Full Day Matera Tour With Cave Homes and Local Food Tasting

Matera, a captivating town in southern Italy, is home to a unique architectural marvel – the Sassi, a network of ancient cave dwellings carved into the hillside. Visitors can now experience the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site through the Full Day Matera Tour. Led by expert guides, this immersive journey not only explores the iconic cave homes but also treats travelers to a delightful tasting of local delicacies, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Matera’s fascinating past. With transportation, commentary, and regional specialties included, this tour promises to be a highlight of any traveler’s Italian adventure.

About Your Stay

• Full-day tour of Matera’s historic Sassi district, focusing on cave homes, churches, and local culinary experiences.
• Pricing starts at $105.20 per person, with pickup confirmation required 48 hours in advance.
• Includes wine tasting, regional snacks, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible and has restrictions for travelers with certain medical conditions.
• Overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, with feedback highlighting both positive and negative aspects.

Tour Overview

The Matera Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic city, immersing visitors in the unique cave dwellings and local culinary delights.

Operated by TUI Italia s.r.l, the full-day tour provides an in-depth look at Matera’s renowned Sassi district, with access to cave homes and churches. Priced from $105.20 per person, the tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, with a scheduled 8:00 AM start time.

Pickup details must be confirmed 48 hours in advance. The tour includes wine tasting, snacks, and food sampling, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable guide.

However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and has some restrictions for certain travelers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Typically, the Matera Tour includes a range of offerings to enhance the visitor experience. The tour provides alcoholic beverages for those 18 and above, as well as a wine tasting to savor the local flavors.

Plus, the tour features a selection of delectable snacks and food tastings, allowing participants to enjoy the culinary delights of the region.

The tour also includes:

• An air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation
• A knowledgeable tour guide to provide insightful commentary
• Entrance fees for the Sassi houses (€5.00) and Sassi churches (maximum €8.00)

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it may not be suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions.

Accessibility Considerations

The tour’s accessibility considerations are an important factor for prospective travelers to consider.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available. Those with back problems, pregnant travelers, and those with heart conditions aren’t recommended to participate.

However, most travelers can participate in the tour. Individuals should carefully assess their physical abilities before booking the tour to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience without any limitations.

Reviews and Feedback

Frequently, customers have provided mixed reviews for the Matera tour, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews.

Some negative feedback includes:

• The tour being overpriced, with the option to explore independently
• The large group size and limited time for exploration due to language translation
• Delays in pickup and waiting for the group

However, some customers praised the tour, highlighting the stunning views of Matera and the knowledgeable guide.

The company has acknowledged the feedback, expressing regret that the service didn’t meet expectations and committing to improving the quality based on customer comments.

Customer Service Responses

The company has acknowledged the feedback from both Elizabeth and Lisa, expressing regret that the service did not meet their expectations. They have committed to improving the quality of their service based on the customer comments received. A positive note from Pirjo highlighted the guide’s knowledge and the beauty of Matera, underscoring the company’s dedication to providing a memorable experience.

Feedback Type	Acknowledgment	Commitment to Improvement	Positive Note
Negative	✓	✓	–
Overpriced	✓	✓	–
Large Group Size	✓	✓	–
Delays	✓	✓	–
Stunning Views	–	–	✓

Exploring Matera’s Cave Homes

Matera’s iconic cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, have captivated visitors for centuries. These ancient troglodyte settlements, carved into the limestone cliffs, offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and unique way of life.

Visitors can explore:

• The intricate network of cave homes, churches, and public spaces, each with its own architectural features and historical significance.

• The underground cisterns and passageways that once provided the Sassi’s residents with water and essential resources.

• The breathtaking views of the Gravina ravine, which frames the Sassi and showcases the stunning natural landscape.

Wandering through the Sassi is a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of Matera’s past inhabitants.

Local Food Tasting Experience

Along With exploring the captivating cave dwellings, the Matera Tour also offers a delightful opportunity to savor the local culinary delights.

During the tour, travelers can indulge in a wine tasting and enjoy a selection of regional snacks and food tastings. The tour includes alcoholic beverages for those 18 and older, allowing participants to fully enjoy the local flavors.

The overall cost of the tour covers the food and beverage experiences, providing a well-rounded cultural adventure.

Whether it’s sampling the region’s renowned wines or savoring traditional local dishes, the food tasting component adds a delicious dimension to the Matera exploration.

Questions About Staying Here

Can I Choose My Preferred Start Time for the Tour?

The tour operator requires all participants to contact them 48 hours in advance to coordinate the pickup details, including the start time. Guests can’t choose their preferred start time, as the tour operates on a set schedule.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for group bookings. The price is a flat rate of $105.20 per person, regardless of the group size. However, the maximum group size is limited to 50 travelers.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should dress casually and be prepared for exploring the historic cave dwellings and walking through the city of Matera.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary cannot be customized to individual preferences. It’s a pre-set full-day tour package operated by TUI Italia s.r.l. Travelers must follow the scheduled activities, which include visiting Sassi houses, churches, wine tasting, and local food sampling.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated During the Food Tasting?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions during the food tasting. However, they do include a wine tasting and local food sampling, so travelers with dietary needs should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Worth The Stay

Discover the captivating history and culture of Matera on this immersive full-day tour. Explore the iconic cave homes of the Sassi district, admire the stunning Gravina ravine, and savor the flavors of the region through a delightful local food tasting. With expert guidance and transportation, this UNESCO World Heritage experience promises an enriching journey for travelers seeking to explore Matera’s unique heritage.