Park of Murgia
Sightseeing Bus Tour
Discover the timeless charm of the Murgia Materana Park with our panoramic bus tour!
- Stone Age caves, ancient homes carved into the rock, witnesses of a millennial past
- the Belvedere of Murgia Timone, the most impressive viewpoint in Matera, overlooking the Sassi districts
- on-board guide, who will tell you the park’s history and fun facts as you admire Neolithic villages and unique landscapes
- discover the landscape that has marked the history of humankind; its historic trails and breathtaking views
- home to international film sets, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ with the famous Golgotha scene
Description
Find out more exciting details about the experience
Step on board, sit back and discover one of the most fascinating places in Matera. This comfortable and engaging experience is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the wild nature of the Murgia Materana and its thousand-year history.
Along the way, your guide will tell stories, anecdotes and fun facts about this extraordinary landscape, recognised as a real treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bus will take you along the ancient Appian Way, enjoying views of rock churches and ancient villages.
The journey culminates in one of the most spectacular spots in Matera: the Belvedere di Murgia Timone, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Civita and Sassi districts. Here time seems to stand still, before a panorama that speaks of millennia of history and traditions.
On arrival, you’ll have 30 minutes of free time to explore, take photos and immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of the Murgia. You can get close to the caves carved out of the rock, inhabited since prehistoric times, and see some of the 150-plus rock churches scattered over the area, true gems of art and spirituality, embellished with ancient frescoes. As you walk the trails, you’ll be enveloped by the intense scents of the aromatic herbs typical of the Murgia, such as thyme and savory; you might spot the lesser kestrel, a small raptor and symbol of Matera, and meet the famous Podolica cattle.
An unmissable tour that combines nature, history and culture in a single experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore Matera from a whole new angle!
More information
Discover the services and other important information
INCLUDED
- on-board assistant providing explanations in both Italian and English
- round-trip transfer by panoramic bus
- 30-minute free stop in “Belvedere”
- entry to a typical cave house
- map of the Sassi di Matera
- 10% discount voucher on local products and souvenirs at Matera City Tour infoPoints
NOT INCLUDED
- hop-on hop-off service
- stops not listed in the itinerary
- entrance to rock churches
- guided tour during the stop
- tasting of local products
- anything else not specified under “included”
BRING WITH YOU
- in summer: hat, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen
- in the evening and winter: jacket
- umbrella or waterproof in case of rain
- comfortable shoes and layered clothing
- water bottle
PARTICIPANTS
- maximum group size: 18 participants
ADVICE
- strollers and wheelchairs are allowed only if foldable (the bus is not equipped with a wheelchair ramp)
- pets are allowed only with prior authorization; a muzzle must always be carried and used if necessary
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- weather: our tours go ahead in sunshine or rain. However, if we consider the weather conditions unfavourable, we may decide to proceed, postpone or cancel the tour, always prioritising the safety and comfort of all. Therefore bad weather does not necessarily mean your tour will be cancelled.
- cancellation and refund policy: once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Full refunds will only be given if we cancel the tour for some reason.
- cancellation with 48 hours’ notice: if you cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the tour, you’ll receive a voucher for 80% of the total, valid for one year from the date of the cancelled tour.
- late cancellation or no-show: if you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, arrive late or fail to turn up, no refund will be made.
- changes to date and time of booking: tickets are valid solely for the date and time indicated at the time of purchase, and cannot be changed.
- tolerance for late arrival: Our guides will wait a maximum of five minutes after the tour departure time. After this, latecomers will not be able to join the tour, and no refund will be given.
BEFORE THE TOUR
- please remember that we do not provide toilets. We advise you to plan accordingly.
- please bear in mind the time needed to find a parking place. We recommend arriving early to make sure you reach the departure point on time.
Venue
Additional information on the meeting place
The meeting point for the departure of the visit is in via Rocco Scotellaro n.4, at the Matera City Tour agency (infoPoint A)
ADDRESS
PARKING SPACE
- Multi-storey car park, in via Rocco Scotellaro (exactly in front of our infopoint) € 1,50/h
- Outdoor parking on blue stripes nearby in via Lucana, via Gramsci or via Passarelli € 0,70/h or € 0,50/h (8AM-1:30PM and 4PM-08:30PM)
TRAIN STATIONS & BUS STOP
- Matera Central Station, 10 min walk