Sassi of Matera Open-top Bus Tour with Cave Dwelling and Rock Church

5 of 5 stars
5
20,00€
per person
Book
Reservation
Location
Matera
Duration

1.5 hours

Type

Shared

Difficulty
Facile

Description

Matera sightseeing bus tour through the Sassi, Casa Grotta and rock church

 

Discover one of Italy’s most fascinating cities with a Matera sightseeing bus tour designed for travelers who want to experience the Sassi without effort. This complete experience combines panoramic views, short walks, and entrance tickets to Matera’s most iconic sites and also allows you to see Matera by night.

 

Thanks to the panoramic bus, you can comfortably travel through the most scenic areas of the Sassi of Matera, avoiding steep paths while enjoying spectacular views along the route.

 

A comfortable and easy Matera tour

 

This Matera sightseeing bus tour is an easy Matera tour, ideal for visitors who prefer a relaxed way to explore the city. Traveling by bus makes moving around the Sassi easier, minimizing walking distances and making the experience suitable for all ages.

During the stops, you will get off the bus for short walks on mostly flat surfaces, reaching panoramic viewpoints and sites of great historical interest.

 

UNESCO Sassi of Matera by panoramic bus

 

Travel through the UNESCO Sassi of Matera by panoramic bus and admire from above the rock-carved urban layout. Enjoy the transition between modern Matera and the ancient city, with unique views over the Gravina canyon and the surrounding rupestrian landscape.

The panoramic stops allow you to fully appreciate the essence of the Sassi without long walks, maintaining a pleasant and unhurried pace.

 

Matera tour with Casa Grotta ticket included

 

This Matera tour with Casa Grotta ticket includes entrance to a traditionally furnished cave dwelling. Inside, you will discover how people lived in the Sassi until the 1950s, observing the organization of domestic spaces carved directly into the rock.

 

Visit a rock church in the heart of the Sassi

 

Complete the experience with a visit to a rock church, a powerful testimony of Matera’s medieval spirituality. These rock-hewn spaces tell centuries of history, faith and local traditions.

 

See Matera by night

 

Experience the unique charm of Matera after sunset and see Matera by night on a relaxed sightseeing route. As the city lights come on, the Sassi reveal a completely different atmosphere, with illuminated stone houses and churches creating a truly memorable panorama. Traveling comfortably by bus, you can enjoy the evening views without long walks, making this the perfect way to admire Matera at night in total ease.

 

Why choose this Matera sightseeing bus tour

 

This Matera sightseeing bus tour is the ideal solution if you want to see the Sassi in a complete yet stress-free way. A perfect balance of comfort, culture and panoramic views, designed for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a truly relaxed experience.

Panoramic bus tour of the Sassi and Murgia Park in Matera on Instagram

Discover also our 3-hour walking guided tour of the Sassi

Equipment

  • Headphones or AirPods
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for climatic conditions
  • Comfortable shoes

Available languages

Italiano, Inglese, Spagnolo, Francese

Highlights

  • Open-top panoramic bus tour through Matera and the UNESCO Sassi
  • Entrance included to a traditionally furnished Casa Grotta
  • Visit to a rock church in the heart of the Sassi
  • Perfect balance between bus panoramas and short walking visits

Included

  • Tour leader: Enjoy the experience accompanied by our Italian-speaking tour leader, who can provide assistance in English when necessary.
  • Audio guide in English, French, and Spanish: Download the POPGuide app for free on your smartphone and listen to pre-recorded commentary on the history, architecture, and main attractions of the Sassi, using an interactive digital map.
  • Entrance ticket to the Casa Grotta Narrante
  • Entrance ticket to the Rock Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
  • Discount coupon: 10% discount to be collected at our agency for products or refreshments at MòVado Food & Drink bar in Piazza Duomo.
  • Transfer inclusi

Not included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Earphones: Please remember to bring your own earphones, required to listen to the audio guide in English, French or Spanish during the tour.
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses

