Murgia Materana Park

This excursion to the Rocky Churches Park is a beautiful experience. During this tour, you will discover the history of this magical place. On Murgia Timone you will see the first human settlement and traces of an ancient Neolithic village. Moving on, you will see two important rocky churches, as well as the Rocky Crypt of San Falcione and the Rocky Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, with its Byzantine frescos. You will also head to a scenic point, called Golgota, where Mel Gibson filmed “The Passion of the Christ”. During the excursion, you will enjoy the unique spectacle of the City of Stones as it lights up at sunset.

You will meet a local tour guide in the main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you'll begin your walking tour admiring the landscape of the historic center from unique viewpoints. Then the tour will lead you through the historic center, covering topics of Matera history on the way. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been chosen as the 2019 European Capital of Culture, an important acknowledgment for its history and beauty which has been carved in stone.  Walking among the "Sassi" (the ancient neighborhoods of Sasso Barisano e Sasso Caveoso), you will discover the cave houses and churches carved in the rock, as well as the newly restored Cathedral. From the Cathedral which is built on a high point of the hill, you will enjoy enchanting views over the historic center and of Murgia Materana Park, an area characterized by hills and Mediterranean vegetation.  Over the course of 2 hours, you will be completely immersed in a magical unique land, seeing all of the major sights of Matera.

The tour takes place on the Murgia trails through the Parata Forest, accompanied by an instructor who will lead the group to discover the area. Once you arrive at the farm, you will receive all the instructions and basic rules for riding a horse in a suitable and safe manner. You will meet tame and lovable horses, who will lead you through the shrubs of the Mediterranean maquis, giving you an immersive and relaxing experience. Thanks to the support of an attentive guide, even the less experienced can ride safely and let themselves be carried along the paths of the plateau, lulled by the slow pace of time. Dry stone walls alternate with patiently tilled fields, where the gaze can open up and wander, enjoying the coolness of a wooded area. Riding on the Murgia, with the right sensitivity, provides a pleasant escape from everyday life and allows you to slow down your pace, enjoy intense perfumes and ancient silences. Highly recommended for those who love endless landscapes, unspoilt nature and unusual sunsets, far from noise and cement. An experience to nourish all the senses. All persons of legal age and in good health may participate. Excursions are organised on a daily basis with bookings at least 24 hours before tour departure.

At first glance, Matera looks like any small Italian town, but in few steps from Baroque Churches and boutiques you will discover the very special place called Sassi, where the peaple lived from Neolithic Period until the 50 th of the last centuary. Join your local and expert guide in the center of the city where this fascinating tour of Sassi will begin. Learn about its unique history and evolution. Discover rupestrian stuctures, stroll the narrow lanes and gain the deeper understanding of how this town, once called the "shame of Italy" , is now a UNESCO - world heritage. Have an oportunity to visit a cave house and an ancient rupestrian church with entiries included in price, to discover and understand how the simple peaple lived in Sassi for many centuaries. Admire the panoramic view of the Murgia Materana Park from the balconies and learn about the origins of Matera, one ot the oldest Cities in the world.

Murgia Matera Park Tour – Nature, History, and Breathtaking Sunsets Discover the most authentic side of Matera with a guided tour in the heart of the Murgia Materana Park, just a few steps from the famous Sassi. A walking adventure through spectacular canyons, prehistoric caves, rock churches, and breathtaking landscapes, accompanied by expert local tour guides. The route will take you along ancient paths used for centuries by farmers and shepherds, with dizzying views of the ravine and visits to places carved into the rock, where time seems to have stood still. You will discover rock churches with thousand-year-old frescoes, caves inhabited since prehistoric times, and traces of rural life in the past. Along the way, you will be immersed in the Mediterranean scrub: wild thyme, broom, oregano, and orchids color the landscape and perfume the air. With a little luck, you may spot the lesser kestrel, the park's symbol, along with foxes, hares, and other local species. The most magical moment comes at sunset: from the Murgia, you can admire the Sassi di Matera illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun, in one of the most beautiful views in Italy. A perfect experience for photographers, nature lovers, and curious travelers. Tour details Location: Murgia Materana Park, Matera ⏳ Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: easy/medium Languages: Italian, English Small group: for a more authentic experience Ideal for: nature lovers, light trekking, photography, history What's included ✔️ Expert local guide ✔️ Visit to rock churches and caves ✔️ Stories about the nature, history, and culture of the area ✔️ Spectacular views of the Sassi What to bring Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots Hat and sunscreen Water Camera or smartphone Why choose this tour ✅ Experience the most authentic Matera, far from the tourist trails ✅ Combine nature, history, and panoramic views in a single experience ✅ Discover hidden places and ancient stories ✅ Admire the Sassi from a privileged vantage point Book now and let yourself be surprised by the wild beauty of the Murgia. Every step will bring you closer to the ancient soul of Matera.

