Matera Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta

Traveling through Matera, Italy, offers a glimpse into one of Europe’s most extraordinary landscapes — a city carved into stone, full of history and charm. The Official Open Bus Tour with entrance to Casa Grotta is a smart way to get your bearings for about an hour and a half, especially if you prefer a relaxed way to see the highlights without battling uneven terrain. Costing just under $23 per person, this tour combines panoramic views, immersive stops, and a small-group feel for an accessible introduction to Matera’s quirky, ancient neighborhoods.

What I particularly like about this experience is the small group size—limiting to just 14 travelers—which makes for a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of a knowledgeable guide with an audio guide app that ensures you don’t miss the story behind every vista. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, from scenic viewpoints to actual cave houses, providing a balanced mix of sights and stories. One highlight that keeps coming up in reviews is the Casa Grotta, where you get a real sense of how families once lived in these cave dwellings, with a guide bringing the space to life. Plus, the tour makes a special visit to the Sanctuary of Palomba, giving insight into local religious art and architecture.

One thing to consider: the tour’s duration and pacing are quite gentle, which is perfect for those wanting to avoid the strenuous walking often associated with exploring Matera’s Sassi districts. However, if you’re eager for a deep dive into every stone and alleyway, this might be just a quick overview. The audio guide is available in English and French, adding to accessibility, though reviews suggest that the commentary is mostly a brief bus narration rather than a detailed historical lecture, which is fine if you’re looking for a relaxed, sightseeing overview.

Key Points

• Cost-effective and small-group: Limited to 14 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Scenic viewpoints: Stops at Belvedere Sant’Agostino and Parco della Murgia provide beautiful photo opportunities.
• Authentic insights: Visiting Casa Grotta and the Sanctuary of Palomba offers a taste of local life and culture.
• Convenient itinerary: The route balances panoramic views with meaningful stops, all within a comfortable 1.5-hour window.
• Excellent reviews: Travelers praise the guides’ friendliness and informative commentary.
• Great value: For around $23, you get transportation, entrance fees, and local insights — a good deal for a city tour.

The Heart of the Tour: A Deep Dive

Introduction and How It Works

This open-top bus tour is designed as an effortless way to start your exploration of Matera. You meet at Martulli Viaggi’s office, where a friendly team will hand you a mobile ticket and the option to download an audio guide app, which you’ll use throughout the trip. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it perfect for a half-day outing or as a warm-up before diving into the city on foot.

The route begins at the Lapillo Hill near Tramontano Castle, offering a commanding view of Matera’s ancient core. From there, the bus cruises through the Belvedere Sant’agostino, where you get a postcard-perfect view of the Sassi districts — a view many reviewers describe as breathtaking, especially at sunset. The small size of the group means you can ask questions or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Stops and Highlights

The itinerary is well balanced. First, you’ll stop at Belvedere Sant’agostino, a quick 5-minute stop at a free viewpoint that provides sweeping vistas of Matera’s winding streets and historic homes. Many travelers, like kwon_m, highlight the value of this stop as a perfect way to orient yourself to the city’s layout.

Next, the tour moves into the Barisano and Sassi di Matera neighborhoods. Here, you’ll visit the Casa Grotta C’era Una Volta, included in the ticket price. As Nina_H describes, this is a real “cave house” that gives a tangible sense of how people lived centuries ago in these rock-hewn dwellings. Guides, often named Imma or Emma, are praised for their engaging storytelling, making the experience both educational and immersive.

Further, the bus stops at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, adjacent to the historic church, providing additional photo opportunities and a sense of the city’s ecclesiastical history. The Piccianello district, a neighborhood that grew when residents moved out of the Sassi, offers an interesting contrast to the ancient cave dwellings with its more modern history.

The last major stop is at the Sanctuary of Palomba in Murgia Park. This spot combines religious art, cultural artifacts, and spectacular views of the Murgia plateau. A 20-minute visit allows you to admire the sanctuary and take in the panoramic scenery, which many reviewers say is particularly striking at sunset.

The Authenticity and Educational Value

What sets this tour apart is the entrance to Casa Grotta and the visit to the Sanctuary of Palomba. These stops allow travelers not only to see the sights but also to connect with the local way of life and spiritual culture. According to reviews, guides add stories and context that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Matera’s complex history.

Transport and Comfort

The open-top bus makes it easy to enjoy the views without the hassle of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Plus, the small group size means less jostling and a more flexible experience. The bus is comfortable, and the stops are brief, making it an accessible choice for older visitors or those with limited mobility. Be sure to bring headphones and a charged phone to enjoy the audio guide, which is especially helpful for non-Italian speakers.

Pricing and Overall Value

At roughly $23, the tour offers excellent value. It includes all entrance tickets, the tour guide and audio app, and a helpful map of Matera. Reviewers frequently mention that exploring the Sassi independently would take much longer and might be more taxing physically, especially given the steep terrain and narrow streets.

While some felt the commentary could be more detailed, many appreciated the overall relaxed pace and the opportunity to see multiple sites in a short time. Additional perks like a discount at local food shops add to the experience, especially if you want to try some local delicacies afterward.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to travelers seeking an easy, relaxed overview of Matera’s highlights, especially those who prefer riding rather than walking long distances. It’s perfect for first-timers, older visitors, or those with limited time who want a taste of the city’s most photogenic views and cultural spots. Food lovers will also appreciate the included coupon for local tasting, plus the chance to see real cave homes.

Final thoughts

This open bus tour strikes a good balance between convenience, affordability, and meaningful sights. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides, often praised for their warmth and storytelling skills, make it stand out from larger hop-on-hop-off options. You get a lean but insightful introduction to Matera’s layered history, stunning vistas, and unique way of living — all in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

It’s especially fitting for those who want a gentle, comprehensive sampler before exploring further on foot. If you’re looking to maximize your limited time and see the city’s best views without the hassle, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

• How long does the tour last? About 1 hour and 30 minutes, including stops.
• What’s included in the ticket price? Entrance to Casa Grotta, the Sanctuary of Palomba, tour guide, audio guide app, and a city map.
• What should I bring? A charged phone, headphones, and maybe a water bottle, especially if you want to listen to the audio guide during stops.
• Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, with a small group and comfortable bus ride, it’s accessible for most travelers, including older visitors.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.
• What are the meeting points? The tour starts at Martulli Viaggi in Matera.
• Do I need to print my ticket? No, a mobile ticket is sufficient.
• Is the tour offered in English? Yes, with an audio guide available in English and French.
• Are children free? Non-paying children can sit on their laps.
• What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

In essence, this Matera open bus tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see the city’s main sights without the physical strain. It’s a particularly good choice if you want a gentle, guided preview of Matera’s stunning scenery and historic sites, all at a budget-friendly price.