matera tour tuk tuk

9 BEST Matera Guided Tours (selected by an Italian)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: May 8, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

Ready to discover Italy’s oldest city with an expert? Learn about its fascinating history and culture with one of these epic Matera guided tours. You’ll find them below, so keep reading!

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

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

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Matera Tuk-Tuk Tour

• 7.50 / 10 21 reviews | 441 travellers the ride should be longer 8 Maria Cristina
• Free cancellation up to 3 days before
• X (Twitter)

Cave dwellings, rock churches and giant ancient cisterns : explore Matera's historic centre in a fun and comfortable way on this  tuk-tuk tour . Discover the 2019 European Capital of Culture from a new perspective!

After meeting your guide in Via Alessandro Volta , you'll climb on board your  tuk-tuk  ready to begin your tour of historic Matera . Did you know that this fun vehicle is called an " Ape calessino "​ in Italian?

Throughout your tuk-tuk tour, you'll make a number of different stops at the city's most important places of interest , allowing you to investigate them up close and take photos. Your first visit will be the  Church of Purgatory . Built in 1747, this church stands out for its numerous architectural references to death. Discover why its façade features so many skulls and skeletons on your guided tour!

Just five minutes away from the Church of Purgatory, you'll reach  Matera Cathedral . Located at the highest point in the city, this temple is known for its 52-metre-tall (170 feet) belfry, which towers over the historic centre, and whose seven bells can be heard all around the city.

Climb back on board your tuk-tuk for the journey to the  Church of San Giovanni , before heading deep into the  famous Sasso Barisano and Sasso Cavoso neighbourhoods . These districts are home to the incredible ancient  ' sassi di Matera' , or cave dwellings, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The rock-hewn houses and golden-stone streets of the Sassi districts are so reminiscent of Jerusalem that they have been used as filming locations for iconic movies, including Mel Gibson's  The Passion of the Christ .

From here, we'll begin wrapping up our tour as we make our way to Piazza San Francesco after an immersive 50-minute tuk-tuk tour .

More Information

50 minutes.

The activity takes place with recorded commentary in English.

Transport by tuk tuk

English–speaking commentary

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Agenzia Martulli Viaggi Show more

Corporate name: Agenzia Martulli Viaggi s.r.l.s.

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - How many people fit in one tuk-tuk?

A - Each tuk-tuk can seat up to 5 people.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Via Alessandro Volta, 5

Piazza San Francesco

You may also be interested in

Matera Private Tour

Rupestrian Churches Matera Park Tour

Sassi di Matera City Card

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Explore The Heart Of Matera Aboard A Comfortable Tuk Tuk

Come with us on a journey to discover the heart of Matera aboard a comfortable Tuk Tuk following the tips and the words of your expert driver.

Our wonderful Matera in the past was one of Italy’s poorest cities, so much so that back in 1950, the president decided that it was a disgrace and declared it the shame of Italy. Matera fiercely withstood and now it is a city of culture and even holds the title of European Capital of Culture since 2019 . Matera is a special city , it is the third oldest city in the world and the oldest in Italy ! This amazing city is entirely built and dug in the tuff rock so the colour that predominates and creates the magical atmosphere that you can breathe in Matera, is the typical white/grey. Let yourself be guided through the famous Sassi of Matera , and your audio-guide will reveal to you all the secrets of this ancient city and you will feel like you are in a bygone era. Explore the narrow streets of the city centre, the alleys , the hidden churches and the various caves . From your comfortable tuk tuk you can observe and explore the rock church of Sant'Antonio Abate . Listen to your audio guide who will lead you to discover this ancient church. Then explore the Casa Grotta Once upon a time , where you will have the opportunity to retrace the reins of history and go back in time. Today the Casa-Grotta has become a true narrating museum that tells the history and the tradition of a bygone era. Walking along the ancient streets of the city, you will reach enchanting places and you will be fascinated by how much artistic and cultural wealth is hidden behind these ancient buildings. Join this extraordinary tour in Matera and let this city amaze you with its beauties.

