Top Matera Half-day Tours

Matera is home to the Sassi cave churches and dwellings that make up one of the oldest cities in the world. Join your guide for an in-depth tour of the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts to learn about their unique history and evolution. Discover rupestrian structures, stroll the steep and narrow lanes, and gain a deeper understanding of how this town, once called the “Shame of Italy”, is now a UNESCO-listed treasure.

The UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera is both captivating and mysterious. With this guided tour, take a deep dive into the history of this unique rupestrian city, named a 2019 European Capital of Culture. Explore its hidden dwellings and churches carved directly into the cliff, the setting for a number of films, including Ben Hur.

A panoramic excursion in rocky habitats, flanking the Gravina di Matera and its stream which extends for 20 km, from the foot of the city of Matera, made famous for its Sassi and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. We will follow the stream along the ridge of one side of the ravine, enjoying the landscapes of the Murgia Materana Regional Park. First by exploring the rock church of San Nicola all'Ofra, a farmhouse with its rooms dug into the cliff that communicate with each other: tunnels, stairways, cisterns, churches, developing on 3 levels of height. And then the karst Bat Cave, among the oldest evidence of human life in this area, a series of corridors, a breeding site for flying mammals, a place that hides the treasure of King Barbarossa between history and legend and where thanks research carried out in recent centuries revealed Paleolithic tools and fossils of extinct animals, such as the cave bear.

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Matera, you've come to the right place! With this digital guide created with the support of a local guide, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Matera! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian Aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience the Sassi of Matera in a deeper and more complete way, beyond the usual panoramic routes. The itinerary explores both historic districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and includes visits to two of the city’s most important rock churches. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn how Matera evolved from a “built” city into one carved directly into stone, as you pass through historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and rock-hewn spaces that reveal centuries of everyday life and spiritual tradition. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the rock churches, from Sant’Antonio Abate to the striking Madonna de Idris. Here, you’ll admire frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century and explore the ancient crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone. The experience ends with a tasting of traditional Lucanian specialties. The tour runs in small groups, allowing for a more engaging pace and better interaction.

Cover more ground and explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera cave churches and dwellings in less than an hour with this Ape Calessino tour. Buzz through the steep, narrow lanes to see highlights in the Barisano and Caveoso districts plus Civita, the town's historic center. Learn about the history of this unique cliffside town from your driver and guide and pause to admire the top sights and snap photos.

Make the most of your time in Matera and see the main tourist attractions in just a few hours with this guided tour. Stroll through the most historic districts of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, to learn about the unique evolution of this 'city of cave houses' over the millennia. Explore cave churches and dwellings, admire Baroque and Romanesque architecture, and views of the urban landscape and surrounding countryside.

Delve into the history and mystery of UNESCO-listed Matera, home to the Sassi cave city that traces its history back to prehistoric times. Explore one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a guide, stopping to visit rupestrian churches and homes and learn about the evolution of this singular cliffside town. Stroll through the Sasso Barisano and pause to snap photos of the town and surrounding valley.

The tour begins at Piazza del Ferrarese, near the Teatro Margherita, where you'll start an engaging walking tour through the heart of Bari Vecchia, the medieval district home to 29 historic churches and countless legends. You'll explore the lively Piazza Mercantile and visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a symbol of unity among Christian denominations. Next, you'll visit the Cathedral of San Sabino and the imposing Swabian Castle, a symbol of the city. On Strada Arco Basso, you'll have the chance to observe local women preparing traditional orecchiette by hand, a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Bari's culture. Finish the tour with a delicious focaccia barese or artisanal gelato, before returning to Matera. A complete experience of history, culture, and cuisine in an authentic and unique atmosphere.

Relax with our hassle-free city-to-city travel experience. Enjoy the freedom of personalized journeys tailored to your schedule. Our friendly drivers not only provide door-to-door service but also assist with your luggage, ensuring its safety during the stop for lunch or sightseeing. Say goodbye to public transport confusion and unnecessary taxi expenses. Travel seamlessly with us. Our private transfer service not only saves you time but also eliminates the stress of public transportation or handling heavy luggage. We prioritize your comfort, safety, and efficiency throughout your journey. Our fleet includes various vehicle options to suit your needs: Comfortable sedan (1-3 passengers) with space for up to 3 suitcases and cabin luggage. Large VAN (4-8 passengers) with room for up to 8 suitcases and cabin luggage. Choose our private transfer service for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. We look forward to serving you.

