About the tour
This 7-hour private Matera day trip from Bari takes you to one of the ancient world’s most extraordinary and atmospheric destinations, Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and European Capital of Culture 2019. Travelling in comfort in a luxury Mercedes Benz vehicle with your private driver and local guide, you’ll arrive in a city unlike anywhere else in Italy, where thousands of years of human history are etched into the rock itself. From the legendary Sassi cave dwellings – among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on earth – to rock-carved churches adorned with frescoes, underground water systems, and labyrinthine alleyways, Matera is a place that genuinely transports you back through time. With free time built in for a leisurely lunch of authentic regional cuisine, this is an unforgettable journey into one of southern Italy’s most remarkable and storied destinations.
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Itinerary
Matera day trip from Bari – Day tour to discover European capital of culture 2019 & UNESCO World Heritage Site
The tour will begin with your private driver and local guide collecting you from your hotel in Bari (another custom location in the area can be agreed) with a luxury sedan or minivan.
After 1.5H drive you will reach Matera, whose configuration and contrasting landscapes won a UNESCO World Heritage Site title at 1993. With your private guide, you’ll explore the architecture of the characteristic town walking through its streets and see location sites such as Sassi, an ancient city whose origins are lost in prehistory, and is rightly considered to be one of the world’s oldest human dwellings, and geologically recalls the ancient Jerusalem and Cappadocia.
You will get the chance to walk through the so called “underground city,” which is made of caves, with houses carved into the rock, rock churches with frescoes and ancients buildings. Matera is also highly appreciated as a place to shoot movies, such as “King David”, “The Passion of the Christ” and many others.
Starting from the area called “the Piano”, the last level of urban development on top of Sassi, you will proceed along paths, alleys and stairs, which will enable you to descend into past. The route is studded with numerous stops, such as entrances to rock churches, cave houses, water collection systems, and cellars dug in caves. Your guide will help you understand many aspects that determined the lifestyle in Sassi.
You will also have free time for lunch to enjoy some authentic regional food. Your private guide will be happy to give you some suggestions.
At the end of the day, riding in complete comfort, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Bari (or other desired location).
Please note that this day tour can be also arranged starting from other locations or as a shore excursion from the port of Bari.
Details
- DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Your hotel in Bari (a different location may be agreed)
- DEPARTURE TIME: suggested departure from 08:30am to 10:00am
- DURATION: 7 hrs
- INCLUDED: English speaking driver, Fully equipped Mercedes Benz vehicle, WI-FI on board, Private Guide
- NOT INCLUDED: Food & Drinks, Entrance Fees
- LANGUAGES: English – Italian
You can customize your Matera day trip from Bari according to your needs and preferences, our staff would be happy to inform you about different options, alternative routes and site.
*Please note that this day tour can be also arranged starting from other locations or as a shore excursion from the port of Bari.
