Open Bus With House-Cave Entry

Open Bus with House-Cave Entry, 1 hour 30 minutes, rated 4.9 across 339 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a ninety-minute panoramic bus loop around the Sassi, run by Matera City Tour, with a tour leader on board explaining in Italian and English. The bus passes through the ancient cave districts and the scenic overlooks that are hard to reach on foot, which is exactly why many travellers book it: Matera is full of steep climbs, and several reviewers said the bus saved them from walking routes they would have struggled with.

The tour includes entry to a traditional cave house, so you step off the vehicle and see one of the dwellings from the inside rather than only from a viewpoint. There is also a 40-minute stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, of which about 25 minutes are free time to take photos or look around on your own. A map of the Sassi is handed out, and the agency offers a discount on souvenirs and typical products.

One reviewer travelled with small children and said it worked well for them. Note that it is not a guided walking tour: the stop is unguided, tastings are not included, and the bus is not wheelchair accessible. Groups are capped at 18 travellers, and commentary is delivered in both Italian and English.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Via Rocco ScotellaroThe meeting point is Via Rocco Scotellaro 4, opposite a parking lot. The tour ends back at the same spot.
2. Board the open busA tour leader rides on board and gives explanations in Italian and English while the bus drives through the Sassi districts and past scenic overlooks.
3. Drive through the SassiThe panoramic route passes the ancient cave dwellings and the main viewpoints around the city without any walking effort.
4. Stop at Piazza San Pietro CaveosoThe bus stops for 40 minutes, with about 25 minutes of free time to explore the square and take photos. There is no guide with you during the stop.
5. Visit a house-caveEntry to a traditional cave house is included in the ticket. The listing does not specify at which point of the tour this visit takes place.
6. Return to the meeting pointThe bus loops back to Via Rocco Scotellaro to finish the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this tour before you book.

• Arrive early. The operator allows a maximum wait of five minutes past the departure time, after which you cannot join and get no refund. Parking near the meeting point takes time, and the listing advises planning for it. There is no toilet at the agency, so go before departure.
• Fitness and pace. The bus does the climbing for you, and several reviewers specifically chose it because of the steep terrain or difficulty walking. It is not wheelchair accessible, though, and infants must sit on laps.
• Commentary style. The tour leader explains in both Italian and English on board. Reviewers often mention knowledgeable guides and detailed commentary, and one noted the guide made time for questions during the tour.
• Free time use. You get about 25 minutes of free time at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. The square is a good spot for photos of the surrounding landscape. There is no guide with you during this part of the tour.
• Weather and comfort. The booking page notes the tour requires good weather to run. One reviewer mentioned wanting a bit more air on a very hot day, so consider conditions on the day of your visit.
• Kids and animals. One reviewer travelling with small children said the tour worked well for them. Service animals are allowed, and other animals may come only with prior authorization and a muzzle carried for use if needed.

Common issues. The ticket is fixed to the date and time booked and cannot be changed, and late arrivals more than five minutes past departure lose the tour with no refund. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather to run; if it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The stop at the piazza is unguided and tastings are not included, so budget for anything you want to sample on your own. The bus is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions