Matera’s Sassi district is a one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage site, and a guided tour is the best way to uncover its secrets. With over 1,100 positive reviews, this tour offers an immersive journey through the city’s ancient cave dwellings and rupestrian churches. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the experience includes exclusive access, tastings, and discounts, promising a memorable adventure. For travelers seeking to explore Matera’s rich history and culture, this guided tour is an enticing prospect.
Key Points
- The Guided Tour of Matera Sassi explores the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera, providing insights into the unique rupestrian city.
- Highlights include visits to a Rupestrian Church and Casa Grotta cave dwelling, with a 10% discount at a local food and drink hotel.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and participants should be aware of any physical limitations or special needs before booking.
- Pricing starts from £12.74 per person, with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.
- Traveler feedback is mixed, with some praising the historical insights and unique views, while others note organizational and communication issues.
Overview of the Guided Tour
The Guided Tour of Matera Sassi allows visitors to explore the unique rupestrian city, which is home to the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera that served as the 2019 European Capital of Culture.
With a 4.7 average rating from 1,126 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, the tour provides an in-depth look at the hidden dwellings and churches carved into the cliffs.
Travelers can expect to visit a Rupestrian Church and Casa Grotta cave dwelling, accompanied by a local guide and receiving discounts on food and drink.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a maximum group size of 200 participants.
Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Matera might interest you
Tour Highlights and Inclusions
The guided tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the unique rupestrian city of Matera, including its hidden dwellings and churches carved into the cliffs.
Key sites visited include a Rupestrian Church and Casa Grotta cave dwelling. Travelers receive a local tour guide, entrance fees, a 10% discount at MòVado Food & Drink, food tasting, and transportation.
The meeting point is Via Alessandro Volta, 3, 75100 Matera MT, Italy, and the tour ends at Via Bruno Buozzi, 75100 Matera MT, Italy.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Accessibility and Participation
While the guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Matera’s rupestrian city, it may not be accessible for all travelers.
The tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly, and it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
However, most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
The tour is a shared experience, with a maximum group size of 200 travelers.
Travelers should consider their physical abilities and any special needs before booking this tour to ensure it aligns with their capabilities and expectations.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Starting from £12.74 per person, this guided tour offers a lowest price guarantee.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The tour also features a reserve now, pay later option, providing booking flexibility. Visitors can secure their spot without an immediate full payment.
With competitive pricing and flexible policies, this guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera aims to make the experience accessible and convenient for travelers.
Traveler Feedback and Experiences
Many travelers have shared their experiences and feedback on the Guided Tour of Matera Sassi. The reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of the tour. Some praised the knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences, while others felt the tour lacked depth or organization. Traveler feedback on the tour varied, with some finding it informative and enjoyable, while others felt it did not meet their expectations.
Positive Reviews | Negative Feedback | Common Themes |
---|---|---|
Excellent historical insights | Tour organization issues | Experiences varied |
Unique views of Matera | Timing problems | Some found it informative |
Engaging experiences | Guide communication concerns | Others felt it lacked depth |
Well-informed guides | Tour did not meet expectations | Clarity of tour content |
Highlights of the Sassi | Lack of historical depth | Engagement with the guide |
Exploring the Unesco-Listed Sassi Di Matera
The Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO-listed site, are a unique and ancient settlement in the southern Italian city of Matera.
These ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs date back to the Paleolithic era. Visitors can explore the intricate network of homes, churches, and public spaces that have been gradually carved into the rock over thousands of years.
The Sassi offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the ingenuity of its inhabitants, who adapted to the challenging terrain.
Exploring these UNESCO-protected landmarks is a highlight of the guided tour, providing an immersive experience in Matera’s remarkable architectural and cultural heritage.
Taking in the Rupestrian City’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the grand scale of the Sassi di Matera, the guided tour immerses visitors in the hidden gems of this rupestrian city.
Ducking into ancient cave dwellings, guests witness how families once lived carved into the cliffs. Descending into atmospheric rupestrian churches, they marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the walls.
The tour’s local guides share captivating tales, bringing the Sassi’s storied past to life. Travelers explore narrow alleyways, discovering unexpected panoramas around every corner.
This intimate journey offers a chance to truly take in Matera’s architectural wonders and centuries-old traditions.
Culinary Delights and Local Discounts
As part of the guided tour, visitors are treated to a delightful food tasting experience, allowing them to savor the local flavors of Matera.
Along With the entrance fees and guided exploration, the tour includes a 10% discount at MòVado Food & Drink, a local hotel.
This provides an opportunity for participants to further enjoy the culinary culture of the region, trying authentic dishes and purchasing local products.
The food tasting and discount enhance the overall experience, enabling travelers to fully appreciate the gastronomic delights that Matera has to offer.
Ask Away
What Is the Average Duration of the Guided Tour?
The duration of the guided tour is not explicitly provided in the information given. However, it’s typical for walking tours of historical sites to last approximately 2 to 3 hours, allowing ample time to explore the key highlights.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Language Translation Services?
The tour guides provide multilingual services, offering translation in various languages to accommodate international travelers. Visitors can expect seamless communication and a more immersive experience thanks to the tour guides’ language capabilities.
Are Any Discounted Tickets Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer discounted tickets for students or seniors, but they do provide a 10% discount at the MòVado Food & Drink location as part of the tour. The base price starts at £12.74 per person.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?
According to the information provided, the tour doesn’t offer customization options. It’s a shared group experience with a fixed itinerary. However, travelers can explore the Sassi di Matera further on their own after the tour.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price doesn’t include any additional fees or taxes. It covers the entrance fees, guide, food tasting, and transportation, so travelers won’t have to pay extra for these services during the experience.
Final Words
The Guided Tour of Matera Sassi offers an immersive experience exploring Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi district. Visitors can discover the city’s rich history, marvel at its unique cave dwellings, and savor local delicacies, all while benefiting from a knowledgeable guide and additional perks. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour provides a captivating journey through this remarkable historical destination, making it a must-do for most travelers visiting Matera.
More Tours in Matera
More Tour Reviews in Matera
Still browsing? Here are more Matera experiences we've covered recently
- Materasum_Materaunderground
- Matera Cooking Class
- Exclusive Private Hot Air Balloon Flight in Matera with Breakfast
- Guided Tour to the Sassi of Matera in Spanish
- Complete tour of the two Sassi – Barisano and Caveoso
- Tour of the Sassi of Matera
- Secret Matera Sassi (Private Tour)
- Private Guided Tour in Matera – Local Guide
- SASSI DI MATERA: Guided Tour by Ape Calessino
- Matera by Night lingua italiana.Casa Grotta e Chiesa incluse
- TRANI AND CASTEL DEL MONTE: guided tours and transfers from Matera
- Tour of the Murgia Materana Park and the Sassi at sunset