Meeting point

Matera – Martulli Viaggi - DMC, Via Alessandro Volta, Matera, MT, Italia

Directions on departure

The meeting point for the open-top bus tour of the Sassi di Matera is located in Via Alessandro Volta 3/5, in the central area of the city. It is advisable to reach it on foot, as the road is not accessible to private transport. The nearest stop is Matera Central Station, 10 min walk. Paid parking - Sant'Isidoro - Daily price (from 8:00 to 23:00) - 0,70€ / 30 min - Via Lanera, 16, 75100 Matera MT. - Paid parking - H24 (1,00€/hour) - In Via Pasquale Vena, 3, 75100 Matera MT.
Departure times
Departure times
Daily10:0012:0020:0020:3021:00

Itinerary

Itinerary map
Start from the Tramontano Castle

Begin the tour at Castello Tramontano, a symbol of late-medieval Matera. Listen to the historical introduction explaining its strategic role and observe the castle from the outside as the starting point of the panoramic route.

Piazzetta Pascoli

Get off the bus and walk to the panoramic viewpoint at Piazzetta Pascoli. Look out over the Sasso Caveoso neighbourhood to understand the rock-hewn landscape and appreciate the dialogue between nature and architecture carved into the stone.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Take advantage of the stop in Piazza Vittorio Veneto to explore on foot the heart of modern Matera. Admire the view over the Sasso Barisano area, observe the Cathedral from the outside, and learn about the city’s urban development and historic water system.

Church of Sant’Agostino and the descent toward the Sasso Barisano

Get back on the bus and cross the city center to begin the descent toward the Sasso Barisano neighbourhood. Observe from above the urban layout of the Sassi and the gradual transition from “upper” Matera to the rock-carved city, understanding the functional connection between the two parts of the city. Near the Church of Sant’Agostino, stop for a photo break at the adjacent viewpoint.

Rock Church of Sant’Antonio Abate

Continuing the descent, get off the bus in the heart of the Sasso Barisano to visit one of the representative rock churches in Matera. Enter the rock-carved environment and discover the spirituality and testimonies of medieval religious life.

Visit to the Casa Grotta (cave dwelling) museum

The next stop is at a traditionally furnished Casa Grotta museum. Learn how people lived in the Sassi until the 1950s and observe the organization of domestic spaces in caves.

Panoramic route – Via Madonna delle Virtù and Porta Pistola

Get back on the bus and travel along the panoramic stretch of Via Madonna delle Virtù, accompanied by a rich commentary. Enjoy breathtaking views along the Gravina canyon. Stop to observe the Tibetan bridge, suspended above the Gravina stream, and the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches on the other side of the Gravina canyon.

Piazza San Pietro Caveoso

Upon reaching Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, you can get off the bus again to admire the panorama at the foot of Madonna de Idris and visit the church of San Pietro Caveoso.

Return to Castello Tramontano

Get back on the bus and return to the starting point, following the same itinerary.

Useful information

• Cancellation or postponement due to adverse weather conditions:
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or storms, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the excursion to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Safety is our top priority.

• Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation requests should be sent by email to ota@martulliviaggi.com.
- A full refund is only possible if the cancellation request is received at least 3 days before the scheduled departure date of the tour. Otherwise, the full cost of the tour will be charged.

• Cancellation within 3 days of departure:
- If the cancellation is made within 3 days of the tour departure date, 100% of the tour fee will be charged as cancellation fee. This policy is applied to guarantee the reservation of services and to cover any costs already incurred.

Children traveling free of charge must sit on a parent’s lap.

You should download the POPGuide app on your smartphone to scan the QR code for the multilingual audio guide at our office.

The itinerary includes some stops with short walking sections on mostly flat surfaces; however, there may be a few small steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

During these stops, participants are advised to bring a fully charged phone and earphones in order to use the audio guide or other digital resources provided during the tour.

For further information or additional questions, feel free to contact the following phone number. Our team will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to ensure a memorable experience during the Matera tour.

Contact number: +39 0835334543 / +39 3284364400

We will be available to assist you with any requests or clarifications needed, ensuring that your tour is organized seamlessly and hassle-free.

PLEASE NOTE:
The itinerary outlined in the program may be subject to changes due to operational reasons or unforeseen circumstances (especially weather conditions). However, the number and quality of visits and excursions will be maintained. Any changes will not entitle you to refunds.

Frequently asked questions

Nessuna domanda frequente

Reviews

Contact and information

+39 0835 334 543
ota@martulliviaggi.com

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