Discover Matera: Overnight Stay, Meal, and Sassi Tour

Discover Matera: Overnight Stay, Meal, and Sassi Tour is a package that offers an authentic taste of this UNESCO World Heritage site for around $170 per person. For just a couple of days, you’ll enjoy a cozy night in a charming B&B right in the heart of the Sassi districts, followed by a carefully curated guided walk through the ancient neighborhoods. This tour gives you a window into the historic rock-hewn churches, traditional cave homes, and stunning panoramic views that make Matera so uniquely captivating.

What we love about this experience is how it balances culture with genuine comfort. The inclusion of a local meal — featuring traditional Lucanian dishes — is a real highlight, allowing you to taste the flavors that have been passed down through generations. Plus, the guided walking tour, led by knowledgeable guides like Romina or Giusy, is praised for its engaging storytelling and attention to detail.

A potential consideration is that this tour is not a comprehensive deep dive, but rather a well-rounded introduction, which is perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a taste of authentic Matera without the hassle of planning every detail. Families, history enthusiasts, and food lovers will find this trip particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic experience combining an overnight stay, guided tour, and local cuisine
• Expert guides like Romina, Giusy, and Antonia bring the city’s stories alive
• Stunning views and historic sites such as rock churches and cave homes
• Great value for the price, with included meals and entrance tickets
• Flexible cancellation policy — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Perfect for travelers seeking easy access to Matera’s highlights with comfort and authenticity

This experience made our article of Our 15 Favorite Matera Tours.

A Closer Look at the Discover Matera Tour

Matera’s reputation as a city carved from stone is well-earned. This tour offers a perfect blend of tradition, history, and food, ideal for those who want to get to know the city beyond just glancing at photos. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a guided experience that simplifies logistics while deepening understanding.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Cozy Night in the Heart of Matera

You’ll check in to a charming B&B located in the historic center of the Sassi districts. From reviews, it’s clear that the accommodations are appreciated for their authentic charm and central location, making it easy to walk around and soak in the atmosphere. There’s no admission fee for this part, but it’s the start of your immersion into Matera’s living history.

Evening at leisure allows you to explore on your own — perhaps wandering through narrow alleys, admiring ancient stone facades, or enjoying local cafes. The atmosphere in Matera at night, with the soft glow of lanterns and the quiet echo of footsteps on cobblestones, can be quite magical.

Day 2: Guided Sassi Walking Tour and Local Food

The highlight is a 2-hour guided walk through the famous Sassi neighborhoods of Caveoso and Barisano. You’ll explore narrow alleys, panoramic viewpoints, and visit sites like the rock-hewn church of Sant’Antonio Abate and a “casa grotta” museum, offering insights into everyday life in this ancient city.

Guides like Romina and Giusy are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with reviews emphasizing their ability to respond politely and thoroughly to questions. One reviewer specifically mentions that Giusy’s expertise and engaging manner made the experience “very prepared and very precise,” even accommodating children with interesting storytelling.

You’ll step inside a typical cave house, which is furnished to show how residents once lived in this rocky landscape. The visit to the rock-hewn church offers a glimpse into spiritual life in Matera, adding depth to your understanding of its history.

The Food Experience

Included in your package is a meal featuring local Lucanian cuisine. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, you’ll savor traditional dishes that reflect the region’s flavors. Reviewers mention the deliciousness of the food, highlighting the opportunity to taste authentic regional recipes. Plus, there’s a 10% discount voucher at MòVado Food & Drink, perfect for sampling more local products.

Value for Money

At around $170, this tour packs a lot of value. It combines accommodation, guided sightseeing, entrance tickets, and meals, all designed to give you an immersive experience without the hassle of organizing every detail. Given that many reviews highlight the quality of guides and the authenticity of the experience, it’s clear that this tour offers good value.

The Group and Timing

The tour is limited to 25 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience. Starting at 10:30 am, it fits comfortably into most travel plans and allows you to enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out. The walks are manageable and suited for most travelers, even families, as some reviews mention the experience being “fantastic with children”.

What Past Travelers Say

The tour has an impressive average rating of 5.0, with over 330 reviews praising guides like Antonia, Giulia, and Angela for their passion and professionalism. Reviewers often mention how guides “made the city come alive” with their stories and engaging personalities.

Some comments highlight the beauty of Matera’s views and how the guides made complex history accessible and entertaining. Even in hot weather or with small groups, guides like Angela managed to keep everyone involved and interested.

A few critiques note that some tours may be more “brief”, but this is balanced by the quality of storytelling and authentic sites visited. For travelers wanting a more detailed or extended exploration, there are other options available, but this tour strikes a solid balance for most.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-timers who want to get a comprehensive introduction to Matera without feeling overwhelmed. It suits history buffs, food lovers, and those seeking a comfortable, guided day in a city that looks like it belongs in a storybook. Families with children will appreciate the engaging guides and manageable pace, while solo travelers can enjoy the social aspect and insider stories.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized way to see Matera’s highlights, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and learn from passionate guides, then this tour is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, including families. Reviews mention it being “fantastic with children,” and the pace is generally manageable.

What is included in the price?
Your package includes one night in a charming B&B, a traditional Lucanian meal, guided 2-hour walk, entrance tickets to a rock-hewn church and cave house, and a discount voucher at a local eatery.

How much walking is involved?
The guided tour lasts about 2 hours and involves walking through narrow alleys and uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but the pace is gentle.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers repeatedly praise guides like Romina, Giusy, and Antonia for their passion, professionalism, and storytelling ability.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. Full refunds are available if canceled in time.

Is the meal vegetarian or adaptable?
The package mentions a traditional Lucanian menu, but specific dietary options are not detailed. It’s best to contact the provider if you have particular needs.

What’s the best time of day to join the tour?
Starting at 10:30 am, the morning slot offers a relaxed start with ample time for exploration and enjoying the city’s atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to see the real Matera without the stress of planning, this tour offers a well-curated, authentic experience. The combination of local guides, delicious food, and historic sites makes it a great value for a short but meaningful visit. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Matera’s stone streets, cave dwellings, and spiritual sites, plus a full stomach and wonderful memories.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary explorer, or a traveler wanting a stress-free introduction to this UNESCO gem, this experience will meet your expectations and leave you eager to return.

In essence, this tour is a thoughtfully crafted introduction to Matera’s soul. It’s best suited for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and storytelling — making it a perfect starting point for your journey into this extraordinary city.