Enjoy the Adventure
Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Join us on an unforgettable journey through Matera, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into limestone cliffs. This extraordinary city in Italy's Basilicata region features ancient cave dwellings (Sassi), rock-hewn churches with Byzantine frescoes, dramatic ravine scenery, and a remarkable story of transformation from poverty to cultural treasure. Our expertly curated tours immerse you in this captivating destination, with opportunities to explore the labyrinthine Sassi districts, discover rupestrian churches, stay in cave hotels, and experience the unique atmosphere of this timeless city that served as the backdrop for numerous films including "The Passion of the Christ." A range of activities are available suited to every traveler, from historical exploration and cave dwelling tours to cultural experiences, ravine walks, and culinary discoveries. Guide services, when available, can be added as optional enhancements to your package. Sassi Cave Dwellings, Sasso Caveoso, and Rock-Hewn Churches are all within easy reach. Our experienced guides will lead you through each destination, sharing their passion for Matera's most incredible heritage. We offer a range of activities suited to every traveler, from cultural exploration and lakeside leisure to mountain adventures and heritage visits.
We offer a range of accommodationoptions in Matera to suit your preferences and budget. Hotel selection, amenities, and specific features depend on your chosen package and booking preferences. For detailed information about specific properties, facilities, and services available during your stay, please contact us to customize your accommodation based on your requirements. Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration through one of Europe's most unique and ancient cities.
What's Included & Optional Add-ons
To help you plan your trip, here's what's included in your base package and the optional add-ons available to enhance your experience.
Included in Base Package:
- Return flights from UK airports (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh)
- 5 nights accommodation in selected hotels
Optional Add-ons to Enhance Your Experience:
- Airport transfers from Bari Airport
- Board basis options: Room Only, Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board
- Sassi districts guided walking tour
- Casa Grotta furnished cave dwelling visit
- Rock churches and crypt tours (Madonna de Idris, Santa Lucia, San Pietro)
- MUSMA contemporary sculpture museum
- Palombaro Lungo underground cistern tour
- Murgia Materana Park ravine walk
- Cave dwelling hotel experience
- Bread-making workshop (traditional pane di Matera)
- Cooking class featuring Lucanian cuisine
- Wine tasting at local vineyards (Aglianico del Vulture)
- Alberobello trulli houses day trip
- Gravina in Puglia excursion
- Petra Bianca outdoor sculpture park
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
Itinerary Guide
This comprehensive itinerary is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences in Matera.
Arrive at Bari Airport and transfer to Matera (approximately 1 hour). Check into your accommodation—ideally a converted cave dwelling (sassi) hotel for an authentic experience. Begin exploring the extraordinary Sassi districts, wandering through the labyrinth of ancient cave houses, churches, and alleyways carved into the limestone ravine. Visit a viewing platform for sunset over the dramatic landscape. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in a cave setting featuring local Lucanian specialties.
Take a comprehensive guided tour through the two main Sassi districts—Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Visit Casa Grotta, a furnished cave dwelling showing how families lived in these spaces until the 1950s. Explore multiple rock-hewn churches including Madonna de Idris perched on a rocky spur, Santa Lucia alle Malve with Byzantine frescoes, and the Crypt of Original Sin called the “Sistine Chapel of rupestrian churches.” Descend into the Palombaro Lungo, an impressive underground water cistern.
Cross the dramatic Gravina ravine to explore Murgia Materana Park, a protected area featuring more rock churches, prehistoric caves, and incredible viewpoints back across the gorge to the Sassi. Hike trails through this lunar-like landscape spotting rare birds and wild vegetation. Visit rock churches carved into cliffsides including Madonna delle Tre Porte and San Falcione. The panoramic views of Matera across the ravine are absolutely spectacular and perfect for photography.
Visit MUSMA, a unique contemporary sculpture museum housed in Palazzo Pomarici showcasing modern art in ancient cave settings. Participate in a traditional bread-making workshop learning to make Matera’s famous pane di Matera, a protected IGP bread with ancient grain varieties and distinctive shape. Take a cooking class featuring local pasta like orecchiette and traditional dishes. Visit artisan workshops producing ceramics, nativity scenes, and local crafts. Enjoy an evening passeggiata through the illuminated Sassi.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions—visit UNESCO-listed Alberobello with its unique trulli houses (1 hour), explore Gravina in Puglia with its own cave dwellings and stunning bridge, or discover the ghost town of Craco perched dramatically on a hilltop. Alternatively, enjoy a final leisurely exploration of Matera, shopping for local products, visiting missed churches, or simply soaking in the ancient atmosphere. Farewell dinner before your departure transfer.
