Located in the Basilicata region in Southern Italy, Matera is the country’s most ancient city and the third oldest city in the world (!) It’s also an absolute dream destination for history and archaeology buffs and a highly recommended place to visit when in Italy.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera dates back to the 3rd century BC, and it boasts magnificent remains of ancient life. This includes caves, primitive settlements, rock churches, and a mesmerizing landscape.
I was born and raised in Bologna, in Northern Italy, but for some reason, I didn’t make it to Matera until last year. Big mistake – I was absolutely blown away by it!
Matera quickly became one of my very favorite places in Italy, and I can’t wait to go back and spend another long weekend there. It’s such a unique place, unlike any other in the country.
The best way to explore the town is, in my opinion, with a Matera guided tour. It’s true, the city is a fascinating destination even if you’re aimlessly wandering around its streets. But its history, importance, and gripping stories can only be discovered if you visit with an expert.
For this reason, I’ve compiled the very best Matera guided tours to help you choose the one that best suits your interests and budget. Check them out!
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
In a rush? These are the ultimate tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Sassi di Matera Tour with Entry to Cave Houses |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Matera Private Walking Tour |
| MURGIA PARK TOUR | Murgia Park Rocky Curches Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Guided Tour of Matera
The Sassi di Matera Tour with Entry to Cave Houses is our chosen best tour. Led by an expert, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city and its Sassi. Explore the enchanting alleys and cave constructions as you learn about their history and purpose.
You’ll visit the Church of San Francesco before leaving the city center behind, and head to Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Check out the incredible limestone grottoes, and pay a visit to Rupestre Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, carved in the rock.
There you’ll discover examples of the area’s traditional culture through paintings and carvings. A trip to a typical Matera cave-house is also included… So you’ll get the full package!
Why this tour? It allows you to understand the age-old city in depth, introducing you to its main landmarks and their fascinating history. It’s comprehensive both in information and attractions, perfect for first-time visitors. If you only have one or two days to see the city, this tour is all you need.
Read what the reviews say:
“This was a fascinating tour. We learned a lot about Matera and our guide Peppe was friendly, witty and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Michael – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A guide tour of Matera, and all entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Walking Tours
▶️ Check out Discover the Ancient City – Matera Tour in English or Italian, a thorough tour that allows you to get much more than a glimpse of this ancient city.
Along with a small group of people, you’ll follow your English-speaking guide to the districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. There, explore the ancient dwellings and rock churches of the Sassi.
Enjoy stunning views of the valley, and stroll along the narrow alleys as you learn about Matera’s millennia of history. Did you know the town used to be called the Shame of Italy?Today, it’s one of the most important World Heritage Sites in the country.
This Matera walking tour includes: A guided tour around Matera. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Sassi di Matera Guided Tour is a half-day experience that introduces you to Matera’s oldest districts. Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano comprise Sassi di Matera, and have been inhabited continuously for over 7 thousand years.
The Sassi feature rock churches, cave houses, piazzas, and a striking Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral.
Your expert guide will provide interesting insights about the city’s history and how it’s changed throughout the centuries. This way, you’ll get to truly delve into this fascinating location!
This tour includes: A guide, and entry tickets to the caves. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Tour of Matera
A Matera Private Walking Tour is ideal if you’re traveling with your partner, family, or a group of friends. You’ll benefit from your guide’s undivided attention and get to ask all your questions as you stroll around the historical center of Matera.
The tour will take you to a spectacular cave-house that was inhabited until the 20th century. There’s no better way to discover how people lived than stepping foot in their actual (rock) homes!
You’ll also visit rupestrian churches, and the Cathedral, which sits atop one of the town’s highest points and overlooks the city.
This tour includes: A guide, and a private tour of Matera. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Ape Tour in Matera (Tuk Tuk)
This Ape Tour Matera – Panoramic Tour in Ape Calessino is an incredibly fun way of exploring this ancient city. An ape is essentially a tuk-tuk that will zip you through the steep lanes of Matera. You’ll get to explore its historical districts without getting tired!
Visit the town’s main attractions accompanied by a guide, discovering the importance of the landmarks you’re passing by. You’ll stop to admire the views from a viewpoint and visit incredible caves that are thousands of years old.
This Matera tuk tuk tour includes: A driver/guide, and transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Eco Bus Tour in Matera
The Sassi of Matera: Eco-Bus Open Top Tour offers a very comfortable, convenient way to tour the area. You’ll hop on a sightseeing bus and travel to the Sassi districts, admiring the views through the open windows.
Stop for visits at San Pietro Caveoso Square, Casa Grotta Sassi di Matera, and some movie settings! Did you know The Passion of Christ and James Bond: No Time to Die were filmed here?
There will be plenty of time to stroll around the Sassi alleys and admire its cave houses up close. A trip to Murgia Materana, one of the major attractions in town, is also included.
This tour includes: A sightseeing tour, entry tickets, a guide, and a map of Matera. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Murgia Park Rocky Curches Tour (Unmissable!)
The Murgia Park Rocky Curches Tour takes you to an absolutely gorgeous attraction that you can’t miss when in Matera. The tour of the park grants you access to the striking rock churches, where you can admire their centuries-old Byzantine frescoes.
Check out the scenic views from Golgota, and delight in the panorama of Matera as the sun sets.
Be prepared to explore a millennium of history, tracing the steps of countless generations of citizens. You’ll even get to see the spot where Mel Gibson filmed his movie The Passion of the Christ!
This tour includes: Transfers to the park, entry fees, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food Tour in Matera
Who can say no to a Food and Wine Tour between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples? Better yet if it takes place in Italy’s most historical city, Matera.
You’ll start the day having breakfast under a Patriarch olive tree and then head into the Materan rocky countryside known as Murgia.
Pass through ancient caves on your way to an old farmhouse, where you’ll be introduced to the traditional bread of Matera. You’ll even get to prepare one of its most traditional dishes, the cialledda!
Indulge in a meal completed with baked olives, salami, and Primitivo wine, and delight in the sounds of Matera’s traditional music and songs.
This tour includes: Meal and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
James Bond 007 Guided Tour in Matera
Ready to live a cinematic experience in Matera? Book the James Bond 007 Guided Tour to follow the steps of the world’s most famous secret agent.
You’ll meet a Matera tour guide and follow them around town as they show you the spots where the James Bond movie No Time to Die was shot. Piazza San Giovani Battista, via Fiorentini, and Piazza San Pietro Caveoso are a few of them!
You’ll also go up the famous via Muro, where Mel Gibson’s via crucis in The Passion of Christ took place.
Along the way, listen to anecdotes and fascinating details about the shooting of the movies in Matera. Then, snap pictures in the places where Bond, James Bond carried out many of his heroic actions!
This Matera James Bond tour includes: A tour guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
