Matera Bus Tour at Sunset Gravina Canyon Views and Palomba Church

1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

Experience Matera at its most atmospheric time of day with a sunset bus tour designed to offer stunning views without long walks. Traveling comfortably by bus, you will move easily between the historic center, panoramic viewpoints, and lesser-known districts, with carefully planned stops to get off, take photos, and understand the city’s unique landscape.

This relaxed itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and for those who prefer a lighter pace while still enjoying meaningful cultural insights. Along the way, learn about Matera’s urban evolution, its ancient water system, and one of its most important traditions, the Festa della Bruna. A highlight of the tour is the stop at Santa Maria della Palomba Church, a remarkable rupestrian sanctuary blending art, spirituality, and history.

The experience concludes with a panoramic viewpoint over the Gravina Canyon at sunset in the Agna district before returning to the starting point.

What's Included

Italian-speaking tour leader (English assistance available)
10% discount coupon to collect at our agency at MòVado Food & Drink (Piazza Duomo)
Multilingual audio guide (English, French, Spanish) via the POPGuide app
City map
Entry to Santa Maria della Palomba Church
Meals and drinks
Earphones (required to use the audio guide)
Tips (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Martulli Viaggi - DMC

The meeting point is at our office 10 minutes before the start time.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
  • Castello Tramontano, Matera, Italy (Pass by)

    Admire the unfinished Aragonese castle from a distance and learn why its strategic position once controlled the access to Matera.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Reach the heart of modern Matera. Get off the bus for a short stop. Learn about the historic water system and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sasso Barisano neighbourhood and the Cathedral.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Travel along the roads connecting the historic city to the rupestrian area, passing through lesser-known corners away from mass tourism. Approach an area where contemporary art and the rock-cut landscape blend naturally with the environment.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Santuario Santa Maria della Palomba

    Visit the so-called “Cathedral of the Rock Churches,” a site of great spiritual significance. The church incorporates an ancient crypt featuring a medieval fresco of the Madonna Odigitria. Descent from the bus – external and internal visit.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    On the return to the center of Matera, stop at one of the city’s most famous viewpoints, offering open views over the Sasso Caveoso and the Gravina valley, ideal for understanding the rupestrian landscape. Descent from the bus for a photo stop.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Continue by bus towards the Agna le Piane district, reaching the most natural area of Matera. Admire one of the most spectacular viewpoints over the Gravina of Matera, immersed in silence and nature, and enjoy the sunset views. At the end of the panoramic stop, return to the starting point.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old
  • You should download the POPGuide app on your smartphone to scan the QR code for the multilingual audio guide at our office
Supplied by Martulli Viaggi
Show 1 more

Tags

Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
City Tours
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}