All Matera Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock

Guided Tour of Matera Sassi

4.8

(537)

from US$26

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.

4.7

(1,495)

from US$18

Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour

Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi district without the hassle of navigating steep streets or trying to find key viewpoints on your own. This comfortable panoramic bus tour takes you through the city’s ancient cave dwellings and scenic overlooks, offering an easy way to take in its unique landscape. Step inside a traditional cave house and visit highlights around Piazza San Pietro Caveoso for a closer look at Matera’s history and architecture.

(1,892)

from US$35

Panoramic Tour of the Sassi of Matera in Open-Bus with House-Cave

Panoramic Tour of the Sassi of Matera in Open-Bus with House-Cave

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(279)

from US$24

Ape Calessino Tour Sassi of Matera "Standard"

40 to 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(184)

from US$47

Matera Guided Sunset Tour: Murgia Timone&Belvedere with Transfer

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(134)

from US$30

Experience the landscapes surrounding Matera without the challenge of navigating Murgia Materana Park’s extensive trail network on your own. This guided trek leads you to ancient caves, rock-hewn churches, and scenic canyon paths while providing insight into the area’s history, biodiversity, and traditions. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Sassi di Matera and discover the prehistoric and cultural heritage that makes this region so distinctive.

From Matera : Murgia Park and Sassi at Sunset Tour

From Matera : Murgia Park and Sassi at Sunset Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(36)

from US$30

Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world whose territory preserves evidence of human settlements starting from the Paleolithic and without interruptions up to the present day. It represents an extraordinary page written by man through the millennia of this very long history. World Heritage Site since 1993 and European Capital of Culture in 2019. With the classic and typical Ape Calessino (tuk tuk), an Italian myth, much appreciated by families, especially with children in wheelchairs, we will cross the Old Town and the Sassi, as they are very tiring on foot, especially in the summer, whizzing through the streets and characteristic alleys, making small stops for photos and videos and to visit churches in the squares and characteristic Case Grotte (Case Museo).

Ape Calessino Tour Matera Lungo

1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(63)

from US$53

Discover the magic of the Sassi di Matera with an exclusive private guided tour, designed just for you and your group. No crowds, no strangers – you will have an authentic experience with an expert Guide dedicated only to you. You will walk through picturesque alleys, houses carved into the rock and breathtaking views, entering a typical Casa Grotta, furnished as it used to be, to understand the peasant life in the Sassi. You will also visit an evocative Rock Church, carved into the rock and embellished with ancient frescoes, testimony of the millennial spirituality of Matera. The tour is completely customizable in time and rhythm, ideal for couples, families or small groups who want to experience Matera in an intimate and unhurried way. Book your private tour now and be guided into the authentic heart of the Sassi : an exclusive, deep and unforgettable experience.

Matera Private Tour of the Old Town and Sassi Complete

Matera Private Tour of the Old Town and Sassi Complete

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.

(104)

from US$236

Per group

Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting

Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting

3 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(9)

from US$32

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - between History, legend and anecdotes

Visit Matera on board a bee, a comfortable and fun experience. A tour of the three districts of the Sassi of Matera and the historic center with panoramic stops and curiosities about the recent history of the city of Matera: from a national shame to a city known and appreciated worldwide. It will also be possible to visit a typical "casa cave" house The route lasts just over an hour, accompanied by a local person to discover the secrets of this millennial city. In special requests enter your preferred departure time!

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - between History, legend and anecdotes

1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

(144)

from US$63

Discover a side of Matera that many visitors never see without the challenge of interpreting its underground history on your own. This guided experience explores the Matera Hypogeum, a vast network of subterranean spaces carved beneath the city. As you pass ancient dwellings, cisterns, and places of worship, gain insight into how generations of residents lived, worked, and managed resources below the streets of this UNESCO-listed destination.

Materasum_Materaunderground

15 to 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(89)

from US$9

Explore the enchanting city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a private panoramic minicar, accompanied by an expert local guide. This exclusive tour offers a blend of comfort and cultural richness as you glide through Matera's iconic Sassi districts, ancient rock churches, and scenic viewpoints. Listen to captivating stories that illuminate the city's history while enjoying unobstructed views perfect for photography. With convenient stops at breathtaking locations, this experience is tailored for couples, families, and seniors seeking to discover Matera's beauty in a relaxed and informative manner. - Private panoramic minicar tour with a knowledgeable local guide - Visit the historic Sassi Cave Districts, Barisano, and Caveoso - Enjoy stunning views from panoramic terraces overlooking the Gravina canyon - Perfect for couples, families, and seniors seeking a comfortable exploration

