Discovering Matera
4 Days Starting and ending in Matera, Italy
Visiting: Matera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
774088
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 50
Age range:
15-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a cultural journey to Matera, one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019, renowned for its troglodytic cave dwellings, rock-cut architecture, and rich ancestral history. This tour offers a unique blend of guided explorations and hands-on experiences. Begin with an evening walking tour through the historic heart of Matera, visiting iconic sites like the church of San Giovanni Battista and the Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Learn the art of bread making in a traditional "panetteria" and create your own loaf. Discover the Murgia's rupestrian sites, including the frescoed Crypt of the Original Sin and the Church of Madonna della Palomba. Enjoy three nights in a superior hotel, with daily breakfasts included, and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL MATERA
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Upon your arrival in Matera reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the evening, join a small group tour to have a quick introduction to the city (the tour starts at 17.00 hrs). The experience will start with a short historical-architectural introduction about the Sassi of Matera, after which it will continue with a visit to the Sasso Caveoso. You'll thus enter a traditionally furnished cave-dwelling, where you'll learn how the poorest inhabitants of Matera used to live until the '50s. You'll then visit one of the Rupestrian Churches which have been completely carved in the rock, and there you'll discover some precious iconographic traces of Greek Italian monasticism, dating back to the X-XIII centuries. Last but not least, the tour will take you to "Il Bottegaccio", a ceramic and paper-mâché workshop, to learn more about the ancient popular traditions of Matera, including local foods.Overnight in Matera.
Day 2 : MATERA
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will enjoy a small group tour to visit a typical “panetteria” and learn how to make the famous bread of Matera. The experience starts with an explanation of the products used, such as the best local semolina and sourdough. This is followed by the entrance to the workshop where the master baker will describe processing techniques: kneading, rising, making the bread shape and issuing the stamp type that characterizes the Bread of Matera. During the making of the bread shapes, you will get your hands in the dough by working and creating your own loaf of bread that you can take away with you when you finish baking.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 3 : MATERA
Location: Matera
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel please reach the meeting point where your driver will take you to experience an audio guided tour of the Crypt of the Original Sin. This remarkable cave, used as a church by Benedictine monks in the 9th century BC, completely frescoed by the skilful hand of the “Flower Painter of Matera.” Rediscovered back in 1963 by a group of passionate young of Matera, from being a flock shelter, the Crypt has become one of the must-see stops to visit. It stands as one of the oldest and most significant examples of rupestrian art in Southern Italy. Due to its exceptional theological and artistic value, this cave-church is often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel" of rock wall painting.Overnight in Matera.
Day 4 : DEPARTURE MATERA
Location: Matera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast in Matera and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with an English or Italian-speaking guide on shared basis (Day 1)
ACCOMMODATION:
- 3 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-3 Matera
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre/Post-night in Matera
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
MEALS:
- 3 Breakfasts
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: evening guided walking tour in Matera (Day 1), bread making class (Day 2), entrance fee and the audioguide in the Crypt of the Original Sin (Day 3)
What's Not Included
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Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel.
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City Tax
City tax not included, payable on the spot.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Flights
International or domestic flights are not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions section, drinks during meals.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours (if any) are not included.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program.
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Drinks and Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.Please Note
- Please note that for some tours/activities you will need to reach the meeting point on your own if the transportation is not specified in the itinerary.
- Please note that only the activities will be shared with other guests.
- Only one bag per person is allowed (any size) plus one hand luggage.
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
Day 1-3 Matera
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Pre/Post-night in Matera
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel are available as an optional extra. Transportation for activities is provided as per the itinerary.Accommodation
Enjoy a 3-night stay at the superior Hotel Dimora del Monaco or a similar 4-star hotel in Matera, with optional pre/post-night stays available.Accommodation options
Day 1-3 Matera
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Pre/Post-night in Matera
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Dimora del Monaco or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guided tours are included in the Discovering Matera tour?
The tour includes an evening guided walking tour in Matera on Day 1, a bread making class on Day 2, and a guided tour of Murgia with entrance fees and an audioguide in the Crypt of the Original Sin on Day 3.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 3 nights' accommodation in a superior hotel category, specifically at Hotel Dimora del Monaco or a similar 4-star hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts.
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What activities are included on Day 1 of the tour?
On Day 1, after arriving in Matera and checking into the hotel, you will join a small group tour starting at 17:00 hrs. The tour includes visits to the church of San Giovanni Battista, Casa Cava, Rupestrian Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, Sasso Caveoso, Via Madonna delle Virtù, Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Madonna delle Grazie, the church of Purgatory, Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, Piazza del Sedile, and the Cathedral in Apulian Romanesque style.
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What can I expect from the bread making class on Day 2?
On Day 2, you will visit a typical 'panetteria' to learn how to make the famous bread of Matera. The experience includes an explanation of the products used, a demonstration of processing techniques by a master baker, and a hands-on session where you will create your own loaf of bread to take away with you.
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What sites will be visited during the guided tour of Murgia on Day 3?
During the guided tour of Murgia on Day 3, you will visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, the Church of Madonna della Palomba, and the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo.
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Are airport or train station transfers included in the tour package?
No, arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel are not included in the tour package but are available as an optional extra.
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What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings during the tour?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Low Deposit
Tui Italia requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tui italia charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
