Full Day Matera Tour with Cave Homes and Local Food Tasting

Discover the captivating full-day Matera tour for $118.53 per person, offering an 8-hour exploration into one of Italy’s most remarkable troglodyte settlements. This guided experience begins with a pickup and includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sassi di Matera, and the historic centre. You’ll learn about Matera’s 5,000-year-old cave dwellings, walk through the baroque quarter, and enjoy local Basilicata food and wine. The tour also provides an optional visit to a cave house museum or a rupestrian church, making it ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and regional cuisine.

While the tour offers many highlights and a knowledgeable guide, some guests note that the overall experience could feel rushed, especially in large groups. Still, it remains a solid choice for visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Matera with cultural tastings included.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $118.53 per person for around 8 hours, this tour provides a full day of sightseeing and tasting.
• Major highlights include: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sassi di Matera, and the historic centre.
• Expert-guided visits cover the baroque quarter, Sasso neighborhoods, and the Civita old quarter.
• Local food and wine tasting takes place at Panecotto Restaurant, showcasing Basilicata flavors.
• Optional visits include a cave house museum or a rupestrian church carved into rock.
• Transport and guide services are included, with a mobile ticket and air-conditioned vehicle.
• Reception varies: some reviews mention large groups and wait times during explanations, but positive feedback highlights knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

The Starting Point and Logistics of the Tour

This full-day tour departs at 8:00 am and begins with a pickup, making logistics straightforward for participants. The tour is operated by TUI italia s.r.l, and it accommodates up to 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size for sightseeing. The vehicle used is air-conditioned, helping keep everyone comfortable through the day.

Most travelers can participate, as the physical demands are moderate, involving walking through uneven historic sites and steps. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for some hill climbs, especially in the Sassi neighborhoods.

Exploring Matera’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour kicks off with three hours exploring Matera’s ancient village, which has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years. This site holds UNESCO designation due to its outstanding preservation of troglodyte dwellings and its significance as a European Capital of Culture 2019.

You’ll get to see the various sectors of the historic centre, including the baroque quarter called Il Piano, where churches and palaces sit atop caves carved into the rock. This area exemplifies the unique architecture that makes Matera so distinctive.

Guided Walk Through the Sassi di Matera and the Gravina Canyon

The guided visit of the Sassi areas lasts about two hours and covers Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, the two main neighborhoods of Matera’s troglodyte settlement. Visitors observe ancient sassi’, or cave dwellings, that are carved into the Gravina canyon, creating dramatic views.

A walk through the Piano district and a visit to the Matera Romanic Cathedral add layers of history and architecture. An optional entrance to a SASSO house allows a closer look at traditional cave interiors, though this is not included in the base ticket price.

The neighborhoods reveal the town’s layered past and the ingenuity of its original inhabitants, with many structures still remarkably preserved.

Visiting Sasso Barisano and the Civita Old Quarter

An additional one-hour stop takes participants into Sasso Barisano and the nearby Civita area. Here, the focus is on rock-carved sassi in the gravina canyon, with panoramic views and photo opportunities. The Civita quarter is known for its atmospheric streets and historical significance, offering a deeper understanding of Matera’s layered history.

In this part of the tour, visitors can stop in Civita for reflection and photos, soaking in the quiet charm of the ancient town.

Basilicata Food and Wine Tasting at Agriristories

The tour’s culinary feature is a two-hour stop at Agriristories, where participants sample local Basilicata dishes and wines. This food tasting provides a taste of regional flavors, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic Basilicata cuisine in a relaxed setting.

During this time, guests also explore a cave house museum—an authentic example of troglodyte living—and visit a rupestrian church carved into the rock. These sites offer insight into traditional rock-cut architecture and religious practices.

Optional Visits to Cave House Museums and Rupestrian Churches

The tour offers the choice to visit either a cave house museum or a rupestrian church, both of which are admission included in the package. The cave house museum showcases how families lived within the rock dwellings, while the rupestrian church features rock-carved religious art and architecture.

Guests can select their preferred site based on interest, adding an interactive element to the cultural experience.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of this tour include knowledgeable guides who are appreciated for their historical insights, and the chance to see Matera’s iconic cave dwellings up close. The inclusion of local food and wine adds a flavorful dimension, and the visits to UNESCO sites are well-organized.

Limitations noted in reviews point to the large group size, which can result in waiting while explanations are translated into multiple languages and a sense of walking at a brisk pace. Some find the overall experience somewhat rushed, especially if interested in exploring sites more deeply.

Suitable Audience for This Tour

This full-day experience is ideal for those who want a rundown of Matera’s historic and cultural highlights in a single day. It suits visitors interested in architecture, history, and regional cuisine, especially if they prefer guided tours with organized logistics.

However, travelers seeking a more intimate or in-depth exploration or those with limited mobility may find the pace or large groups less suitable.

Final Thoughts on the Matera Full-Day Tour

This tour offers a solid introduction to one of Italy’s most distinctive towns, combining historic site visits, local culinary experiences, and optional cultural stops. The price point is reasonable considering the full-day itinerary, guided insights, and included tastings.

While group size and pacing might be a concern for some, the highlights of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and the regional food experience make it a worthwhile choice for many visitors. It particularly benefits those eager to see the main sights efficiently with a knowledgeable guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes guiding services, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, food and wine tastings, and admission to sites like the cave house museum and rupestrian church (optional).

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

What are the main stops and sights?
Stops include Matera’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sassi di Matera, the baroque quarter known as Il Piano, the neighborhoods of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, the Civita old quarter, and Agriristories for food tasting.

Is there an option to visit specific sites?
Yes, travelers can choose to visit either a cave house museum or a rupestrian church.

Are meals included?
The tour features a food tasting at Panecotto Restaurant, where local Basilicata dishes and wines are sampled.

What is the rating of this tour based on reviews?
It has a 3.5/5 rating from 3 reviews, with some guests praising the guide’s knowledge and view points, while others note the large group size and pace.

Is there any flexibility in canceling?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are issued if canceled before this deadline.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by TUI italia s.r.l.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking on uneven terrain and steps within the historic sites.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but alcohol consumption is restricted to those 18 years and older.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most physical demands are moderate, walking on steps and uneven surfaces may be challenging for some with mobility limitations.

How can I book this tour?
Bookings can be made online, with most travelers reserving about 13 days in advance.