Matera: Hiking Tour in the Canyon of the Gravina River

Matera, an ancient city in southern Italy, is renowned for its unique rock-hewn dwellings and historic charm. The Hiking Tour in the Canyon of the Gravina River offers visitors a chance to enjoy this captivating landscape. Traversing the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, the tour promises an unforgettable experience, where hikers can uncover the secrets of the region’s rich history and witness the breathtaking beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this moderate trek promises to be a highlight of any visit to Matera.

Key Points

• The 2.5-hour hiking tour explores ancient rock churches in the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches near Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
• The moderate-difficulty route covers 5 km with 100 meters of elevation gain, suitable for most able-bodied adults.
• The tour includes round-trip transfers from Matera and is led by a blue badge guide who provides insights on the park’s history and local herb usage.
• Participants can enjoy unique sunset views of the ancient city of the Sassi, a highlight of the experience.
• The tour has a minimum requirement of 2 adults and is not recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The hiking tour in the Canyon of the Gravina River, located in Matera, Italy, offers a captivating 2.5-hour adventure through the region’s natural wonders.

Priced from $106.13 per person, the tour is limited to just 10 participants and is available in both Italian and English. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour also features a reserve now, pay later option. Traversing a 5-kilometer route with a 100-meter elevation gain, the hiking tour is classified as a tourist-level difficulty, making it suitable for most able-bodied adults.

Experience Highlights

Hikers can discover the wild nature of Matera as they make their way towards the Gravina stream in the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Along the way, they’ll come across ancient rock churches amidst lush vegetation. A blue badge guide will share insights into the park’s history and the use of herbs by the area’s ancestors. The tour culminates with a unique sunset view of the ancient city of the Sassi.

Experience	Description
Hike Through Wild Nature	Trek towards the Gravina stream in the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches.
Discover Ancient Rock Churches	Explore the lush vegetation and uncover hidden rock churches.
Learn From a Blue Badge Guide	Gain insights into the park’s history and traditional herb usage.
Enjoy Sunset Over the Sassi	Witness a stunning view of the ancient city of Matera.

Tour Details

Spanning a distance of 5 km, the hiking tour boasts an elevation gain of 100 meters, making it a suitable experience for those seeking a moderate level of difficulty.

The tour is classified as a "Hiking Tour," indicating that it involves trekking through the region’s natural landscapes.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, a minimum of 2 adults is required for the tour to proceed, with alternatives offered if this minimum isn’t met.

The tour offers the following details:

1. Route Length: 5 km
2. Elevation Gain: 100 m
3. Tourist Difficulty: Hiking tour

Inclusions

As part of the hiking tour, a blue badge guide accompanies participants to share insights into the park’s history and the use of herbs by the area’s ancestors.

Round-trip transfers to the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches are included, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Participants will have the opportunity to discover ancient rock churches amidst lush vegetation and enjoy a unique sunset view of the ancient city of the Sassi.

However, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Proper hiking attire and equipment, such as sturdy shoes and water, are recommended for the 5 km hike with a 100 m elevation gain.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Certain restrictions apply for this hiking tour in the Canyon of the Gravina River.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, those afraid of heights, or with low fitness levels.

Participants are advised to bring proper hiking shoes, water, and outdoor clothing.

Plus, the following aren’t allowed:

1. Baby strollers
2. Alcohol
3. Drugs

The meeting point may vary based on the booking option selected.

Please note that the tour will be canceled in case of rain.

Difficulty and Requirements

The tour’s hiking level is categorized as "Hiking tour," indicating a moderate difficulty suitable for active individuals. A minimum of 2 adults is required for the tour to proceed, with alternatives offered if the minimum isn’t met.

The route covers a distance of 5 km with an elevation gain of 100 m, making it a manageable challenge for most participants. However, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, those afraid of heights, or those with low fitness levels.

Proper attire, including hiking shoes and outdoor clothing, is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. The use of baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs is strictly prohibited.

Pickup and Transfer

The tour includes round-trip transfers to the park from the meeting point. Guests will be picked up from their hotel or a central location in Matera and transported to the start of the hiking trail.

The transfer is included in the tour price, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience. Upon completing the hike, travelers will be transported back to their original pickup location.

The tour’s pickup and transfer service offers the following benefits:

1. Eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own transportation.
2. Provides a seamless start and end to the hiking tour.
3. Allows guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Gravina River canyon.

Cancellation Policy

As per the tour’s cancellation policy, the hiking activity may be canceled in the event of rain.

As a safety precaution, the tour operator reserves the right to call off the tour if inclement weather poses a risk to participants. In such cases, guests will receive a full refund.

The cancellation policy also allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. This provides flexibility for those who may need to change their plans last-minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 2.5-hour experience, and there’s no information provided about the possibility of adding more time to the hike.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this hiking tour. The tour details specifically state that only hikers are permitted, and animals such as dogs are not included in the list of allowed items. Bringing a pet would not be possible for this particular excursion.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The pricing is fixed at $106.13 per person, regardless of age or student status. Participants must meet the tour’s minimum age and fitness requirements.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The tour operator encourages capturing the scenic landscapes and cultural highlights along the way. However, flash photography may not be allowed in certain areas to preserve the environment.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set guided hike through the Gravina River canyon. However, the tour company may offer private tours with tailored options upon request, depending on availability and additional fees.

Recap

Matera’s hiking tour in the Canyon of the Gravina River offers an unforgettable experience. Explore ancient rock churches, enjoy stunning sunset views, and gain insights into the region’s history. With seamless hotel transfers and a knowledgeable guide, this moderate 2.5-hour trek through the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches is a must-do adventure for those seeking to enjoy Matera’s breathtaking natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: