Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 463 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera worth booking?
Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera is a 3-hour experience in Matera, Italy, from $344 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 463 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (463)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $344 per person
This guided walking tour offers a more complete and in-depth experience of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed for travelers who want to go beyond a simple panoramic walk. Accompanied by a local g
What you get
About this experience
This guided walking tour offers a more complete and in-depth experience of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed for travelers who want to go beyond a simple panoramic walk. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the historic districts by stepping into the heart of the city carved into the rock. The itinerary includes entrance to two frescoed rock churches, including the renowned Madonna de Idris, dramatically suspended above Sasso Caveoso. Here, precious frescoes bear witness to the deep spirituality and artistic expression of medieval Matera. Another key moment of the experience is the visit to a traditionally furnished cave house, set up as it was before the 1950s, offering a concrete understanding of the real living conditions of the families who inhabited the Sassi prior to the evacuation. Enjoy a light tasting of regional bites - taralli, bread, and veggie spreads or other - to wrap up the tour.
What's included
Included
- Exclusive expert tour guide
- Tasting of local food samples
- Entrance ticket to the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate
- Guided tour to both Sassi districts, Caveoso and Barisano
- 10% discount coupon to Mòvado Food&Drinks bar in Piazza Duomo
- Entrance tickets to a Casa Grotta museum (cave dwelling)
- Entrance tickets to the rock church of Madonna de Idris
Not included
- Tips
- Extra food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Chiesa del Purgatorio
The tour begins with a symbolic introduction to Baroque Matera through an external visit to the Church of Purgatory, highlighting the connection between faith, death, and rebirth in local culture.
Pass by without stopping
The elegant heart of the historic city, this is the ideal place to understand Matera’s urban development before entering the Sassi.
10 minutes here
Cathedral Basilica of Matera
From the top of the hill, the Cathedral overlooks the Sassi: a narrative stop to read the city from above and orient yourself within the rock-hewn landscape.
Pass by without stopping
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
A short stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso will allow you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sassi, with stunning views of the city.
10 minutes here
Chiesa Rupestre Sant'Antonio Abate
You enter Sasso Barisano to visit one of the most representative rock churches, where frescoes and carved spaces reveal the spirituality of the medieval period.
10 minutes here · Admission included
A key stop to understand daily life in the Sassi, featuring rooms furnished as they were before the 1950s and stories revealing the real living conditions of local families.
15 minutes here · Admission included
One of the most evocative stretches of the tour, offering open views over the Gravina canyon and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, where nature and history meet.
15 minutes here
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso
A photo stop in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, surrounded by one of Matera’s most iconic panoramas.
10 minutes here
The central moment of the tour: a rock-carved church suspended above Sasso Caveoso, adorned with frescoes of great historical and spiritual value.
20 minutes here · Admission included
The tour concludes with small samples of local food products.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Matera
Agenzia Martulli Viaggi
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In front of the Cathedral
Options you can book
Private Tour in Italian
Private 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Martulli Viaggi
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- Collect your 10% discount coupon at our agency before the tour
- Matera’s historic districts feature uneven stone pavements, steps, and sloping pathways. We strongly recommend comfortable, non-slip walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- The route includes steps, inclines, and narrow alleys. A moderate level of mobility is required. The itinerary may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs, or strollers
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 463 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
463 verified traveler reviews for Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Private Matera tour
Stella was an awesome guide. Welcoming and friendly when we met. Spoke good English. Most importantly her knowledge and passion for Matera and the Sassi was impressive. As a result we learned fascinating facts and insights we would otherwise not have learned. The tour was well paced especially given the extreme heat. Stella’s recommendation for lunch was perfect and we also enjoyed checking out the old water system she recommended we see. We highly recommend this tour. Thanks Stella for an interesting and insightful day 👍🏻
via Viator
Very pleasant and informative tour of Matera with a knowledgeable guide. Would do it again with Trip Advisor.
This was a very interesting and educational tour of Matera that introduced us to its ancient history. Our guide pointed out the conditions of living in Sassi before the people occupying these cave-like dwellings were relocated to modern housing. The unique geography and architecture of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, including its winding stone-paved streets, rupestrian churches attracted the film industry and business boomed after Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very interesting, enchanting, and informative experience.
via Tripadvisor
Look elsewhere for a private tour.
Our tour in English of Matera was with Barbara. She guided us on an enjoyable walk through the city that allowed us to see the city from various perspectives. We also had private access to one of the small rock churches. However, she was not welcoming or enthusiastic, her English communication skills made her difficult to understand, she was on the phone and texting for approximately 20 minutes (seemingly or personal calls) and she did not follow the advertised itinerary. Our group had an enjoyable time because of the beauty of the city but, look elsewhere for a private tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, David. We're sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact our customer service team so we can address these concerns and work towards improving our services for you and future guests.
via Tripadvisor
Couple from Indy
Our guide Stephania (Stephanie) was truly wonderful. She made our 3hour private tour of a truly magical city absolutely memorable. She is very knowledgeable and has a warm & sincere personality. We felt very relaxed & could readily tell that Stephania really knew the history & culture of the town/region. We would recommend her to everyone who plans on visiting this spectacular place. She’ll make your time very worthwhile
via Viator
Enthusiasm
Barbara was enthusiastic about her town. She was fun to be with and we covered a lot of territory even though we were 30 minutes late. Thanks
via Viator
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 162
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Matera.
How much does Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera cost?
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Prices start at $344 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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera 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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 463 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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera?
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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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera 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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera?
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Around 162 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 Full Private 3h Excursion to the Sassi di Matera 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 Tour in the Sassi of Matera with Casa Grotta and Rock Church, Sassi di Matera guided tour with Giulio, Discover Matera, the ancient city - English tour. 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.
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