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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingRound-trip transfer from Matera to the 8th-century Crypt of Original Sin, featuring stunning frescoes and an audio guide in multiple languages.
This tour includes convenient round-trip transportation from Matera to the Crypt of Original Sin, renowned for its remarkable frescoes attributed to the "Painter of the Flowers of Matera". The crypt, dating back to the 8th-9th century, is located in the Gravina di Picciano area, nestled between Matera and Montescaglioso.
During your visit, you'll have access to an audio guide available in Italian, English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, providing insights into the site's rich historical context. Originally part of a Benedictine monastery, the crypt offers a unique blend of art and spirituality, making it an intriguing stop for anyone interested in history and culture. Consider wearing comfortable shoes for this cultural excursion.
Reviews
Excellent service with a friendly and knowledgeable guide at this beautiful and unforgettable location. It's truly a place you should not miss.
The tour proved to be quite fascinating, with clear explanations throughout. The transfer was timely, and the driver was friendly.
The archaeological site is remarkable, featuring an 8th-century cave adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes. Known as the "cave of saints," it displays numerous frescoes on its two main walls. The organization of the visit is excellent, managed by a cooperative on a farm. Visitors are guided to within 20 meters of the site, where an audio comment and video are activated to provide a detailed explanation. Afterward, the guide is very accessible for any additional questions.
We are puzzled by the positive feedback for this tour on Tripadvisor. Arriving at the meeting point as scheduled, we found another couple and a man at the desk who didn’t engage with us. He merely informed us about going to the car, revealing that he was the driver. During the 20-minute ride to the location, he remained silent. Upon arrival, he took us to the entrance without any explanation, leaving us confused. After a short wait, another group, along with the guide, joined us. The guide, who spoke both English and Italian, offered no real insights into the crypt. Instead, he activated an Italian audio guide and handed out electronic devices with headphones to English speakers for listening. Essentially, we sat on rocks inside the cave, listening to the pre-recorded audio. While the guide responded to some questions at the end, the entire experience was just about 30 minutes long. Although the crypt is impressive, the tour does not justify the cost of EUR 135.00, especially since no photographs are permitted inside. We found the overall experience to lack the warm Italian hospitality we expected; the guide and driver seemed to simply go through the motions. Additionally, we had to pay for a minimum of three people, yet with another couple also on the tour, we received no refund, which likely benefited the company. Consider exploring other tour options if you're interested in visiting the crypt.
I booked for May 15 but received confirmations for both the 14th and 15th, which continued until the day of our crypt visit. Upon arriving at the meeting point, the road was blocked and the office was closed. After several phone calls, a lot of walking, and frustrating discussions, we finally arranged for a car to take us to the crypt. While I was pleased to see the crypt, the organization of the trip left much to be desired. I can't say whether the problem lies with the locals or the booking service.
I reserved a tour to the Crypt of Original Sin through a major operator, Expedia, which relies on Martulli Viaggi Tours for the experience. Unfortunately, Martulli Viaggi had no record of my booking, causing me to miss my 9 am tour. However, they quickly worked to secure a spot for me on a later tour. Their dedication to customer service is truly remarkable. Thank you.
As an art history enthusiast, I found this cave fascinating. Although no photos are permitted, the remote location of the cave and its massive gorge cannot be captured in a picture—it's hard to believe anyone could access it. It's located about 20 minutes from Matera, and I wouldn't have discovered it without a tour, especially as access is currently limited to guided visits. The audio guide mentioned that the paintings originally covered the entire space and date back 500 years before Giotto. I can't wait to see what other discoveries await in this remarkable area.
The visit to the Crypt of Original Sin was disappointing due to the lack of professionalism from the guide. Though we were excited about the site and its beautiful images, we were told we couldn't enter without prior booking, despite finding the location easily accessible. After waiting, we attempted to join the group but were met with a dismissive attitude from the guide. He wasn't helpful when we inquired about using the minibus for transport, which was advertised on the site. Ultimately, we felt like we encountered an impenetrable barrier rather than someone willing to help visitors experience this historical location. I shared my concerns with the site, and while the operator was kind, it was clear they were surprised by my experience. It’s important to address these issues to improve access for future visitors.
The crypt is truly exceptional. It's advisable to reserve your tickets online ahead of time. The tour lasts about 30 minutes to protect the intricate decorations from moisture damage. An English audio guide is provided.
This was the most overrated experience I have encountered. I consider it a terrible waste of both time and money. This small hole in the ground should be offered for free, as it holds no real value. I never expected a paid tour to be so disappointing.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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