Bari, Italy

A Day in Matera

See the Sassi di Matera Discover the historic Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled on the bank of the Gravina river, Matera is most famous for its Sassi, houses built into the natural caves of the Murgia that show evidence of continuous human occupation for over 9,000 years. Protected by UNESCO since 1993, the ancient appearance of the Sassi has made them a popular filming location for filmmakers; Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was shot in Matera. Upon arrival, meet your guide and stroll through the city, seeing the dramatic Sasso Barisano and pausing at Casa Grotta to get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in these cave dwellings. Then, explore Matera further on your own before enjoying a lunch of local fare, including crispy peppers and ravioli. At the end of your excursion, return to your awaiting ship. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.