Grand Tour of the Stones in Electric Rickshaw

Experience the Cliffside Charm of Matera in an Electric Rickshaw

Imagine zipping through the ancient streets of Matera’s Sassi districts without tiring your legs. That’s exactly what this Grand Tour of the Stones in Electric Rickshaw offers. For just $36.75 per person, you get a lively 2-hour ride through the UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting top sights like cave houses, the historic cathedral, and panoramic viewpoints. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll explore the winding alleyways of Barisano and Caveoso, soaking in centuries of history while enjoying a relaxed, fun-paced journey.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are its ability to cover much ground quickly—perfect if your time in Matera is limited—and the interactive nature, thanks to the audio guide and friendly group leader. It’s an excellent way to get an overview of the city’s highlights without the fatigue of walking for hours. The only consideration? The tour involves some hills, so be prepared for a bit of effort, especially if you’re not used to climbing steep streets.

This tour suits travellers who want a flexible, engaging introduction to Matera—especially if you’re traveling with family, with limited time, or prefer a more comfortable way to explore. Plus, if you enjoy a mix of guided commentary and a bit of outdoor fun, this ride offers both in a compact package.

Key Points

• Comfortable and convenient way to explore steep and uneven terrain in Matera’s historic Sassi.
• Includes an audio guide that offers insights into the city’s history and sights.
• Stops at key sites such as cave houses, the cathedral, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Flexible experience, with a friendly guide to help you navigate and learn.
• Good value considering the short, informative duration and included stops.
• Ideal for those with limited time or travelers who prefer not to walk long distances on hilly streets.

Exploring Matera’s Sassi in a Rickshaw: A Detailed Look

Matera’s Sassi districts are one of Italy’s most intriguing sights, with their labyrinth of narrow, winding streets carved into soft rock, filled with ancient cave dwellings, churches, and tiny courtyards. Exploring these on foot can feel like a workout, especially since many streets are steep and uneven. This electric rickshaw tour offers a refreshing alternative, whisking you through the hills while you sit back and soak in the sights.

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at Matera Bike Tour’s meeting point on Via Casalnuovo, a convenient location near public transportation. For just over thirty-six dollars, you’ll enjoy about two hours of guided sightseeing, topped with the convenience of a pedal-assisted rickshaw. The price is quite reasonable considering the level of comfort and the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly, making it an attractive option for families, seniors, or those with limited stamina.

Most travelers find the group size small, capped at 10, which means a more personalized experience. The electric assistance on the rickshaw helps conquer the steep inclines that make Matera’s old town so unique but physically challenging to explore on foot.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket includes the use of the pedal-assisted rickshaw and a personal audio guide. The audio guide—delivered through individual devices—provides commentary about the city’s history and top sights, which many reviews praise as clever and informative.

However, it’s important to note that additional visits to rock churches or other paid attractions are not included. If you’re keen to explore specific cave churches or other sites, you might need to pay separately or arrange additional visits.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is designed to maximize your experience of Matera’s highlights in a short span. Here’s a detailed look at what each stop involves:

Stop 1: Casa Grotta Narrante
This restored cave house offers a glimpse into how people once lived in the Sassi. It’s furnished with period furniture and utensils, helping you visualize daily life in ancient times. One reviewer, Darlene, mentioned that this stop is “fully understanding how we lived in the ancient Sassi districts before abandonment,” making it a meaningful introduction.

Stop 2: Cattedrale di Matera
The impressive Cathedral of Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio is a highlight. It’s a chance to appreciate the religious architecture and panoramic views from the surrounding square. Visitors often find this stop to be both beautiful and informative, with some reviews noting the “free visit” as a plus.

Stops 3 & 4: Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso
The tour pausing at these two districts offers contrasting views:
– Sasso Barisano features more built-up environments with delightful viewpoints overlooking the “gorge” carved by the Gravina stream—an iconic photo spot.
– Sasso Caveoso reveals the almost entirely excavated houses, showcasing how humans integrated homes into natural rock formations. Reviewers like Ginge comment that “getting to see how man has incorporated nature into his homes” is especially fascinating.

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Insights

One of the biggest strengths of this tour is the knowledgeable guide (Domenico appears to be a favorite among reviewers), who enriches the visit with interesting details. Travelers have appreciated that the guide cheers them on through the hills and shares local stories, making the experience lively and engaging.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Efficient sightseeing in a city of intense steep streets.
– Comfortable ride that enables you to see more without exhaustion.
– Audio commentary that offers a wealth of information.
– Stops at key sites, including cave houses and the cathedral.
– Small group size for personalized attention and flexibility.

Cons:
– The audio guide’s focus on architecture and dates might not satisfy those seeking in-depth historical narratives.
– Some reviews mention initial confusion or issues with meeting points, though these appear to be rare.
– The hills can still be challenging if you’re not used to steep terrain, even with electric assistance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ride is great for families, elderly travelers, or anyone looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to Matera’s Sassi. It’s especially suitable if you want to avoid strenuous walking but still want to see the main sights. If you enjoy interactive storytelling and local guides who share interesting tidbits, this tour hits the mark.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At a price point of $36.75, you’re paying for value-packed convenience. The ability to experience Matera’s labyrinth of streets without fatigue, combined with short stops that are thoughtfully curated, makes this an efficient way to get a feel for the city in a limited timeframe. While you won’t get in-depth access to every church or site, the highlight stops and colorful commentary give you a solid overview.

Many travelers, including one who called it a “great fun tour,” left reviews praising the friendly guide and the fun of riding the electric rickshaw. Others appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness when running late, noting that the tour can be adapted to fit your schedule.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including stops at key sights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Matera Bike Tour’s meeting point on Via Casalnuovo and ends back there.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though some reviews mention paying the same rate for children over 10.

What is included in the price?
Use of the electric rickshaw and personal audio guides.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, visits to rock churches or other paid attractions are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes, the electric rickshaw helps with mobility, but be prepared for some hills.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor touring and possibly some sun protection.

Is there a guide or is it self-guided?
A group leader guides the ride and provides commentary through the audio guide.

How crowded does it get?
The maximum group size is 10, keeping the experience intimate and manageable.

In brief, this Grand Tour of the Stones on Electric Rickshaw offers a practical, enjoyable way to see Matera’s most iconic sights without overexertion. It’s perfect for those looking for a mix of comfort, fun, and cultural insight—especially if time is tight or walking is less appealing. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a small group, this tour makes exploring the Sassi both accessible and memorable.