Private Sassi Tour, 3 Hours

Private Sassi Tour, 3 Hours, 3 hours, rated 4.9 across 465 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour private walk with Martulli Viaggi covers both of Matera's historic Sassi districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, with a dedicated guide for your group alone. The route takes in cave churches and cave dwellings, plus the Baroque and Romanesque architecture that sits above the ancient quarters, and ends in front of the Cathedral.

Tickets are included for three stops inside: the rock church of Madonna de Idris, a Casa Grotta cave dwelling museum, and the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate. Along the way the guide explains how the city of cave houses evolved over the millennia. A tasting of local food samples and a discount coupon for a bar near Piazza Duomo are also part of the package.

The tour suits travellers who want a full orientation on a first day in Matera. Reviewers praised the guides' knowledge and, in some cases, their willingness to set a relaxed pace with no pressure to keep moving. One traveller described it as a perfect introduction that came with suggestions for sights to explore afterwards.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the agencyThe tour starts at Martulli Viaggi on Via Alessandro Volta, in Matera. Collect the discount coupon for the bar near Piazza Duomo here before setting off.
2. Walk the two Sassi districtsThe guide leads the group through Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, explaining the layered history of the cave city and pointing out Baroque and Romanesque architecture along the way.
3. Madonna de IdrisEntry to this rock church is included in the tour price.
4. Casa Grotta museumThe visit includes entrance to a Casa Grotta cave dwelling museum.
5. Church of Sant'Antonio AbateEntrance to this church is also covered by the tour.
6. Views and food tastingStops along the route take in views over the urban landscape and surrounding countryside, and a tasting of local food samples is included.
7. End near the CathedralThe walk ends on Via Alessandro Volta, in front of the Cathedral.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the three hours.

• Footwear and terrain. The listing is clear that the historic districts have uneven stone pavements, steps, sloping paths and narrow alleys. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are strongly recommended.
• Fitness needed. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected, and the route includes steps and inclines. The listing advises against the tour for travellers with back problems or limited mobility, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
• Pace and group feel. Only your group takes part, and reviewers said guides adjusted the pace to them, with no pressure to keep moving.
• Food and drink. Local food samples are included, as is a discount coupon for a bar in Piazza Duomo that you collect at the agency beforehand. Extra food and drinks, and tips, are not covered.
• Heat and weather. The tour requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions you get a different date or a full refund.
• Guide suggestions. It can be worth asking before the tour ends.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and needs a moderate fitness level because of steps, inclines and uneven stone. It may not suit travellers with back problems, and the listing also requires a minimum number of participants overall, though your walk itself is private; if that minimum is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Cancellation for a full refund must happen at least 24 hours before the start time, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Common Questions