Leave Matera behind for a wine experience in the countryside of Nova Siri. Your day begins with a private transfer from your hotel or accommodation in Matera, giving you a comfortable and stress-free journey to Masseria Battifarano. Once at the estate, join the shared experience and explore the vineyards, learn about local grape varieties such as Greco and Primitivo, and visit the winery to discover the main stages of production, from fermentation to ageing. The visit ends with a guided tasting of three selected wines — Le Paglie, Akratos Rosato and Akratos Rosso — served with traditional local taralli. After the tasting, your private driver will take you back to Matera, so you can enjoy the wines without worrying about driving.

Discover Matera through the world of cinema on a guided e-bike small group adventure across the historic centre, the Sassi, and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. Follow an expert guide along a hidden itinerary and uncover filming locations that would be difficult to recognise on your own. Relive scenes from 007: No Time to Die, The Passion of the Christ, and Imma Tataranni Italian TV-show, while learning how Matera’s rock-cut architecture and dramatic landscapes were transformed for the screen. Cycle through a varied route of urban streets, scenic viewpoints, cycle paths, and short off-road sections. End the experience at the Murgecchia viewpoint, where you can admire the Sassi from across the Gravina canyon. Follow a hidden filming-locations route with an expert guide Discover scenes from 007, The Passion, and Imma Tataranni Ride through the Sassi and Murgia on a guided e-bike tour Admire the Sassi from the Murgia viewpoint

Travel from Matera in a comfortable private vehicle and begin your experience with a visit to the ancient temple included in the itinerary. Then continue to a spacious vineyard overlooking the surrounding countryside and enjoy the striking views of the ghost village of Craco at sunset. Receive a traditional picnic basket filled with an abundant selection of local specialties, such as cheeses, cured meats, bread, focaccia, and seasonal products, carefully paired with a bottle of local wine. Choose your preferred table freely among the vines and enjoy a genuine, unhurried picnic surrounded by peaceful landscapes and panoramic views. - Visit the ancient Greek temple, Palatine Tables, along the route to Montalbano - Enjoy a sunset picnic with local delicacies and local wine tasting in a vineyard - Travel in a private sedan or minivan with a professional driver - Perfect for those looking for a blend of culture, history, and gastronomy

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Join us for a three-hour walking tour to explore the enchanting city of Matera. Visit Casa Cava, a unique space where history and modernity blend, and marvel at the beautiful frescoes of Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Take in the stunning views of Piazza Vittorio Veneto and delve into the fascinating history of Chiesa del Purgatorio. Discover the fascinating Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera, and explore the charming Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve. Finally, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

This is not a simple audio tour in the Sassi of Matera, but an immersive experience that combines history, mystery and spirituality. Unlike traditional guides, it accompanies you to discover the most authentic Matera: cave churches, quiet alleys and hidden places, far from the crowds. Each stage combines historical stories, mysterious curiosities and holistic readings, with an engaging and narrative style. In some stages you will also find short guided meditations, to live a deeper and more personal experience. ✔ Self-contained tour, at your own pace ✔ Secret and less touristy places ✔ Perfect for those seeking excitement and authenticity A trip designed not only to see Matera... but to really feel it.

Leave Matera with private pick-up from your accommodation and explore two remarkable sites in the Basilicata countryside. Visit the Crypt of Original Sin, a rock-hewn church known for its rare 8th–9th-century frescoes, with an audio guide that explains the biblical scenes and their meaning. As you explore the painted story of Genesis, you will also discover an intriguing detail: the forbidden fruit is not shown as an apple, revealing a different and more surprising interpretation of the original scene. Continue to Masseria Dragone for a tasting that includes a charcuterie board with local cold cuts, traditional bread, crunchy taralli, and a glass of local wine. After this flavorful break, stop at the San Giuliano Dam to enjoy a scenic view before reaching Miglionico. Walk through the medieval village with a licensed guide and visit Malconsiglio Castle, linked to the historic Conspiracy of the Barons. Wrap up the tour and return comfortably to your accommodation in Matera.

Explore the Gravina Bridge and Orsini Dukes on a guided tour from Matera. Discover the rock church "Madonna della Sella," ancient caves, and the hidden soul of the Gravina, where James Bond was filmed.

Start your experience in Matera with a private door-to-door transfer from your hotel. Travel comfortably through the Basilicata countryside to Mantenera, an organic farm in Tricarico surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and peaceful rural landscapes. Once there, discover the authentic taste of Basilicata with a guided olive oil experience. Walk through the ancient olive grove, learn about Mantenera’s story and find out how organic extra virgin olive oil is produced with care, tradition and respect for the land. Enjoy a guided tasting of local olive oils and learn how to recognize aromas, intensity and distinctive qualities. You can choose the standard olive oil experience or upgrade with a hearty aperitif featuring locally sourced products, cured meats, cheeses, water, wine, and dessert. At the end of the visit, you may purchase local olive oil directly at the farm as an authentic souvenir or gift. After the experience, return comfortably to Matera with your private transfer.

We are local professional private drivers in English and Spanish. We will make you spend a magical experience with a very comfortable guide, with very experienced people. We have Mercedes vehicles: sedan car, minivan, minibus and coach 54 seats. We carry out transfers and excursions from every part of Campania and other Italian regions. Naples, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento Peninsula, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Ravello, Paestum and so on. If you want to travel comfortably in good company anywhere in Italy: we are your solution !!! Relax while we take you wherever you want, even in distant places such as Caserta, Salerno, Avellino, Benevento, Rome, Florence, Pisa with the corresponding railway stations, ports and airports. All of our vehicles have the amenities you need.

Serious hiking options in southern Italy are limited—many renowned trails, such as the Path of the Gods, are far from Basilicata. The Path of the Seven Stones is the region's standout: a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) route connecting Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa with significant elevation changes and seven sculpture installations based on local witch folklore. Hike the route with a AIGAE-certified environmental guide, and skip any navigation hassle or planning headaches.

Discover the haunting beauty of Craco, a ghost town that seems to emerge from the pages of history, during this captivating day trip from Matera. With a guided tour through its silent streets and crumbling structures, you’ll learn about the town's fascinating past and the landslides that led to its abandonment. Continue to the picturesque town of Pisticci, where you can wander its charming lanes and enjoy authentic Lucanian cuisine at a local trattoria. The day also includes a visit to the Amaro Lucano Museum to uncover the secrets of Italy’s iconic herbal liqueur. Perfect for those seeking mystery and culture in a single day. - Guided 1-hour tour of the dramatic ghost town of Craco - Explore the charming hilltop town of Pisticci with free time - Visit the Amaro Lucano Museum and learn about its history - Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Matera included for convenience

Experience something truly unique with a half-day tour to Ginosa, departing comfortably from Matera with a private transfer. Sit back and relax as our van takes you through stunning landscapes to one of the most beautiful wine regions in Puglia. During the tour, you’ll explore ancient vineyards and olive groves, immersing yourself in the region’s rich tradition and natural beauty. You’ll learn the secrets of Puglian winemaking from local experts, and the tour will end with a tasting of fine wines, paired with delicious local products, giving you a true taste of Puglia’s culinary heritage. An unforgettable journey that will leave you with lasting memories and new flavors to bring back with you to Matera.

Are you fascinated by Ghost Towns? Depart from Matera in a comfortable minivan and embark on a captivating journey to discover Craco. Today known as the "town suspended in time," Craco Vecchia retains the intact charm of a place where the clock of history has stopped. Once the beating heart of Basilicata, the village experienced centuries of community life, contributing to the economic and social dynamics of the region. This evocative setting has captured the imagination of filmmakers, becoming the natural set for masterpieces such as Christ Stopped at Eboli by Francesco Rosi and The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. After this immersion in history, the journey continues to Essenza – Museo dell'Amaro Lucano, an emotional journey through five thematic areas that tell the story of the bond between the territory and the iconic liqueur. The tour concludes with the return to Matera.