Matera: Open Top Bus Tour with Entrance to Casa Grotta

Exploring Matera with a guided bus tour is a practical way to see the city’s stunning Sassi districts without exhausting yourself on foot. This 1.5-hour ride, offered by Martulli Viaggi, combines panoramic views, engaging commentary, and a chance to step inside a traditional cave house—making it ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of comfort and insight.

What I particularly like about this experience is how accessible it is; you get to see the main sights comfortably from the open top of the bus, making it perfect if long walks aren’t your thing or if the summer heat is fierce. Plus, the inclusion of visiting a Casa Grotta offers a rare peek into what daily life in the Sassi used to be like, which adds a meaningful touch to the tour.

A small drawback to note is the audio guide’s sometimes inconsistent clarity, as one reviewer mentioned needing to tune in carefully. Depending on the guide’s voice and the background noise, you might find it slightly tricky to catch every detail, especially if you’re not using your own headphones or device. Still, with a little patience, it’s a minor issue compared to the overall value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Accessible Tour: Enjoy the wide-ranging itinerary of Matera without much walking, ideal for those with mobility constraints or a preference for comfort.
• High-Quality Guides: Tour guides like Imma receive praise for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging.
• Stunning Views: The tour skirts the Gravina canyon and offers photographic stops that showcase Matera’s dramatic stone landscape.
• Unique Cave Visit: Included is access to a fully furnished Casa Grotta, giving a tangible sense of local history.
• Exclusive Sites: Visit the Sanctuary of Palomba in the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, offering a fresh perspective of the city’s natural and spiritual landscape.
• Value for Money: At around $23, the tour packs in a lot—views, history, and a memorable cave house experience—plus a city map and discounts.

Exploring Matera: An Open-Top Bus Journey Through Time

When considering how to explore Matera, I usually look for options that balance ease with authenticity, especially in a city famed for its spectacular Sassi districts carved into limestone. This open-top bus tour ticks those boxes—offering a comfortable, informative, and visually stunning introduction to the city.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Starting near the impressive Tramontano Castle, the bus gently winds through Matera’s most famous neighborhoods. The multilingual audio guide (available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish) narrates stories about the city’s past, its unique stone architecture, and the lives of those who once called the caves home. As the bus glides along Madonna delle Virtù, one of the most picturesque panoramic streets, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Sassi and the surrounding landscape.

The route is designed to maximize sightseeing with minimal walking. You’ll pass Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, which is often called the heart of the Sassi. This square is a picture-perfect spot, surrounded by centuries-old stone structures and overlooked by the cathedral. Some reviews mention that even in the hottest months, the bus’s movement and shade make wandering tolerable, but it’s still wise to bring water.

The Cave Dwelling: A Glimpse Into Traditional Life

One of the tour’s highlights is visiting a Casa Grotta, a traditional cave dwelling, which provides a rare, tangible link to the past. You get to walk through a fully furnished cave that depicts how families lived in these subterranean homes. The Casa Grotta Narrante allows you to see the typical layout, furniture, and tools, making the history much more real than just reading about it.

This part of the tour was highly praised by visitors like Anna, who appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the way it brought the history alive. It’s a valuable stop because it reveals the day-to-day reality of ancient Matera’s residents—something you might miss on a walking tour alone.

The Scenic Drive to Sanctuary of Palomba

The journey continues into the Regional Park of Rupestrian Churches, where the bus takes you to the Sanctuary of Palomba. Perched on the other side of the Gravina canyon, this site offers a stunning new view of the Sassi laid out in a historic stone tapestry. You’ll enjoy photo stops and the chance to appreciate the natural environment surrounding Matera.

Access to the sanctuary is sometimes limited by religious service schedules, so check your timing if this is a priority. Some reviews mention that visiting this site feels like a special privilege and offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city center.

The Overall Experience

The 1.5-hour tour balances sightseeing, cultural education, and comfort. You’ll love the views from the bus—especially as it skirts the edge of the canyon—and the chance to relax while still absorbing Matera’s distinctive character. The full itinerary covers key landmarks with minimal effort, making it accessible for families, older travelers, or those with limited time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy ease of travel combined with meaningful sights, this is a perfect choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid long walks or steep stairs, common in Matera’s historic districts. Travelers interested in local architecture and history will appreciate the visit to the cave house and the insightful narration.

However, if you’re a hardcore walker or prefer an intensely immersive experience on foot, you might find the bus tour somewhat superficial. Still, the photographic stops and scenic drives make it a worthwhile introduction before exploring further independently.

Price and Logistics

At roughly $23 per person, this tour represents great value. It includes not only the bus ride but also access to the cave museum and the sanctuary, plus a city map and discounts at a local bar—small touches that enhance overall value. The tour’s timing flexibility—with options to reserve and pay later—means you can fit it into your schedule with confidence.

The meeting point varies depending on your booking, but your ticket includes all the essentials, and the full itinerary ensures you see the highlights without the fatigue of wandering aimlessly.

Practical Tips

• Download the POPGuide app to access the audio guide easily, as one reviewer suggested, especially if the in-bus narration isn’t crystal clear.
• Bring headphones and a charged smartphone to maximize your experience.
• Remember, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage or baby strollers.
• Consider staying in Piazza Duomo afterward—many travelers enjoy a local tapas or drink, and you’ll receive a discount at MòVado Food & Drink.

Final Thoughts

This open-top bus tour offers a balanced, accessible way to appreciate Matera’s stunning architecture, evocative landscapes, and cultural history. It’s especially appealing for travelers who prefer not to walk too much but still want a rundown backed by knowledgeable guides and scenic stops. The inclusion of the cave house and the sanctuary makes it a more immersive experience than many generic city tours.

If you’re visiting Matera for the first time, this tour provides a solid foundation, helping you prioritize what to explore further on your own. It’s a good mix of comfort, insight, and beautiful views—all for a fair price that packs in a lot of value.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under a certain age may need to sit on their parent’s lap as per the policy, and the tour isn’t recommended for large luggage or baby strollers.

How much walking is involved?
The tour is designed to minimize walking; most sightseeing happens from the bus or short stops, making it suitable for those less mobile.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio commentary is multilingual, available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish.

Can I see Matera’s main sights in less than 1.5 hours?
While you’ll get a good overview, the tour covers the main highlights efficiently. For deeper exploration, consider pairing it with additional walking tours.

Does the tour run in all weather?
Yes, the open-top bus still operates in rain, but check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The bus provides some shelter from sun and rain.

Are there discounts or extras included?
Yes, a 10% coupon for MòVado Food & Drink in Piazza Duomo is included, perfect for a post-tour refreshment.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if needed.

How do I book this tour?
Tickets can be reserved in advance online, with options to pay later, providing flexibility and peace of mind.

This Matera open-top bus tour offers a solid, enjoyable way to see a city that’s truly unlike anywhere else in Italy. It’s practical, scenic, and full of stories that bring the Sassi to life—perfect for a first taste of this fascinating town.