Top Activities on the Ground in Matera

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.

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.

Private panoramic tour of the historic districts of the city, aboard the historic Ape Calessino Piaggio. You will not share the tour with other guests.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock city of Matera stretches over a steep cliff, so exploring it on foot can be tiring. Explore as much as possible without getting tired with this tour aboard an authentic Italian Ape Calessino (Tuk Tuk). Zip through the streets of the historic Sasso Caveoso neighborhood to admire the main churches and squares and snap photos of the famous cave houses and views of the surrounding valley.

Experience the top attractions of Matera—named the European “capital of culture” in 2019—on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide, explore sites like the Cathedral of Matera, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Learn about the city’s history and culture, and enjoy scenic views of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso.

Organize with us your Private Tour in the Sassi and Murgia Materana. Aboard a comfortable 8-seater Mercedes van you can discover everything there is to see in the city. From Sasso Caveoso to Sasso Barisano, we will cross the Old Town until we reach the Belvedere with its breathtaking view! Bottles of water will be available to our Guests. We offer customers a “private tour” service that allows you to visit the length and breadth of Matera Everything is set up to allow you as much as possible to enjoy every single moment of your trip, and all in value for money! During the Tour in Van an audio guide service will be provided You can choose the following languages: Italian/English/Spanish/French/German/Portuguese/Bulgarian/ Czechoslovak/Danish/Chinese/Estonian/Polish/Russian/Hungarian Entrance to all listed sites is included during the Tour. In short, only with US you can visit EVERYTHING!

Enjoy stunning aerial views of UNESCO-listed Matera during this small-group hot air balloon ride. Soar above the iconic hilltop city on a safe and panoramic journey, admiring the distinctive architecture and cultural sights with rare, bird's eye views. Small-group flights are capped at only eight participants and include an Italian breakfast.

Discover the enchanting landscapes of Matera riding an e-bike, easily passing from the iconic Sassi to the uncontaminated paths of the Murgia. With the ability to follow exclusive GPX routes or be accompanied by an experienced local Guide, you can tailor your adventure to your own pace. E-fat bikes guarantee an effortless ride, allowing you to explore historic sites and reach remote churches and hermitages immersed in striking scenery, without the effort of the past. Whether you choose to move independently or with an experienced Guide, the rich history and breathtaking views of Matera await you.

Touring the cliffside Sassi di Matera on foot can be tiring. With this tuk-tuk tour, you’ll zip up the steep streets of the old town to take in the top sights in just hours. Delve into the Barisano and Caveoso districts to admire ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches and learn about their history via an audio guide. Navigate the warren of narrow lanes with a group leader to avoid getting lost.

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 Murgia Timone 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 Timone viewpoint

Meet every day in Jazzo Gattini for a 2-hour exploration of the UNESCO Park of Murgia Materana. Discover its thousand-year-old Neolithic archaeological wonders, and then visit frescoed medieval rock churches overlooking the Gravina canyon and the Sassi di Matera, ancient cisterns, dry stone walls; a full immersion that travels through millennia of human history, from the dawn of time to the present day. This area boasts not only a wealth of history and archaeological wonders, but also an uncontaminated Mediterranean flora and fauna, immersed in a land that never ceases to amaze and amaze those who want to discover it. With us you can also let children participate with games and curiosities about fossils, flora and fauna.

Leave behind the busiest streets of Matera and cycle through the open landscapes of the Murgia plateau, along quiet side roads and easy dirt tracks. Admire the sweeping views of the Gravina, reach a vantage point on the Sassi and stop to enjoy a local focaccia and a traditional dessert. The e-bike makes the route pleasant and allows you to discover a quieter and less crowded side of Matera.

We will start with a small breakfast under the patriarch olive tree, in an old countryside. Later we will go through the caverns of an ancient farmhouse. Under the centuries-old olive trees we will taste Matera bread and prepare a traditional dish from Matera, "la cialledda", which tells of the encounter between the typical bread of Matera, now stale, and the vegetables and mixed salads of the Lucanian land. All this will take place in a laboratory, at the end of which we will share this meal as even today the olive pickers do in their breaks. The cialledda will be accompanied by Primitivo wine and from the bundle containing Lucanian Slow Food Presidium products: Caciocavallo Podolico, Baked olives from Ferrandina and Pezzente salami from the Matera mountains. We will also be cheered by the sounds of popular instruments and the songs of the Matera tradition.

We dive into the Park starting from the Sassi districts, across the suspension bridge that crosses the stream. Visit to the UNESCO Park of Murgia Materana with unspoilt nature, flora, fauna, art, ancient history and archaeology to discover. Rock churches (cut into the rock) with millenary frescoes, cisterns for collecting water, farms and tratturi crossed for millennia on the road between Rome and Jerusalem. Personalized tours with professional hiking environmental guide registered with AIGAE (Italian Association of Environmental Hiking Guides). Limited number of participants. It is a unique and exciting tour. You will discover nature, history and art through one of the oldest territories in the world. Bring hiking shoes, windbreaker, water and hat with visor.

If you visit Matera in summer, the heat may discourage you from visiting the Park, and it would be a great shame! That's why I offer my dawn tour, which requires a small initial sacrifice but pays off with a truly invigorating and aesthetically unique experience : The schedule is still flexible and if you really don't want to wake up before sunrise, this tour can still be done early in the morning. You are picked up comfortably at the Hotel by the NCC service (not provided by the Guide but by an external company), you walk together and walk back to the Sassi crossing the "Tibetan" Bridge in an experience that combines history, nature, views, fitness and a pinch of adventure!

Discover Sassi di Matera through a unique e-bike experience inspired by the principles of slow tourism. This guided tour lets you explore Matera at a relaxed pace, connecting with its landscapes, history, and local culture while minimizing your environmental impact. Ride effortlessly through ancient stone alleys, scenic terraces, and lesser-known paths, reaching quieter areas beyond the main tourist routes. Continue towards the Palomba rupestrian area, where rural scenery and rupestrian landscapes reveal a different and more authentic side of the territory. Along the way, stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Sassi and the surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities. An eco-friendly and immersive way to discover Matera, combining nature, heritage, and active exploration.

Discover the hidden gem of Basilicata on a scenic bike tour through the stunning Calanchi of Montalbano Jonico. This immersive experience leads you along ancient mule tracks and quiet country roads, where dramatic clay ridges and breathtaking panoramas await. With electric bike assistance, even beginners can enjoy the 8 km route at a relaxed pace, soaking in the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Your certified guide will share fascinating insights as you pedal effortlessly through this tranquil landscape, making it an ideal choice for those seeking authenticity and sustainability in their travels.

The experience of our team will lead you towards the discovery of the true and authentic soul made in the south, made up of food and wine excellence, typical crafts and sites of historical and cultural interest. Our company is a true airline, the only Italian company in southern Italy authorized to perform commercial flights with passengers, as it has a license issued by ENAC, the National Civil Aviation Authority and specific aeronautical insurance.

Explore the ancient Sassi of Matera in a fun and interactive way that transforms sightseeing into an unforgettable adventure. Solve clues as you navigate winding streets, uncover hidden corners, and learn fascinating stories along the way. Families, couples, and curious travelers will discover this unconventional experience encourages you to engage with one of Italy's most extraordinary cities from a completely different perspective.