Discovering Matera

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4 Days From

~~$1038~~

$890

Discovering Matera

4 Days Starting and ending in Matera, Italy

Visiting: Matera

Tour operator:

Tui Italia

Tour code:

774088

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History

Activities:

Art Galleries & Museums, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1038 $890 (USD) Operator discount: -$104 Travel Club discount: -$44 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a cultural journey to Matera, one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019, renowned for its troglodytic cave dwellings, rock-cut architecture, and rich ancestral history. This tour offers a unique blend of guided explorations and hands-on experiences. Begin with an evening walking tour through the historic heart of Matera, visiting iconic sites like the church of San Giovanni Battista and the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Learn the art of bread making in a traditional "panetteria" and create your own loaf. Discover the Murgia's rupestrian sites, including the frescoed Crypt of the Original Sin and the Church of Madonna della Palomba. Enjoy three nights in a superior hotel, with daily breakfasts included, and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Highlights

Matera: one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019
Extensive collection of troglodytic cave dwellings, rock-cut architecture, rupestrian art, ancestral history and cultural heritage
Evening guided walking tour in Matera, including the church of San Giovanni Battista and Casa Cava
Bread making class at a typical "panetteria"
Guided tour of Murgia, including the Crypt of the Original Sin and the Church of Madonna della Palomba
Visit to the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate and the Sasso Caveoso
Exploration of the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo in Masseria Jesce in Altamura

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Matera

Astrit Myrtaj

Location: Matera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

Upon your arrival in Matera reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the evening, join a small group tour to have a quick introduction to the city (the tour starts at 17.00 hrs). The experience will start with a short historical-architectural introduction about the Sassi of Matera, after which it will continue with a visit to the Sasso Caveoso. You'll thus enter a traditionally furnished cave-dwelling, where you'll learn how the poorest inhabitants of Matera used to live until the '50s. You'll then visit one of the Rupestrian Churches which have been completely carved in the rock, and there you'll discover some precious iconographic traces of Greek Italian monasticism, dating back to the X-XIII centuries. Last but not least, the tour will take you to "Il Bottegaccio", a ceramic and paper-mâché workshop, to learn more about the ancient popular traditions of Matera, including local foods.Overnight in Matera.

Day 2 : Matera

simone agosta

Location: Matera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will enjoy a small group tour to visit a typical “panetteria” and learn how to make the famous bread of Matera. The experience starts with an explanation of the products used, such as the best local semolina and sourdough. This is followed by the entrance to the workshop where the master baker will describe processing techniques: kneading, rising, making the bread shape and issuing the stamp type that characterizes the Bread of Matera. During the making of the bread shapes, you will get your hands in the dough by working and creating your own loaf of bread that you can take away with you when you finish baking.

Overnight in Matera.

Day 3 : Matera

Max Roma

Location: Matera

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel please reach the meeting point where your driver will take you to experience an audio guided tour of the Crypt of the Original Sin. This remarkable cave, used as a church by Benedictine monks in the 9th century BC, completely frescoed by the skilful hand of the “Flower Painter of Matera.” Rediscovered back in 1963 by a group of passionate young of Matera, from being a flock shelter, the Crypt has become one of the must-see stops to visit. It stands as one of the oldest and most significant examples of rupestrian art in Southern Italy. Due to its exceptional theological and artistic value, this cave-church is often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel" of rock wall painting.Overnight in Matera.

Day 4 : Departure Matera

Location: Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast in Matera and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

Operated with an English-speaking guide on shared basis (Day 1)

ACCOMMODATION:

3 night’s accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/Post-night in Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

MEALS:

3 Breakfasts

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: evening guided walking tour in Matera (Day 1), bread making class (Day 2), entrance fee and the audioguide in the Crypt of the Original Sin (Day 3)

What's Not Included

Transfers

Arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel.
City Tax

City tax not included, payable on the spot.
Visa Fees

Visa fees are not included.
Flights

International or domestic flights are not included.
Meals and Drinks

Meals not mentioned in the inclusions section, drinks during meals.
Optional Tours

Optional tours (if any) are not included.
Unmentioned Visits

Any visit not mentioned in the program.
Tips and Gratuities

Tips and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program.
Drinks and Fees

Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Please note that for some tours/activities you will need to reach the meeting point on your own if the transportation is not specified in the itinerary.

Please note that only the activities will be shared with other guests.

Only one bag per person is allowed (any size) plus one hand luggage.

We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.

Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed

No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre/Post-night in Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

Transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel are available as an optional extra. Transportation for activities is provided as per the itinerary.

Accommodation

Enjoy a 3-night stay at the superior Hotel Dimora del Monaco or a similar 4-star hotel in Matera, with optional pre/post-night stays available.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre/Post-night in Matera

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

What kind of guided tours are included in the Discovering Matera tour?

The tour includes an evening guided walking tour in Matera on Day 1, a bread making class on Day 2, and a guided tour of Murgia with entrance fees and an audioguide in the Crypt of the Original Sin on Day 3.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour provides 3 nights' accommodation in a superior hotel category, specifically at Hotel Dimora del Monaco or a similar 4-star hotel.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts.
What activities are included on Day 1 of the tour?

On Day 1, after arriving in Matera and checking into the hotel, you will join a small group tour starting at 17:00 hrs. The tour includes visits to the church of San Giovanni Battista, Casa Cava, Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, Sasso Caveoso, Via Madonna delle Virtù, Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Madonna delle Grazie, the church of Purgatory, Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, Piazza del Sedile, and the Cathedral in Apulian Romanesque style.
What can I expect from the bread making class on Day 2?

On Day 2, you will visit a typical 'panetteria' to learn how to make the famous bread of Matera. The experience includes an explanation of the products used, a demonstration of processing techniques by a master baker, and a hands-on session where you will create your own loaf of bread to take away with you.

What sites will be visited during the guided tour of Murgia on Day 3?

During the guided tour of Murgia on Day 3, you will visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.
Are airport or train station transfers included in the tour package?

No, arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel are not included in the tour package but are available as an optional extra.
What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings during the tour?

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

Reviews of this operator

Marija

Rome and Amalfi Dream (On Request)

06-Oct-2022

Amalfi ride was an amazing experience! Scary and exciting at the same time. Accomodation was great, and we really liked how the itinerary was designed, because there is a ton of interesting content and still enough time for relaxation.

Betty

Campania Region Highlights, Private Tour

22-Jul-2022

The Amalfi Coast is stunning and the people of Italy were very welcoming and helpful. First, a shout out to Dario, my Pompeii guide - excellent! 2nd day was to be the Capri tour (amazing!) the lemon grove tour (also amazing, personal and very enjoyable), My guide for the walking tour in Napoli was wonderful.

Diane

Rome and Amalfi Dream (On Request)

29-Jun-2022

Overall good. Tour guides we all exceptional. The transportation was a small issue, one ride cane over 30 minutes early (luckily we were ready). The other ride scheduled to take us back to the airport arrived 45 minutes late. Hotel in Rome a bit older but the staff and location very nice. A great restaurant across the street.

Kelly

Rome & Splendid tour

01-Sep-2022

I loved everything about this tour. My only wish is that we could have stayed longer! Tui Italia took care in answering all our questions, and handling our delayed flight, as well as our early departure request. Each of the local guides along the way did a good job...especially Marco who led our excursion to Capri. The accomodations were clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend this trip.

Thomas V

Rome & Splendid Tour

15-Jun-2022

very good tour overall

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