How to Plan Your Matera Half Day Tour

Are you planning a trip to Bari, Italy, and looking for an exciting half-day tour? Look no further than the Matera Half Day Tour, offered by Viator. In this tour, you’ll explore the enchanting town of Matera in Basilicata and learn about its fascinating history, culture, and food. Here’s how you can plan the perfect Matera Half Day Tour.

Booking the Tour

The first step in planning your Matera Half Day Tour is to book it through Viator’s website. Viator is a trusted online booking platform that offers various sightseeing tours, activities, and experiences around the world. The Matera Half Day Tour is a private tour, so you’ll have a dedicated guide for your group, and you can customize the tour according to your interests.

To book the tour, visit the following link: book the tour here. You’ll need to select the date, time, and number of participants, and make the payment through Viator’s secure website. Once you’ve booked the tour, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details, including the meeting point and time.

The Tour Itself

The Matera Half Day Tour is a 4-hour tour that includes round-trip transportation from Bari. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel or any address of your choice in Bari, and take you on a scenic drive to Matera, which takes about 1 hour. During the drive, you’ll have access to Wi-Fi on board, so you can stay connected and share your experience on social media.

Once you arrive in Matera, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the village, which is known for its striking cave dwellings. Matera’s cave dwellings are believed to be some of the first human settlements in Italy, dating back to the Paleolithic era, and they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the walking tour, your guide will share the history of Matera and its people, and show you the most significant landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Matera, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and the Sassi di Matera (the old town’s limestone cliffs). You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the caves and learn about their unique architecture and lifestyle.

The Matera Half Day Tour is a private tour, so you can customize it according to your interests. If you’re interested in food, your guide can take you to the best local restaurants to taste the traditional dishes of Matera, such as the famous bread called “pane di Matera” or the local cheese “caciocavallo.”

Additional Information

The Matera Half Day Tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi on board. The tour is available in English and Italian, and other languages upon request. The tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or admission fees to museums or other attractions.

The meeting point for the tour is either your hotel or any address of your choice in Bari. If you’re not staying in Bari, but still want to take the tour, you can request a pick-up with an extra charge, which depends on the distance from Bari.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an exciting half-day tour from Bari, the Matera Half Day Tour is an excellent choice. You’ll explore one of Italy’s most unique and fascinating villages, and learn about its history, culture, and food. Booking the tour through Viator is easy and secure, and you can customize it according to your preferences. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Matera with a private guide!

An Insider’s Guide to Matera: Your Half-Day Tour Planning

If you’re traveling and have limited time to explore Matera, then you might be wondering how to get the most out of your half-day tour. Matera is a beautiful city located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, sometimes referred to as la Città Sotterranea (the Underground City). The city is widely known for its cave dwellings, locally called Sassi di Matera. Not only that, Matera is also an artistic and cultural hub that attracts visitors from all over the world. In this travel guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect half-day tour in Matera, from the historical sites to dining experiences and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Historical Sites

Matera’s historical sites are what make the city truly unique. They’re the reason why the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as the backdrop for many movies, including the critically acclaimed movie “The Passion of the Christ.” To explore the city’s historical sites, head to Sassi di Matera. There, you will find hundreds of cave dwellings, churches, and rock-cut tombs that date back to prehistoric times.
Tours are available to enhance your visit and to provide in-depth knowledge about the history of these sites.

Another must-visit destination is the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario. The Casa Grotta is a restored cave dwelling that now serves as a museum, providing a detailed explanation regarding the life and dwelling patterns of the people who lived in the caves.

Dining Spots

Matera is not just famous for its historical sites, but also for its exquisite dining culture. For a taste of authentic Materan cuisine, head to Trattoria del Caveoso. The restaurant is located in Sassi di Matera, a few steps from the Caveoso Square. The restaurant’s terrace provides a breathtaking view of the city’s gorgeous landscape, and the food they serve is cooked with local ingredients and traditional recipes.

Another recommended spot is Osteria Al Casale, which serves delicious Italian dishes as well as vegetarian options. Their menu includes traditional pasta dishes, cured meats, and cheeses, all served in a cozy environment that will make you feel at home.

Cultural Experiences

Matera has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. One of the most significant cultural events is the Festa della Bruna, a summer festival that takes place in July. The Festa della Bruna is a religious celebration that attracts tourists from all over the world. The highlight of the festival is the procession that takes place in the evening through the city’s streets, featuring a beautiful statue of the Madonna della Bruna.

Another way to explore the culture of Matera is by visiting Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola. The museum is housed in a 17th-century palace and features artifacts and art devotional items from the archaeological sites of the surrounding area.

Local History

Matera is a city rich in history, with a well-documented past. One way to learn more about the city’s history is by visiting Palazzo del Sedile. Palazzo del Sedile is a historic building located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the heart of Matera. The building has served many purposes over the centuries but is now a center for cultural events. It’s worth a visit to learn more about the history of the city.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to go off the beaten path in Matera, head to the belvedere point, which provides a beautiful view of the city. It’s a perfect location to watch the sunset. Moreover, the city is surrounded by other interesting places to visit such as the historic town of Altamura, the regional park of Appennino Lucano-Val d’Agri-Lagonegrese, and the city of Gravina in Puglia.

In conclusion, Matera is a fantastic city to visit, and it’s possible to explore its beauty in half a day. With an excellent mixture of historical sites, dining spots, cultural experiences, off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and local history, you’re sure to leave the city with a newfound appreciation for southern Italy.