Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta

A practical and charming way to explore Matera

If you’re visiting Matera, Italy’s unforgettable city of stone and history, this Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to a Casa Grotta offers a smooth, informative way to get your bearings. For just under $23 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and a half cruising through the city’s most iconic sights. The route takes you past main monuments, panoramic viewpoints, and even to the Parco della Murgia, a stunning parkland with sweeping views of the Sanctuary of Palomba.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the small group size—limiting it to just 14 travelers—ensuring everyone gets a comfortable seat and good attention from the guide, and the combination of panoramic vistas and cultural insights. You’ll also visit a traditional Casa Grotta, giving you a glimpse into how local families used to live in Matera’s famous cave dwellings.

A potential consideration? Since the tour uses an audio guide app on your smartphone and requires you to bring headphones, some travelers might find this setup a bit less personal than a live guide. However, the flexibility and modern approach tend to suit most visitors well.

This experience is ideal for those who want an easy, relaxed overview of Matera’s highlights without the challenge of walking uneven terrain. It suits visitors short on time, families, or older travelers who want to see the sights comfortably.

Key Points

• Comfortable panoramic view of Matera’s Sassi and key landmarks.
• Small-group size guarantees intimacy and personalized attention.
• Entrance to Casa Grotta offers a genuine window into local life.
• Audio-guided experience via app provides flexibility and multilingual support.
• Visiting the Sanctuary of Palomba adds a spiritual and artistic dimension.
• Cost-effective option with lots of photo opportunities and cultural insights.

In-Depth Review of the Matera Open Bus Tour

What You Can Expect from the Experience

This tour is designed for those who prefer to see Matera from the comfort of a small, open-topped bus. It’s a great way to get a broad overview of the city’s famous Sassi districts—the ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone—and some of the more scenic viewpoints. With a duration of about 90 minutes, it makes for a manageable introduction, especially if you’re tight on time or traveling with varying ages who might find walking uphill difficult.

The route covers several highlights, starting at the Tramontano Castle perched on Lapillo hill, offering a commanding view of the historic center. From there, the bus makes stops at key spots like the Belvedere Sant’agostino, a perfect vantage point for photos of the Sassi with their ancient rooftops and winding alleys.

Visiting the Sassi and the Casa Grotta

One of the tour’s biggest wins is the visit to a typical Cave House in the Sassi districts. The C’era Una Volta site gives you a chance to step inside a real cave dwelling and learn how families lived centuries ago. As one reviewer put it, “The story told by the guide made me appreciate the culture of Matera,” emphasizing the authenticity of this experience.

The entrance fee is included, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs. It’s a rare opportunity to see how people carved homes directly into the limestone, often with narrow passages and simple furnishings—an experience that brings the city’s history to life more vividly than just reading about it.

Panoramic Views and Photo Opportunities

The Belvedere Sant’agostino and other viewpoints provide a breathtaking backdrop for photos, especially as the light softens in the evening, casting the Sassi in a warm glow. Reviewers repeatedly mention how the views “come alive with lights” at sunset, creating memorable photo moments.

You’ll also visit Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and the Piccianello district, where the less touristy streets offer a glimpse of local life, away from the more crowded parts of Matera. These stops are brief but packed with visual charm.

Cultural and Religious Highlights

A visit to the Sanctuary of Palomba enriches the tour, with its religious artworks and panoramic views of the Murgia Materana Park. This site remains active, often hosting religious services, which means access might depend on timing. The artworks and spiritual atmosphere make it a meaningful stop.

The Guide and Audio Guide System

While some reviews praise the knowledgeable guides—with comments like “Emma was excellent”—the tour primarily relies on an audio guide app, which you download to your phone. Travelers should bring charged devices and headphones for the best experience.

Some guests mention that the audio commentary is mostly in Italian, with only brief parts in English or French, which can limit understanding if you’re not bilingual. Still, the visual stops and live guide explanations at key points compensate for this, providing enough context to appreciate each site.

Small Group and Modern Logistics

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour strikes a good balance between social and personal experience. The small group makes it easier to hop on narrow streets, and the responsive guide helps answer questions and point out details you might miss on your own.

The price—around $23—represents good value considering the entrance fees, the transportation, and the chance to see multiple highlights in a short time.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

The consistent praise for the guides’ friendliness and knowledge echoes in many reviews. For instance, “Our guide was very good. He explained Matera very well,” highlights how much a good guide enhances the experience.

Many reviewers also note that the tour is an excellent way to see the city’s highlights without hours of walking, especially at sunset, which many agree is the best time to see Matera’s magic.

Possible Drawbacks

A few travelers mention initial booking issues or language limitations in the audio guide, but these are minor. The main point to keep in mind is that this is a sightseeing bus tour, not a deep historical lecture, so if you’re after granular details or a full walking tour, you might want to supplement this experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors, families, or anyone who wants a comfortable overview of Matera’s highlights. It’s especially suited for those who value photo opportunities, scenic views, and a relaxed pace.

If you’re traveling with older relatives or children who dislike long walks, this is a practical, enjoyable option. Food lovers can also take advantage of a 10% discount coupon at a local eatery, adding a tasty end to your outing.

Final Thoughts

This Matera Open Bus Tour is a well-priced, thoughtfully organized way to get a broad sense of the city’s unique character. It combines panoramic views, authentic cave visits, and cultural spots into a manageable experience that’s suitable for most travelers.

While it doesn’t replace a full walking tour or in-depth exploration, it’s a solid introduction—especially if you want to see the highlights with minimal effort. The small group size, combined with friendly guides and stunning vistas, makes it a memorable choice for your first day in Matera.

For those seeking an authentic, scenic overview in just a couple of hours—and willing to embrace modern tech for the audio narration—this tour offers great value and a chance to fall in love with Matera’s timeless charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join, especially since non-paying kids sit on laps. The tour’s relaxed pace and scenic stops make it family-friendly.

Do I need to bring anything with me?
Yes, bring your phone fully charged and headphones so you can enjoy the audio guide. The tour is mainly visual and auditory, so these are essential.

What if I want to see Matera at sunset?
Many reviews recommend doing the 6:30 or 5:30 pm tour to enjoy the city illuminated at sunset, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Are the stops brief?
Yes, most stops last around 5 to 20 minutes, enough for photos and quick looks, making it ideal for a quick overview.

Is this a guided tour with a live person?
The tour has an audio guide app for explanations, but the guide is also on board to answer questions at key points. Some reviews highlight the guide’s friendliness and knowledge.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the experience is primarily outdoors on an open-top bus, poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if it’s canceled.

In brief, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Matera’s most photogenic and meaningful sights, perfect for those looking for a relaxed, affordable, and insightful way to start their journey into this extraordinary city. Whether you’re short on time or just prefer a less strenuous way to see the sights, it’s a small investment for a memorable first taste of Matera’s timeless charm.