Uncover the captivating history and unique architecture of the Sassi of Matera with a private tour tailored to your interests. This UNESCO-listed site offers a rare glimpse into the troglodyte lifestyle that defined the region for centuries. As you wander through narrow alleys and explore ancient cave dwellings, you’ll gain insights from knowledgeable guides who bring Matera’s rich cultural heritage to life. What secrets might these weathered walls reveal, and how did the Sassi shape the lives of those who called it home?

Key Points

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Sassi of Matera, a unique neighborhood of ancient cave dwellings carved into the hillside, through a private guided tour.
  • Tour includes a driver/guide and local professional guide to provide an insightful experience, with lunch and drinks provided for convenience.
  • Pickup and drop-off options available for hotel guests and cruise ship passengers, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.
  • Strict COVID-19 safety protocols in place, including vehicle sanitization, driver/guide testing, and limited group size for a safe and personalized experience.
  • Flexible booking and cancellation policies to accommodate various traveler needs, with an option for ‘Reserve Now and Pay Later’ with Lowest Price Guarantee.

Tour Overview and Details

The private tour to the Sassi of Matera provides visitors with an in-depth exploration of this unique historical site located in Sorrento, Italy, with a scheduled start time of 07:30 am and a group size limited to up to 4 passengers plus the driver.

The tour includes a driver/guide and a local professional guide, ensuring a comprehensive and insightful experience.

Lunch and drinks are also provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour without worrying about meals.

Whether you’re a cruise ship passenger or staying in a local hotel, the tour offers convenient pickup options to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Inclusions

This private tour to the Sassi of Matera includes a driver/guide and a local professional guide, ensuring a comprehensive and insightful experience for visitors.

Plus, the tour provides food and drinks, with lunch included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the exploration of this unique historical site.

The driver and guides have undergone regular COVID-19 testing, and the vehicles are thoroughly sanitized, ensuring the health and safety of all participants.

With a maximum group size of 4 passengers, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience, allowing guests to explore the Sassi of Matera at their own pace and with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals.

Pickup Information

Pickup for this private tour can be arranged at any hotel, ensuring convenience for participants.

Cruise ship passengers, on the other hand, must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking to coordinate the pickup logistics. This allows the tour operator to ensure a seamless pickup and drop-off, aligning with the cruise schedule.

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or arriving by cruise ship, the tour organizers will work with you to arrange a hassle-free pickup, so you can start your private tour of the Sassi of Matera without any logistical delays.

Health and Safety Protocols

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the tour operator has implemented robust health and safety protocols to safeguard the well-being of both passengers and staff.

Vehicles undergo daily sanitization with SANIBACT, a powerful disinfectant. Plus, drivers and guides undergo serological tests every two weeks to ensure their health.

Passengers can expect the tour staff to be outfitted in masks and gloves throughout the service. The vehicles, which accommodate up to 8 seats, will be limited to 4 passengers to maintain social distancing measures.

The tour’s health and safety measures include:

  1. Daily vehicle sanitization with SANIBACT

  2. Bi-weekly serological testing for drivers and guides

  3. Mandatory masks and gloves for staff, and limited vehicle capacity

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers receive confirmation immediately upon booking the private tour to the Sassi of Matera.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it does accommodate strollers and infant seats. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation and unlimited reschedule policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Alternatively, they can opt for the Reserve Now and Pay Later option, along with the Lowest Price Guarantee.

This flexible booking policy ensures customers can easily adjust their plans if needed. The tour’s accessibility and cancellation options cater to a wide range of travelers, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience.

Matera’s Sassi Neighborhood

The Sassi of Matera is a captivating neighborhood in the southern Italian city, known for its unique cave dwellings carved into the hillside.

Wandering through the Sassi, visitors can:

  1. Admire the honey-colored stone houses and churches that have been inhabited since the prehistoric era.

  2. Explore the network of narrow alleyways, stairways, and piazzas that wind through the ancient settlement.

  3. Visit museums and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Sassi’s former inhabitants.

The Sassi’s intriguing history, architectural beauty, and well-preserved medieval character make it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of southern Italy.

Exploring the Sassi of Matera

Visitors exploring the Sassi of Matera can wander through a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and stairways, encountering historic churches, museums, and the honey-colored stone houses that have been inhabited since prehistoric times.

This ancient cave-dwelling neighborhood provides a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Matera. Tourists can marvel at the intricate cave dwellings, some of which have been transformed into hotels, restaurants, and artisan workshops.

The network of grottoes and rock-hewn structures is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. Guided tours offer insights into the daily lives of the Sassi’s former residents and the ongoing efforts to preserve this unique architectural heritage.

What to Expect on the Tour

Firstly, guests can expect a comprehensive exploration of the Sassi of Matera, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

They’ll wander through the intricate network of narrow alleyways and staircases, marveling at the historic churches, museums, and iconic honey-colored stone houses that have stood for centuries.

The tour will also include:

  1. A stop at the ancient cave dwellings, where visitors can learn about the unique troglodyte lifestyle of the Sassi’s former inhabitants.

  2. A visit to the Matera Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque structure that offers panoramic views of the city.

  3. A delicious local lunch, providing a taste of the region’s rich culinary traditions.

Throughout the experience, guests will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Sassi’s UNESCO-listed heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language(S) Will the Tour Be Conducted In?

The tour will be conducted in the language(s) that the guide and clients are most comfortable with, typically English or Italian. The guide will ensure clear communication throughout the experience.

Can I Request a Custom Itinerary or Modifications to the Tour?

Yes, customers can typically request custom itineraries or modifications to the tour. The tour provider may accommodate special requests, depending on availability and feasibility. It’s best to communicate any preferences or needs when booking the tour.

Are Gratuities for the Guide and Driver Included in the Tour Price?

No, gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the tour price. Guests are expected to tip the guide and driver at their discretion based on the quality of service provided during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

According to the tour details, food and drinks, including lunch, are included in the tour price. Participants are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages on the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can typically be extended upon request, though additional fees may apply. Clients should check with the tour operator about the availability and cost of extending the tour if needed.

Recap

The private tour of the Sassi of Matera offers an immersive and enriching experience.

With knowledgeable guides, visitors can explore the historic cave dwellings and narrow alleys, learning about the unique troglodyte lifestyle.

The tour includes a delicious local lunch and seamless transportation, ensuring a worry-free and memorable journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site.