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SELECT DATE

• Panoramic tour by Tuk Tuk
• Expert driver
• Mobile App and audio-guide
• Entrance ticket to the cave "Once upon a time"
• Visit the rock church of Sant'Antonio Abate
• Map of Matera with useful information to explore the city

Departure time

Meeting point.

Via Alessandro Volta 3/5, Matera

• Get on board a comfortable tuk tuk and explore the heart of Matera
• Discover the famous Sassi di Matera and explore enchanting places: the rock church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Casa-Grotta Once upon a time and many other hidden wonders
• Follow the detailed description of your personal audio-guide and discover all the secrets of Matera, the European Capital of Culture

Notes and advice

• Please make sure to bring with you a charged smartphone: you will need it to download the App with which you will listen to the audio-guide
• We are sorry to inform you that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility
• Free cancellation up 72h before the departure

What are the popular Cinque Terre street foods?

Cinque Terre consists of five towns - Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Corniglia. While there are plenty of sit-down places to fine dine, some of the best foods in the area are the cheap, takeaway foods ! Here are some of the must-trys while you are in Cinque Terre. 

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Ciao Florence Tours & Travel srl

Via Cavour, 36 R 50129 Firenze

[email protected] [email protected]

Tel. +39 055 354044

P.IVA 05823680482

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• About this activity

Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup

Explore the prime attractions of Udaipur, rided on a non-polluting tuk-tuk or you can opt a car with driver and Guide. Your private tour will take you to the famous landmarks such as the the City Palace, Maharana Pratap smarak, Nehru island park, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari ( princess Garden), Bhartiya lok kala mandal, Spice and Vegetable Market, Jagdish Temple, Gulab Bagh, Vintage Cars, Boat Ride in Lake Pichola, Sunset at karni mata temple ( Ropeway ), Cultural Evening ( Dance Show) that is located high on a hilltop at the outskirts of the city. Find out Udaipur's landmarks and combine them with the fun of tuk-tuk travel on this private full-day tour of Udapiur City.

• Visit all of the city's famous attractions
• Private Car + Driver or Tuk Tuk Ride with a friendly local storyteller.
• Round-trip transfers from your Udaipur hotel/Airport.

Activity location

• Fateh Sagar Lake
• Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Wed, Jul 10 -
• Thu, Jul 11 $14
• Fri, Jul 12 $14
• Sat, Jul 13 $14
• Sun, Jul 14 $14
• Mon, Jul 15 $14
• Tue, Jul 16 $14
• Wed, Jul 17 $14
• Thu, Jul 18 $14
• Fri, Jul 19 $14
• Sat, Jul 20 $14
• Sun, Jul 21 $14
• Mon, Jul 22 $14
• Tue, Jul 23 $14
• Wed, Jul 24 $14

Udaipur Tour by Tuk-Tuk

• Activity duration is 9 hours 9h 9h

Tuk Tuk (Auto Rickshaw): We offer tour by Tuk-Tuk (3-wheeled auto rickshaw) for 2 pax with English-speaking driver. Pickup included

Tour by Car with Driver

Sedan / SUV Vehicle: We offer tour by sedan Toyota Etios for 3-pax and SUV Innova Car for 4-6 Pax with English-speaking driver. Pickup included

Tour by Car+Driver with Guide

Sedan or SUV Vehicle: We offer tour by sedan Toyota Etios for 3-pax and SUV Innova Car for 4-6 Pax with English-speaking driver and Guide. Pickup included

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included English Speaking Tour Driver at all Attraction.
• What's included What's included This is an Private Trip
• What's included What's included Pickup and Drop-Off at any Udaipur location
• What's included What's included Udaipur Sightseeing Tour With Tuk Tuk as a Mode of Transport.
• What's excluded What's excluded Food and drinks (available to purchase)
• What's excluded What's excluded Private Guide
• What's excluded What's excluded Accommodation (available to purchase)
• What's excluded What's excluded Driver Tip

Know before you book

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

• Admission ticket not included

Maharana Pratap Smarak

Sahelion ki bari, ahar cenotaphs (pass by), bharatiya lok kala mandal, city palace of udaipur, jagdish temple, lake pichola, dharohar folk dance, vintage collection of classic cars museum, best deals on things to do, top experiences in udaipur.