Tour from Bari to Matera in one day One day in the city of the Sassi with transfer by minivan with driver and tour guide. Are you in Bari and want to visit Matera? Are you looking for the best way to get there? Well, we have the solution for you! We organize a one-day tour to Matera from Bari in the “City of Sassi” that includes the service of a tourist guide, transportation in a comfortable minivan with driver departing from Bari, entrance with audio guide in a typical cave house and tasting of the local liqueur. An opportunity not to be missed if you want to spend an intense day but without getting tired. ⇒ POPULARITY': 10/10 ⇒ THIS ONE DAY BARI MATERA TOUR IS FOR those who prefer an organized trip to Matera in maximum comfort. It is for those who have arrived in Puglia but do not have their own transport or simply do not want to use the car. This tour is for those looking for a convenient solution to reach the City of Sassi by sharing the costs and experience in a group tour with guide and minivan together with other visitors. It is not suitable for those with walking problems or those who get tired easily on hills because in Matera you walk a bit. However, with a supplement, it is possible to organize an apecar tour by contacting us. ⇒ YOU WILL GET EXCITED discovering houses and caves dug into the rock where until the mid-twentieth century people lived. You will be enchanted admiring the panoramic view of the suggestive "Sassi". You will understand why this city has been the location of so many famous films… ⇒ DIFFICULTY': Media ⇒ TIME: 6 hours ⇒ LANGUAGES: multilingual tour in Italian, English, Spanish ⇒ GUARANTEED: Max 8 people ⇒ TO PUT IN THE BACKPACK: We recommend comfortable and closed clothing and shoes as the Sassi area has numerous "ups and downs". Bring a bottle of water with you and in the warmer months, a hat. Cell phone and camera are a must as well as a pole for group selfies. ⇒ WE GUARANTEE YOU a complete, authentic and engaging experience. You will be guided by expert tour leaders, assisted and transported in a comfortable minivan. The tour also includes entrance with audio guide to a typical cave house in Matera and the tasting of a typical liqueur that has become an icon, the famous “Amaro Lucano”. ⇒ CHOOSE THE FORMULA YOU PREFER: PRIVATE if you, your family or your friends prefer an exclusive and tailor-made service. LEAVE WHENEVER YOU WANT. For larger groups you can send us a specific request. SHARING this option is the best and most convenient for you if you are alone, as a couple or less than 4 and it is not a problem to have a non-exclusive service but together with our other customers. WE DEPART EVERY TUESDAY

Discover the story of a town which was carved into rocks and was inhabited until the 20th century. You will have the opportunity to visit a cave-house recently opened to the public, and will also have access to ancient rupestrian churches. Matera is a unique place, and makes for a great experience to experience. You will meet the local and expert tourist guide in the city center where the tour will start to discover this UNESCO site. From there, you will walk through the 2 main districts dug into the rocks, an area where you will discover cave-houses and rupestrian churches. During this tour, you can admire the panoramic view over the Murgia Materana Park from the balconies whilst you discover the Matera origins, one of the oldest European cities. Afterwards, you will reach one of the highest points of the Sassi where you will visit the cathedral.

Feel like a true Matera native, rely on Alessandro and his advice will give you a different and alternative experience, with romantic photo shots from various points of the city. Absolute availability on time and meeting point, You can completely rely on him to make a complete tour, passing from Sasso Barisano (visit to the cave house) to Sasso Caveoso, wandering around the new city and then arriving at the Murgia Materana Park "Belvedere" about 15 minutes from the old city. We will decide together the route to take (even outside the city) with the ability and pleasure on your part to get on the saddle of a very agile Vespa 125. TOUR -SASSO CAVEOSO -SASSO BARISANO -CASA GROTTA -PARCO DELLA MURGIA MATERANA -CATHEDRAL

Your journey begins with a scenic stroll through Matera’s iconic Sassi district, a labyrinth of ancient stone dwellings carved into the rock. You'll then arrive at Porta Pistola, the historic gateway to the Regional Park of the Rupestrian Churches, and the starting point of Trail 406. Set off on this breathtaking trail as it winds through one of southern Italy’s most dramatic and historically rich landscapes. The route offers spectacular panoramic views, open skies, and ancient rock formations unique to this remarkable protected area. The adventure intensifies as you reach the Tibetan Bridge, a thrilling suspension crossing above the Gravina canyon. Walk carefully and take in the unforgettable views of Matera’s stone skyline and the wild beauty of the surrounding terrain. On the other side lies the plateau of the Regional Park of the Rupestrian Churches, where you’ll explore a timeless world of prehistoric rock dwellings, ancient cave churches, and millennia-old engravings etched into limestone cliffs. This archaeological treasure trove speaks to thousands of years of human history and spiritual life. Continue your hike to the serene Gravina Stream, a peaceful spot perfect for resting, refreshing, and soaking in the untouched beauty of nature. When it’s time to head back, you can either hike the same scenic route to Matera or — if you've chosen the evening shared tour — enjoy a comfortable minivan ride back to the city, a relaxing end to a full day of exploration.

Following the call of the patriarch olive tree, we will walk through the countryside of the Matera Murgia to unite, as in an ancient ritual, with the trunks of other witnessing olive trees. We will be guided into the caves of an ancient farmhouse to relive the daily moments of a history jealously guarded by those ancient walls. Under the centuries-old olive trees, we will taste Matera bread, baked in an old wood-fired oven, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil obtained from the olives of those very ancient trees. We will prepare a dish from the Materan tradition, "la cialledda," which narrates the encounter between the typical stale Matera bread, now hardened, and the vegetables and herbs of the Lucanian land. All of this will take place inside a workshop, at the end of which we will share this meal, just as olive harvesters still do during their breaks today. The cialledda will be accompanied by Primitivo wine and a bundle containing Lucanian Slow Food Presidium products: Caciocavallo Podolico, Oven-Baked Olives from Ferrandina, and the Pezzente salami from the Montagna Materana. Furthermore, we will be delighted by the sounds of traditional instruments and songs from the Matera tradition.