fresh oil, you might find the farm offers products for sale, including bottles of their high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
The activity involves outdoor walking on rustic terrain, so it may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Check with the provider for specific concerns.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is conducted in English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.
When is the best time to do this tour?
It’s available during the harvest months of October and November, aligning with the peak olive picking season.
Final Thoughts
This olive harvest tour at Mantenera offers a rare chance to step into Italy’s agricultural heartland and witness traditional olive harvesting, production, and tasting firsthand. It combines physical activity, culture, and culinary delights into a full-day experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or simply curious about Italy’s farming practices, you’ll find this tour both enjoyable and meaningful.
Ideal for those seeking an authentic, small-group adventure, it provides a deep dive into the land’s craftsmanship and flavors. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for a day of discovery, delicious food, and fresh olive oil that you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Matera
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