Two intense days to discover the deep soul of the Sassi of Matera: ancient rock churches in the Murgia Park, the winding alleys of the famous Sassi, unforgettable sunsets, and authentic Lucanian flavours.
A journey that will fully immerse you in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
The recommended seasons are spring and autumn, when you can enjoy a milder climate and a less crowded destination.
YOUR SOUVENIR
The emotion of a sunset that paints the Sassi in shades of red
Duration
2 days e 1 night
Accommodation
You will stay in the heart of Matera’s Sassi, in what was once an ancient residential complex, partly carved into the rock and partly built upon it.
The perfect place to enjoy your stay in the Sassi of Matera!/span>
TRAVEL JOURNAL
DAY 1 - Welcome in Matera!
Arrival in Matera in the early afternoon and accommodation in hotel.
To begin immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city, we recommend a first walk through the historic centre starting from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the heart of modern Matera. Here you can visit the famous Palombaro Lungo, a remarkable underground cistern carved beneath the city from the 17th century onwards. A fascinating place that tells the story of the ingenious rainwater collection and management system that made life in the Sassi possible for centuries.
In the late afternoon, you will enjoy one of the most evocative experiences of the trip with a guided excursion to the Murgia Materana Park, a UNESCO site featuring spectacular canyons, ancient trails, unspoilt nature, and millenary traces of Matera’s rock-cut history.
Two ways to experience your adventure in the Murgia Materana
Option 1 | Panoramic Tour of the Murgia Materana and Sunset Viewpoint
With transfer included from the centre of Matera, you will reach one of the most iconic areas of the Murgia Materana Park. Accompanied by your guide, you will walk through a wild landscape of canyons, Mediterranean scrub, and traces of the region’s most ancient history.
You will visit the remains of an ancient Neolithic village and rock churches carved into the stone, featuring ancient frescoes.
The tour also crosses the area chosen by Mel Gibson as Golgotha for the film The Passion of the Christ.
The experience ends at the panoramic viewpoint, where you can admire the Sassi of Matera glowing in the warm colours of sunset, offering one of the most breathtaking views in Basilicata.
Shared return transfer to the centre of Matera.
*The tour includes entrance to the restricted-access area of the Murgia Materana Park.
For those who wish to experience the Murgia in a more active and adventurous way, you can choose a guided trek that starts directly in the heart of the Sassi of Matera and follows ancient rock paths with panoramic views over the city. You will descend into the Gravina canyon, carved over the centuries by the river that separates Matera from the Murgia plateau. You will cross the Tibetan Bridge suspended above the canyon, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and unspoilt nature.
The trail continues onto the Murgia Materana plateau where, accompanied by a nature guide, you will discover a unique environment where biodiversity, archaeology, and wild landscapes come together.
You will visit the remains of an ancient Neolithic village and rock churches carved into the stone, featuring ancient frescoes.
The trek ends with a stunning view over the Sassi of Matera at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light.
At the end of the excursion, return to Matera with included shuttle service.
*The tour includes entrance to the restricted-access area of the Murgia Materana Park.
In the evening, return to the Sassi and enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant to discover the authentic flavours of Lucanian cuisine, including Matera bre
DAY 2 - Sassi of Matera
Enjoy your excellent buffet breakfast on the hotel terrace as you wake up!
A guided tour awaits you to fully discover the magic of Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During this guided visit of the Sassi, you will immerse yourself in the city’s millenary history, among atmospheric alleys, houses carved into the rock, rock churches, and breathtaking views. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the historic districts of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, the true beating hearts of ancient Matera.
A fascinating journey through traditions, rock architecture, and living culture: every step will take you back in time, with authentic emotions and unforgettable views.
For those who wish for an even deeper immersion into the soul of Matera, a hands-on experience awaits you before departure!
The Pane di Matera IGP is a unique symbol of the city and its territory, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages and the 15th century. Traditionally baked in the ovens of the Sassi using sourdough and techniques passed down through generations, it is distinguished by its characteristic shape, ritual scoring, and long shelf life. To avoid mixing up loaves, each family used stamps or seals bearing the initials of the head of the household, a practice that combined practicality, tradition, and devotion. In this way, Matera’s bread was not only food, but also a guardian of the city’s history and culture.
In this workshop, you will enjoy a truly unique experience: wearing an apron and getting hands-on with dough, you will step into the heart of Matera’s tradition, experiencing firsthand the making of this legendary bread. The ritual of the three cuts, symbolising the Holy Trinity, along with the care given to shaping and kneading the dough, reflects the devotion and history of the city. At the end, you will enjoy a tasting of freshly baked products, taking home not only a flavour but also an authentic and unforgettable memory of Matera.
PRICE: from 160 € per person
The price varies depending on the season and level of customisation. Do not hesitate to request a tailor-made quote!
THE FEE INCLUDES
• 1 overnight stay in a hotel in the Sassi of Matera (breakfast included)
• Guided visit to the Murgia Materana (in one of the options presented)
• Entrance tickets to the Murgia area
• Tasting dinner featuring Lucanian cuisine
• Guided tour of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso
• A travel guidebook with tips and suggestions for your visit
THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Transfers to and from the accommodation
• Optional visit to the Palombaro Lungo, recommended on Day 1
• Optional Matera bread experience, recommended on Day 2
• Anything not expressly included in the “What’s included” section
Longer stays are also available for an even more immersive experience, as well as combined stays between Puglia and Basilicata!
Do not hesitate to contact us for special requests, tailor-made quotes, or to customise the programme!
Available from 2 people
Contact us if you have any specific requirements and we will provide you with all the information you need.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?
FILL OUT THE FORM!
We are at your disposal to design your holiday together with you!
