historical tour with audio guide of Sassi di Matera

If you’re planning a trip to Matera, in Basilicata, Italy, and want to explore its legendary Sassi neighborhoods without breaking the bank, this audio-guided tour might seem appealing. For just $4.52 per person, you receive access to an app that guides you through the historic districts, highlighting caves, rock churches, and narrow alleyways. The tour is valid for a full year, giving you flexibility on when to explore, which is especially useful if your schedule is unpredictable.

What we appreciate most about this experience is how easy it is to navigate the city at your own pace, especially with a focus on outdoor sights. Plus, the inclusion of a discount coupon for local food and drinks adds a touch of authenticity. However, a notable concern is the mixed reviews about the app’s reliability, which can hinder your enjoyment if it doesn’t work smoothly. This tour suits travelers who are comfortable using their smartphones and prefer a budget-friendly way to see Matera’s iconic neighborhoods.

If you’re someone who enjoys self-guided adventures and is keen on discovering less crowded routes, this could be a good fit. But if you prefer a dedicated guide with personal interaction, you might prefer other options. Now, let’s explore what you can expect in detail.

Key Points

Affordable price point makes this a budget-friendly option for exploring Matera.
Self-paced exploration allows you to linger or skip parts of the tour as you wish.
Geolocated audio points help you identify and understand key sites, but may sometimes malfunction.
Focus on outdoor sights like caves, streets, and rock churches, with no indoor tour or guide.
Requires a smartphone with sufficient charge; earphones recommended for clarity.
No included entrance tickets—you’ll need to pay separately if you want to visit churches or caves inside.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting at Martulli Viaggi, this audio-guided experience begins with clear instructions on downloading the app, Popguide, and activating your tour. The route is designed to take you through the main highlights of Matera’s old neighborhoods, specifically Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso.

The initial part of the tour takes place in the city center, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the historic caves carved into limestone. These natural formations have been inhabited since ancient times, and you’ll get to see rock churches and underground architecture up close. The app’s geolocation feature is supposed to help you identify your position and provide relevant commentary. But as some reviews note, this feature can be unreliable—so don’t be surprised if the app struggles with pinpoint accuracy.

As you walk through the narrow streets and winding alleys, you’ll reach Via Fiorentini, which showcases some of the most traditional and picturesque parts of Matera. Here, you’ll see a typical cave house, offering a glimpse of everyday life in this extraordinary city. The tour concludes at Via Madonna delle Virtù and Porta Pistoia, wrapping up your outdoor exploration.

Throughout, you’ll be accompanied by audio descriptions of over 10 geolocated points of interest, helping you understand the significance of each site without the need for an actual guide. The app’s ability to bring these places to life depends heavily on its technological reliability, which is where some users have expressed frustration.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

For budget travelers or those simply curious about Matera’s outdoor environment, this tour offers incredible value. The price is remarkably low compared to guided tours, and the self-guided format gives you the freedom to explore at your own speed. You can stop to take photos, enjoy a quiet moment in a cave church, or just wander aimlessly without feeling rushed.

Another highlight is the beautiful views you’ll encounter along the route. Matera’s rocky landscape and historic streets are visually captivating, perfect for a leisurely walk. Plus, the discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink** encourages you to relax and enjoy local cuisine after your sightseeing, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the experience.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite its advantages, this tour isn’t without issues. According to some reviews, the app’s geolocation feature can be unreliable—one person mentioned, “The app was unable to work out our location so we couldn’t work out where we were on the tour.” This can be frustrating if you’re counting on precise navigation to reveal interesting details about each site.

Plus, the tour does not include entrance tickets to any attractions—so if you want to go inside caves or rock churches, you’ll need to budget extra for tickets. The tour is strictly outdoor, so those expecting an indoor experience may need to look elsewhere.

Finally, the audio commentary has been described as bland or dull by some users, which might diminish the overall engagement. If you’re someone who prefers lively guides or structured group tours, this might not be your ideal choice.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are comfortable navigating with a smartphone and want an inexpensive way to see Matera’s outdoor sights. It’s also ideal if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a sense of the city’s layout and major landmarks.

If you’re interested in authentic outdoor environments and stunning views, and don’t mind occasional technical hiccups, this experience can add a lot of value. However, if you prefer guided commentary or plan to visit indoor attractions, you might want to consider other options with more personal interaction.

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Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value

For just a few dollars, this self-guided audio tour provides a cost-effective introduction to Matera’s unique neighborhoods. It offers a flexible schedule and encourages you to explore at your own pace, which can be ideal for those who enjoy independent travel.

The highlight remains the stunning views and authentic outdoor architecture—key elements that make Matera so special. But potential issues with app reliability and the lack of indoor access mean this isn’t necessarily the most comprehensive or foolproof way to experience the city.

If you’re an independent traveler comfortable with technology, seeking a budget-friendly way to see the sights, and willing to accept some technical limitations, this tour could be a good starting point. For travelers seeking more personalized guidance or inside access, exploring guided tours or private guides might be worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the tour cost?
It costs approximately $4.52 per person, making it one of the most affordable options for exploring Matera’s outdoor sights.

What is included in the tour?
You receive audio guides via the Popguide app, which is geolocated for outdoor attractions. You also get a 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink.

Does the tour include inside visits or entry tickets?
No, this tour does not include entry tickets to caves or churches. You’ll need to pay separately if you want to visit indoor sites.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a charged smartphone and, if you like, earphones. Cameras are welcome, but cellphones and baby strollers are not allowed along the route.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and designed for outdoor exploration. However, the reliance on a smartphone app means tech-savvy travelers will get the most out of it.

Can I do this tour on any day?
Yes, the tour is valid for 365 days, but you should check availability for specific starting times.

Will the app work reliably?
Some reviews suggest geolocation can be unreliable. If the app doesn’t work properly, you might find it hard to follow the route or understand the points of interest.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s an audio-guided experience without a physical guide. You navigate using the app, which provides the commentary.

To sum it up, this audio-guide tour of the Sassi di Matera offers a cheap, flexible, outdoor exploration of this unique Italian city. While it’s perfect for independent travelers eager to see the stunning views and authentic caves at their own pace, it may fall short for those seeking a fully guided or interior experience. Still, if you’re comfortable with technology and want an accessible way to wander the labyrinthine streets of Matera, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: