Matera Day Trip from Bari with Guided Tour

Bari , Italy

Matera Day Trip from Bari with Guided Tour

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Matera on a seamless day trip from Bari, designed for travelers who value comfort, depth, and expert guidance. With private round-trip transfer, you’ll avoid logistics and focus on experience. Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Sassi, where rock-hewn homes, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints reveal one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Your licensed local guide brings context to Matera’s transformation from cave settlement to cultural icon, sharing stories of daily life, architecture, and resilience. The pace is balanced, the route optimized, and time is dedicated to the most emblematic areas—Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano—plus scenic overlooks for unforgettable photos. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction, this day trip delivers Matera’s essence in one well-organized experience.

Available options

Day Trip with English Guide

Pickup included

Day Trip with Italian Guide

Pickup included

What's included

Private round-trip transfer to Matera

Air-conditioned comfortable V-Class Mercedes-Benz or Ford Transit minivan (or a luxury sedan)

Complimentary water and city maps onboard

Admission tickets to the Casa Grotta museum and the rupestrian church

Assistance and coordination throughout the day

Personalized pick-up and drop-off in Bari

2-hours shared walking tour with a licensed local guide

Detailed itinerary

Start comfortably with a private transfer; relax and let the journey unfold.

Stop 2

Reach Matera and join the guided tour. Walk through millennia of history. Follow your guide across ancient districts, capturing iconic views and framing the ravine and cave city.

Discover palaces carved into stone; read architecture shaped by time. Try to feel rupestrian spirituality by decoding frescoes and symbolism.

Continue to explore rock-cut dwellings and dramatic scenery. Visit an authentic cave dwelling to learn about the lifestyle of Matera's inhabitants.

Enjoy an hour of free time at your leisure to grab a lunch or to continue with Matera's exploration. Then, enjoy a stress-free journey back to Bari.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Tips and personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Bari

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Known for its Baroque buildings, lively markets, and delicious cuisine, Bari offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy. The city's historic center, Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and hidden squares, while the modern part of the city boasts a beautiful waterfront promenade and bustling commercial areas.

Top Attractions

Basilica di San Nicola

This 11th-century basilica is one of the most important religious sites in Bari. It houses the relics of Saint Nicholas and is a major pilgrimage destination.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Castello Svevo

This 13th-century castle was built by Emperor Frederick II and has been used as a prison, military barracks, and now a museum. It is a key historical landmark in Bari.

Historical 1-2 hours €4 for the museum

Bari Vecchia

The old town of Bari is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and hidden squares. It is a charming area with a rich history and unique atmosphere.

Historical Several hours Free to explore

Lungomare Nazario Sauro

This beautiful waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Teatro Petruzzelli

This is one of the largest and most prestigious theaters in Italy, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.

Cultural 2-3 hours for a performance Varies depending on the performance

Must-Try Local Dishes

Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa

A traditional Puglian dish made with homemade orecchiette pasta and turnip greens, cooked with garlic, olive oil, and chili pepper.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Focaccia Barese

A delicious flatbread topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs. It is a staple of Puglian cuisine and a must-try in Bari.

Snack Vegetarian

Bomba di Bari

A traditional dessert made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites, shaped into a small ball and coated in sugar.

Dessert Vegetarian

Friselle

A twice-baked bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically served with tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Cave exploration in Castellana Grotte Hiking in the surrounding countryside Beach days in Polignano a Mare Leisurely walks along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro Exploring the historic center of Bari Vecchia Visiting the Basilica di San Nicola Swimming and sunbathing at the beaches in Polignano a Mare Boat tours along the Adriatic coast

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The peak season in Bari is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the city. This is the busiest time of year, with festivals, events, and a lively atmosphere.

20°C to 35°C 68°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bari is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night, and to be aware of common scams and pickpocketing.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or app-based services to avoid scams
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Karol Wojtyla Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Bari Centrale

By bus

Bari Centrale Bus Station, Bari Polignano Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

AMTAB operates an extensive network of buses covering the city and its suburbs. The buses are efficient and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bari Vecchia Murattiano San Nicola Madonnella

Day trips

Alberobello

60 km from Bari • Full day

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique trulli houses, which are cone-shaped dwellings with a rich history.

Polignano a Mare

40 km from Bari • Half day

This charming coastal town is known for its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and its beautiful beaches.

Matera

100 km from Bari • Full day

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi, and its rich history.

Festivals

Fiera del Levante • September Bari International Film Festival • October Sagra del Polpo • August

Pro tips

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Explore the historic center of Bari Vecchia on foot to discover hidden gems and local life.
Try the local specialties, such as orecchiette pasta and focaccia barese, at local restaurants and street food vendors.
Take a day trip to Alberobello to see the unique trulli houses and learn about the city's rich history.
Visit the Castello Svevo for cultural events and concerts, especially during the summer months.