Likely to Sell Out

Matera: Panoramic TukTuk Tour with Cave House Entry

Matera: Panoramic TukTuk Tour with Cave House Entry

50 minutesFree Cancellation

from US$71

Discover the historical "Sassi" neighbourhoods with a high profile guide. Our guides are all very fluent in English. Starting from the upper part of the city centre, you will get to know the most alive part of the town, where the locals live. Moving towards the Sassi area, you will have the chance to better understand how this complex city developed over the centuries. Passing first by the Sasso Barisano which we will admire from a panoramic terrace, the tour keeps going on through the internal alleys of the Sasso Caveoso with several stops to dig into the depths of Matera’s historical, architectural and cultural background. Our choice on what to include in the tour has been made, taking into careful consideration which sites are most worthy of the presence of a guide. We decided to include a rock-hewn church: Santa Lucia alle Malve. At the end of the tour the guide will share with you infos on which other places it’s worth of visiting on your own.

Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES

Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES

Beneath Matera's main piazza lies a sealed underground city — Roman cisterns, a ninth-century church, and a tank that held five million litres of rainwater. This self-guided audio tour of the Sassi di Matera, delivered through an app, takes you past what most visitors never notice. You'll learn why families paid for better skull placement on a church door, how an assassinated count sparked a city motto about patient revenge, and why Hollywood chose these cave streets over the actual Holy Land. Your guide covers both Sasso districts, the cathedral, and cave homes where families of eleven lived alongside their animals. Start anytime, pause for photos, go at your pace — no group to follow, no fixed schedule. Works offline in the narrow streets. Over 20,000 travellers trust our self-guided tours, and every booking comes with a full refund guarantee. If you want to understand Matera rather than just photograph it, this Matera walking tour is built for exactly that.

(495)

from US$35

Special Offer

Caves, Counts and Crusades Self Guided Tour of Matera

Caves, Counts and Crusades Self Guided Tour of Matera

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

English Guided tour in the Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano and City Center During our guided tour we are going to see the amazing old city of Matera. We are going to visit the original cave house that will show you how the poor people lived in the past in the Sassi of Matera with original furniture of that time. During the walking tour will visit the Rock Church with wonderful frescoes inside.

English Matera Tour included entrances Cave House and RockChurch.

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(21)

from US$24

Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta

Discover Matera with a panoramic bus tour ideal for visiting the Sassi in a comfortable way and without long walks. The experience combines panoramic routes, short walks in the historic center and entrances included in the symbolic places of the city. From Tramontano Castle the tour reaches Piazzetta Pascoli, one of the most suggestive viewpoints to admire the Sasso Caveoso, and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the heart of modern Matera overlooking the Sasso Barisano. The descent continues towards the Sassi with panoramic stops, a visit to a rock church carved into the rock and a typically furnished Casa Grotta, to understand life in the Sassi until the 1950s. The bus facilitates travel in areas with elevation differences, making the tour suitable for all ages. Ideal for a first visit, for those seeking iconic views, culture and comfort in a single experience.

Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(62)

from US$24

Tricarico Olive Oil Tasting with Private Transfer from Matera

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.

Tricarico Olive Oil Tasting with Private Transfer from Matera

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from US$354

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.

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - Panoramic tour by bee calessino

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - Panoramic tour by bee calessino

40 minutesFree Cancellation

(192)

from US$39

Long Private Panoramic Tour with Ape Calessino in Matera

1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Private Panoramic Tour with Piaggio Ape Calessino in Matera

(58)

from US$55

45 to 50 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the authentic charm of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with a street food tour that combines local flavors with stunning scenery. Stroll through its maze of stone-carved alleys, historic districts, and scenic overlooks as your local guide brings to life stories of cave dwellings, ancient communities, and the layered history of this extraordinary city. Admire Belvedere on Via Duomo, Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Matera, former Monastery of Santa Lucia and Agata alla Civita, Piazza Sant'Eligio, and Belvedere Giovanni Pascoli. Delight in a curated selection of Matera and Lucania's iconic street foods. Enjoy crispy peperoni cruschi, traditional cialledda materana, fresh handmade cavatelli, and finish with artisanal gelato in the heart of the Sassi. Along the way, your guide will reveal how food, history, and daily life remain deeply intertwined in this extraordinary city.

