Matera: Open Top Bus Tour with Entrance to Casa Grotta

Explore the captivating city of Matera in Basilicata, Italy, with a 1.5-hour open-top bus tour that offers a comfortable and comprehensive way to see its highlights. Priced at $23 per person, this tour combines scenic rides, expert commentary, and key attractions like Casa Grotta and the Sanctuary of Palomba. It’s well-suited for those who prefer minimal walking but still want to experience the city’s beauty and history. The tour’s engaging multilingual audio guide and photographic stops make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience, although it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage.

While the tour covers the main sights and offers a fantastic overview of Matera, it’s worth noting that headphones and mobile devices are not included, so travelers should bring their own. Also, food and drinks are not part of the package, but a discount coupon at a local bar offers an extra treat. This tour provides a value-packed way to see the city’s famous Sassi and beyond without extensive walking, making it a smart choice for first-time visitors.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $23 per person and lasts 1.5 hours.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: It includes scenic bus rides, a visit to Casa Grotta, and access to the Sanctuary of Palomba.
• Comfort and Accessibility: The open-top bus offers minimal walking and panoramic views, ideal for those preferring a relaxed experience.
• Expert Commentary: A multilingual audio guide enhances understanding of Matera’s sights.
• Additional Perks: A city map and photographic stops are included, plus a discount coupon for local food and drinks.
• Limitations: The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and large luggage is not permitted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Matera’s Historic Sassi from the Open-Top Bus

The bus tour starts near the impressive Tramontano Castle, setting a dramatic scene for your journey. From here, the bus winds down the scenic Madonna delle Virtù street, offering sweeping views of the stone-clad city. As the bus skirts the edge of the Gravina canyon, you’ll get a glimpse of Matera’s dramatic landscape, perfect for photo opportunities.

This route is designed to showcase Matera’s most iconic sights without the need for long walks. The open-top design allows you to see the famous Sassi districts in all their rugged beauty, with commentary explaining their history and significance. The audio guide helps bring each location to life, although some reviews suggest that the explanation can sometimes be hard to hear. Still, the panoramic experience makes it easy to appreciate the city’s unique layout.

Visiting the Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and Surroundings

A highlight of the tour is reaching Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, known as the heart of the Sassi. This historic square is surrounded by centuries-old stone buildings and offers some of the most striking views of Matera. Here, travelers can step off the bus to explore briefly and take photos of the cave dwellings and churches carved into rock.

The tour includes a visit to a fully furnished cave dwelling, called the Casa Grotta Narrante, providing a rare glimpse into traditional life in the Sassi. This stop adds a personal touch to the experience, giving insight into the city’s ancient ways of living. It is a brief but valuable chance to see how generations once inhabited these underground homes, now preserved as a museum.

Journey to the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches

Beyond the Sassi, the bus takes you into the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, where you access the Sanctuary of Palomba. This site is available according to religious service times and offers a distinct perspective of Matera beyond the city streets.

From this vantage point, travelers get a unique view of the stone landscape and the ancient churches carved directly into the rock. The drive to this site is an excursion into nature and history, revealing the extent of the rock-cut architecture that characterizes this region.

The Experience of the Multilingual Audio Guide

The tour features a multilingual audio guide available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish. This guide is an essential part of the experience, providing background on Matera’s history, geography, and culture. According to reviews, the guide is knowledgeable and friendly, although some note that the audio volume can be hard to hear, especially outside.

To maximize the experience, travelers are advised to download the POPGuide app to use their smartphone for the audio content by scanning QR codes at the starting point. Bringing headphones ensures clear listening, as the audio is not provided directly by the tour operator.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practicalities of the Tour: Group Size, Meeting Point, and Extras

The tour operates with a driver who speaks Italian, English, and French, and offers a private group option for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Meeting points can vary depending on the chosen option, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Included in the ticket are photographic stops at some of Matera’s most picturesque locations, plus a city map to help navigate post-tour exploration. Visitors can also enjoy a 10% discount at the nearby “MòVado Food & Drink” bar, perfect for a relaxing drink after the ride and while watching the sunset.

Practical Tips for the Tour Experience

Travelers should bring their own headphones and charged smartphones to enhance the audio guide experience. Since luggage and large bags are not permitted, it’s best to travel light. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges should consider this before booking.

The meeting point varies depending on the booked option, so checking the specific location is recommended. The timing is flexible, but travelers should check availability for starting times and plan accordingly.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

At $23 per person, this tour offers good value for an immersive and scenic overview of Matera’s highlights. It provides a wide itinerary accessible by vehicle, reducing the need for walking and making it ideal for visitors who want a relaxed experience.

The inclusion of Casa Grotta and Sanctuary of Palomba visits, plus photographic stops and a city map, enhances the overall value. While some reviews mention audio volume issues, the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and well-organized route make this tour a solid choice for first-time visitors.

Matera Open-Top Bus Tour with Casa Grotta: Final Thoughts

The Matera open-top bus tour by Martulli Viaggi combines scenic rides, informative commentary, and key sights like the Sassi districts, Casa Grotta, and the Sanctuary of Palomba. Its minimal walking design makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, especially those seeking comfort and convenience.

While some may wish for better audio clarity or more detailed explanations, the overall experience is value-packed, especially given the affordable price. It’s particularly recommended for first-time visitors or those who want a broad overview of Matera without exhausting walks.

This tour balances sightseeing, history, and scenic views in a way that captures the essence of Matera’s unique landscape and architecture—perfect for those looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to this extraordinary city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves minimal walking, mainly at stops like Casa Grotta and the viewpoints.

Do I need to bring my own headphones?
Yes, headphones and a charged smartphone are recommended to clearly hear the multilingual audio guide.

Can I visit the Sanctuary of Palomba at any time?
Entrance to the Sanctuary of Palomba depends on religious service schedules, so timing may vary.

Is food or drinks included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour, but a discount coupon at a local bar adds an extra perk for visitors.

What is the best way to get the most out of the audio guide?
Download the POPGuide app and scan the QR code at the meeting point for full commentary during the bus ride.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short introduction to Matera’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby