Full Sassi Tour With Tasting

Full Sassi Tour with Tasting, 3 hours, rated 4.56 across 341 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour walking tour covers both Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano, with a local guide who walks you through cave dwellings, rock churches and panoramic viewpoints above the Gravina canyon. Admission to three sites is built in: the rock church of Madonna de Idris with its frescoes, the Casa Grotta cave dwelling museum, and the Church of Sant'Antonio. The route finishes with a tasting of Lucanian samples such as taralli, local bread and vegetable spreads.

The walk passes the Chiesa del Purgatorio and Piazza San Francesco early on, moves past Matera Cathedral, continues along Via Madonna delle Virtù for scenic views, and reaches San Pietro Caveoso square before arriving at Madonna de Idris. Guides share the history of the cave dwellers and explain how the city earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Reviewers mention the tour helped them orient themselves to the city and its history on an early visit.

Travellers can pick a small-group option or a private tour, with hotel pickup only included in the private version. The tasting is light, not a full meal, and there is a 10% discount coupon at a bar in Piazza Duomo available from the agency. It suits anyone comfortable with a long walk on uneven stone paths and steps.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointThere are two starting location options depending on the tour option selected. Check the live booking page for the meeting point details.
2. Guided walk through the SassiThe guide leads the group past Matera Cathedral with a photo stop, then to the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate for a visit.
3. Casa Grotta museumA guided visit to a cave dwelling museum shows how families once lived in the carved spaces.
4. Via Madonna delle VirtùA photo stop and walk with scenic views across the Gravina canyon.
5. San Pietro Caveoso squareA photo stop and guided tour in the square.
6. Church of Madonna de IdrisGuided visit to the rock church carved into the stone above Sasso Caveoso, with its frescoes.
7. TastingThe tour ends with light samples of local Lucanian products, such as taralli, bread and vegetable spreads. An optional regional food stop is possible at a local shop.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this walk.

• Footwear and terrain. The tour crosses uneven stone paths and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. This is a walking tour of a historic area, not a relaxed stroll.
• Weather. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress for the conditions and bring an umbrella. One reviewer also mentioned night views of the city as a highlight.
• Group feel. One reviewer described a group of about 12 people. Reviewers frequently praise the guides as knowledgeable, personable and competent.
• Food and drink. The tasting is small samples of local products, not a full meal. Plan a proper meal separately, and collect the 10% discount coupon at the agency for a bar in Piazza Duomo.
• What to carry. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, and video recording is prohibited. Travel light with comfortable shoes and an umbrella.
• Hearing the guide. One reviewer noted there is no microphone or walkie-talkie system, so stay close to the guide to catch the commentary.

Common issues. The walk covers uneven stone paths and steps throughout the historic Sassi area. Without a microphone or walkie-talkie, parts of the explanation can be lost if you drift to the back of the group, as one reviewer reported. The itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather, crowds or local conditions. Full meals, tips and hotel pickup on the non-private option are not included.

Common Questions