(63)

from US$40

Matera Food Walking Tour in a Small Group with a Local Guide

Matera Food Walking Tour in a Small Group with a Local Guide

Explore Matera at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 10 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location. The route covers the historic heart and the Sassi districts, from Piazza Vittorio Veneto to the Church of San Pietro Caveoso, passing sites like the Matera Cathedral, the panoramic Piazzetta Pascoli, and the iconic Santa Maria di Idris. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

(1)

from US$58

Self Guided Walking Tour of Matera with Audio Guide

Self Guided Walking Tour of Matera with Audio Guide

Experience Alberobello without the stress of planning or driving on this day trip from Matera by minibus. This tour combines the insight of a licensed local guide with plenty of free time, giving you both context and freedom. During the guided walking tour, you’ll dive into the history and symbolism of the UNESCO-listed trulli, learning how these iconic stone houses were built and why Alberobello is truly unique. Your guide brings the town to life with stories, traditions, and local perspectives that go far beyond a self-guided visit. After the tour, enjoy extended free time to explore Alberobello at your own pace—wander through the lively Rione Monti, discover artisan shops, take memorable photos, or relax with lunch or an aperitivo among the trulli. Comfortable transportation, expert storytelling, and a relaxed pace make this experience ideal for travelers who want to see Alberobello properly, without rushing.

3.0

(2)

from US$6

Alberobello Shared Guided Day Tour from Matera

Alberobello Shared Guided Day Tour from Matera

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour

from US$59

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What are people saying about Matera

Valeria_C, Aug 2026

Fascinating, informative and enjoyable!

Gaetano was a fantastic tour guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the content of the tour, which was based on the evolution of Matera and the “Sassi”. We also got an idea of how the inhabitants lived and how the Caves were constructed which was fascinating. Gaetano was very knowledgeable and very considerate of his guests spending most time in the shade in the heat! We would highly recommend this tour! Thank you

Guided Tour of Matera Sassi

Maria_L, Aug 2026

Great Tour with a Knowledgeable Guide

The tour was great! Our guide was extremely nice and knowledgeable. They provided a good overview of the city, the buildings, and the history, while pointing out interesting things along the way and sharing some fun facts. One thing to keep in mind is that there is quite a bit of walking up and down, so wear comfortable shoes. We did the tour in the morning in the middle of August, and it was still extremely hot, so definitely be prepared for the heat. Overall, it was a really nice way to explore the city and learn some basic history while seeing things we probably would have missed on our own. I would recommend it! The tour operator was very accommodating

Matera : Sassi tour with the iconic churches carved into the rock

Stella_S, Aug 2026

Great Tour and Guide

Very nice and informative guide. It was a really warm day and she did her best to keep us in the shade through the tour. We learned very interesting facts listening to our guide. She showed us old pictures and comparisons. Her knowledge was appreciated. Would definitely recommend it. Two thumbs up!

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - Panoramic tour by bee calessino

Paula_D, Jul 2026

Fun way to get your bearings in Matera!

A really nice and fun way to get your bearings in Matera. Recommended for when you first arrive. Gets you out of the direct heat of the day for an hour and the tour guide had some really interesting insights into Matera's history as well as current life in the town.

Matera Guided Sunset Tour: Murgia Timone&Belvedere with Transfer

Heidi_M, Jul 2026

Our tour guide was...

Our tour guide was amazing. I highly recommend the walk/ mild hike as it has a wonderful history and incredible perspective and views. My only regret was not capturing his name. He had a beard and a dog named Saki. 100% best guide. Extremely kind and generous with his knowledge of the area. 10/10!!! Grazie Mille from the California couple!

Ape Calessino Tour Matera Lungo

Todd_T, Jun 2026

BEST way to see Matera

This is by far the best way to see Matera. Our guide, even with limited English, was incredibly helpful and friendly and showed us everything we wanted to see and more. Plenty of time for photographs and getting out and seeing incredible views. This is a great thing for somebody with a mobility issues, and the central Meetup location was easily accessible by taxi.

Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES

Matthew_E, May 2026

Great Intro to Matera!

Excellent tour! The guide was very friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and easy to understand. The 2 hours were actively paced but not rushed. She did an excellent job of presenting the history of the sassi in the context of the overall history of Matera, including many small and interesting tidbits of information. I learned a huge amount! One of the best walking tours I’ve taken!

Matera by Night. Entrance fees included Cave House and Rock Church.

Sharyn_S, May 2026

Lost in Italian

I did the tour knowing it was in Italian but there was no English option at that time. I loved walking around in the evening and the point is to view the sight. The best part and why I booked the tour was the entry to a church and cave house that I otherwise would not have seen.

Tuk Tuk tour Matera - between History, legend and anecdotes

Ronda_S, Mar 2026

Views and Sights of Matera

Fabulous experience for anyone coming to Matera who would like to experience an overview of the city and the history involved while in the comfort of a cute little vehicle. Vito was accommodating, knowledgeable, kind, and answered all of our questions happily. Highly recommend this tour!

Ape Calessino Tour Sassi of Matera "Standard"

Barbara_V, Oct 2025

Magnificence in Matera

Had an amazing birdseye view of Sassi and also a cave house, plus a few other notable sights along the way. Loved being able to be in the historic spaces without having to walk to them, opportunities to step out and take pictures, and a hospitable driver/guide to “escort” us from place to place.