Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting worth booking?
Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting is a 3-hour experience in Matera, Italy, from $31 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (10)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $31 per person
This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience the Sassi of Matera in a deeper and more complete way, beyond the usual panoramic routes. The itinerary explores both historic districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and includes visits to two of the city’s most important rock churches. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn how Matera evolved from a “built” city into one carved directly into stone, as you pass through historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and rock-hewn spaces that reveal centuries of everyday life and spiritual tradition. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the rock churches, from Sant’Antonio Abate to the striking Madonna de Idris. Here, you’ll admire frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century and explore the ancient crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone. The experience ends with a tasting of traditional Lucanian specialties. The tour runs in small groups, allowing for a more engaging pace and better interaction.
What you get
About this experience
This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience the Sassi of Matera in a deeper and more complete way, beyond the usual panoramic routes. The itinerary explores both historic districts, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and includes visits to two of the city’s most important rock churches. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn how Matera evolved from a “built” city into one carved directly into stone, as you pass through historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and rock-hewn spaces that reveal centuries of everyday life and spiritual tradition. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the rock churches, from Sant’Antonio Abate to the striking Madonna de Idris. Here, you’ll admire frescoes dating from the 12th to the 17th century and explore the ancient crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone. The experience ends with a tasting of traditional Lucanian specialties. The tour runs in small groups, allowing for a more engaging pace and better interaction.
What's included
Included
- Licensed local tour guide
- Entrance to the rock church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Tasting of regional bites - taralli, local bread, and veggie spreads
- City map
- Entrance to the rock church of Madonna de Idris / San Giovanni in Monterrone
- 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink in Piazza Duomo
- Entrance to the traditionally furnished Narrated Cave House
Not included
- Extra meals and drinks
- Tips (optional)
What you'll see and do
Chiesa del Purgatorio
The route begins in the Baroque part of Matera, with an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, a symbolic site that reflects the city’s deep connection between faith, memory, and rebirth.
Pass by without stopping
This spot marks the transition from monumental Matera to its rock-hewn heart, introducing the story of the city’s urban evolution.
Pass by without stopping
Cathedral Basilica of Matera
From above, the Sassi unfold below, offering a clear overview that helps you understand the layout of the landscape.
Pass by without stopping
Chiesa Rupestre Sant'Antonio Abate
In Sasso Barisano, a frescoed rock church brings to life the spiritual world of the Middle Ages, carved directly into the stone.
15 minutes here · Admission included
An immersive look into daily life in the Sassi, with rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories of family life and adaptation.
15 minutes here · Admission included
This panoramic stretch connects city and nature, opening onto views of the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches.
Pass by without stopping
One of the most iconic views of the Sassi, perfect for photos and a short pause.
Pass by without stopping
Church of Santa Maria de Idris
The highlight of the tour is a rock church seemingly suspended above Sasso Caveoso, preserving frescoes from the 12th to the 17th century and the crypt of San Giovanni in Monterrone.
20 minutes here · Admission included
The tour ends with a tasting of local Lucanian specialties, including taralli, Matera bread, and vegetable spreads.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Matera
Si prega arrivare in agenzia 10 minuti prima del tour e presentarsi allo staff.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Guided tour in Italian
Guided tour in English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Martulli Viaggi
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An experience that I recommend
Antonio, our guide that morning, is friendly, competent, answers the most diverse questions exhaustively, affable, kind, and capable of telling about the "Sassi" and the people who live there with a wealth of detail and many small, interesting curiosities.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Fantastic experience
Fantastic experience. Professional and friendly guide. Experience to recommend.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Recommended visit suitable for everyone.
The guided tour was a very positive experience for the whole family (2 adults and 3 children aged 14, 11, and 6). The guide Antonio knew how to illustrate the history and peculiarities of the places with clarity and punctuality and knew how to convey the beauty of the history of Matera to both the adults and the little ones. Recommended!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Full immersion among the Sassi of Matera and their culture
The 3-hour walking tour through the Sassi of Matera allowed us to catapult ourselves into the history of the city, from its origin, passing through ancient traditions and the displacement, to arrive at the rebirth, the architectural-social recovery project, and the process of "repopulation" of the Sassi. We were lucky to have been accompanied by Antonio Pizzulli, a local guide born and raised in Matera, who, in addition to the information, was able to convey to us the love for his city and make us reflect on the social and human aspects that accompanied the historical-architectural events of Matera. A very well-organized and recommended visit, for which we also thank the Martulli Viaggi-DMC agency.
via Viator (translated)
Booked and paid for a 3-hour Sassi tour, downgraded at the last minute — avoid
We paid €100 for 2 people for a 3-hour Sassi tour with tasting, specifically to see Santa Maria de Idris. Two minutes before departure, we were told our tour wasn't happening and were pushed into a 2-hour tour instead (advertised at just €29), with no tasting and a group of 29 people instead of the promised max 20. We were given €10 cash and the choice of "full refund" but had no real choice — it was join this group or miss out entirely, since we had a fixed return time to Bari. No warning until 2 minutes before start, no real alternative offered, and a significant downgrade in value with no advance notice. Be very careful if you're booking a specific tour time or itinerary with this company — you may not get what you paid for. I kindly asked for refund of the outstanding difference after the tour from Michele, he did not even bother to reply.
Response from the operator: Dear , We are sorry that the experience did not meet your expectations. However, we would like to clarify some important points regarding your booking. The three-hour tour is subject to a minimum requirement of four participants. As only two people were booked, the minimum number required to operate that specific tour was not reached. Before departure, you were also informed that the final tasting could not take place because the venue was closed. For this reason, we offered you an alternative tour of approximately two and a half hours, without the final tasting, so that you could still visit the Sassi within the time available before your return to Bari. You had purchased the original experience with a 15% discount. In addition, we refunded €10 per person in cash. After applying both the original discount and the refund, the final amount paid was approximately €28 per person, in line with the price of the alternative tour provided. You were clearly offered the option of receiving a full refund if you did not wish to join the alternative tour. You chose instead to take part in the tour, which was completed without the final tasting. We always try to guarantee an alternative experience whenever the minimum number of participants for a specific tour is not reached. Nevertheless, group tours can only be confirmed when the required minimum number of guests is met. We regret that our subsequent communication did not appear sufficiently prompt, but we do not believe it is accurate to state that no alternative or refund option was offered.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $31 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Martulli Viaggi, who run 85 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.8.
See everything Martulli Viaggi runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Matera.
How much does Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting cost?
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Prices start at $31 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Matera usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Matera is not rushed.
Is Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Matera, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Matera can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Matera and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Matera within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Matera?
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On Outty we rank every Matera experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour, Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church, Matera's Sassi Walking Tour - PREMIUM GUIDES. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Matera?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Matera?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Included: Licensed local tour guide; Entrance to the rock church of Sant’Antonio Abate; Tasting of regional bites - taralli, local bread, and veggie spreads; City map; and Entrance to the rock church of Madonna de Idris / San Giovanni in Monterrone. Not included: Extra meals and drinks; and Tips (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Si prega arrivare in agenzia 10 minuti prima del tour e presentarsi allo staff. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting offered in?
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It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Complete Sassi of Matera Small Group Walking Tour with Tasting?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Guided tour in Italian, Guided tour in English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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