Guided sunset walking tour in Matera's Murgia Timone

Reviews

What travellers say4.7 · 116 total

• isleofwightseagull

  In view of the weather we should have been offered a refund/reduction

  The experience was disappointing. I reached out to the agency a few hours prior to inquire if the tour would proceed due to the poor weather forecast, but received no reply, so we went anyway. The person at the office was unfriendly and somewhat disorganized. We only spent about 15 minutes walking in the park and another 15 to 20 inside a couple of churches, while most of the time was spent waiting out the rain in the minibus. Although it was nice to see the frescoes and our guide, Claudio, was friendly and enthusiastic despite the conditions, I believe the 140 euros we paid was too much given the circumstances. The tour should have been cancelled, or at the very least, we should have been offered a partial refund.

• 49annaclarac

  a physical and sensory experience...

  Matera and its Murgia are rich in history and charm. Our guide was well-prepared, enthusiastic, and personable, enhancing our exploration of this unique environment.

• FoodieMoo

  Awesome walk

  This walking tour had an intriguing start, as we were on a bus with another small group that had a different tour, which caused some mix-ups regarding their guide. However, upon arrival at the park, our guide, Mimma, joined us, and we discovered we were the only ones on the walk. Despite the strong winds and slightly chilly weather, Mimma passionately shared the area's history and sights, taking time to point out various flora and fauna. She was also very patient and accommodating as I attempted to converse in Italian, which I truly appreciated. We reached the gorge's rim just before sunset, allowing us to view one of the rupestrian churches and enjoy the beautiful sunset and lights of Matera. We also loved the opportunity to converse with Mimma about a variety of topics. It's important to note that the focus of this tour is primarily on the stunning views of Matera from across the gorge and the historical context rather than exploring the churches themselves.

• Federica_R

  Tour in the Murgia materana

  This was a wonderful tour led by Francis, who was very knowledgeable and friendly. The views of Matera were stunning, particularly when the lights were on.

• monicatD3928TL

  FANTASTIC SUNSET

  This tour was wonderful, and I highly recommend it, especially since it caters to both children and seniors. Our guide, Francesco, was an extremely knowledgeable archaeologist and shared great stories from films as well.

• elisabetta_i

  Passionate

  Our visit with Francesco, an archaeologist from Matera, was wonderful. His passion for his land and work was evident as he shared his enthusiasm with us. He effectively described the historical, social, and cultural aspects that highlighted the beauty and significance of the area. The anecdotes he shared added depth to his narration and engaged the younger members of our group. The caves, rock churches, and the sunset view of Matera were stunning.

• Serendipity1980Italy

  Tour schedule not respected

  I had arranged the Murgia Materana tour for 6 pm on April 18, months in advance. However, just two days prior, I learned that it had been moved to 5:30 pm, which was disappointing due to the lack of communication. I was informed that they would have notified me, but others also expressed concern about discovering the schedule change at the counter on the same day. To add to the confusion, I received an automatic confirmation for the original time of 6 pm. Putting aside my frustrations over this disorganization, I looked forward to the experience I had long anticipated. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the rock churches Madonna delle Tre Porte and San Falcione as promised. Instead, we visited other sites, which, while interesting, were not what had been advertised. Many others were equally confused by the changes. You cannot alter a tour's schedule without proper notification. Given the prior organization issues, I won’t be using this agency again. It's a shame because the guides were quite knowledgeable.

• D4504SMandreag

  Excellent

  The driving experience was both engaging and enjoyable.

• Gary P

  Paid for English tour but they gave us an Italian tour.

  We paid for an English-speaking tour but ended up with an Italian one. Although the guide attempted to provide some English translations, much of the history was not covered, making it hard to follow. Many smaller details were also overlooked, and the castle was not included in the itinerary; the focus was mainly on the park. On the positive side, the scenery and structures were stunning, and the guide made an effort to assist English speakers. After visiting the tour company office, we were offered a partial refund for the price difference. However, we still felt that we missed out on significant parts of the spoken tour. It would be a great experience for those fluent in Italian.

• andymagpie

  Lovely way to explore the national park without the climb!

  This tour provides a delightful exploration of the national park without the strenuous hike, lasting more than 3 hours during sunset. It featured two churches, including one that is not open to the public and contains a fascinating collection of frescoes accessible only through the tour. The experience beautifully combines nature and history, accentuated by stunning scenery. Ivan, our guide, was exceptional; his passion for the area, its landscapes, and nature was evident. Although you can reach this spot on foot, it involves a lengthy walk and does not grant access to the church.

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.