“Discover Basilicata” Tour
Basilicata’s dramatic history is infused with the influences of Greek, French, Spanish and Arabian invaders who left their footprint on the Byzantine rock churches, fortified towns and medieval castles, and which today continues to influence the colorful festivals, traditions, and exquisite cuisine. And it is here that the most authentic Italy can be found.
To discover this real side of Italy, we’ll take you on excursions to visit the tiny villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, that seem to be clinging to the rocky cliffside, and the mysterious ghost town of Craco. We’ll also spend a day in Matera (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and see its stunning Paleolithic settlements, the “Sassi” – a collection of cave-like homes carved out of the rocky hills that date back over 9,000 years. You’ll walk the streets that were used as a backdrop and made famous in Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”.


This tour has been designed especially to immerse you in the local culture. Every day you’ll explore a unique area of Basilicata and discover its incredible beauty: architecture, sacred sites, characteristic historic towns, food and wine, and most importantly, its locals.
Our “Discover Basilicata” Tour is a fully-escorted tour with all of your accommodations, excursions & tours, meals, transportation and airport transfers completely arranged and included. Yet you’ll have plenty of free time to relax and explore on your own and enjoy the unique native lifestyle.
This will be a journey of exploration of interesting and historical villages, art, culture and tradition, combined with incredible foods and wine, and above all, the genuine, authentic atmosphere.

Tour Highlights
- 7 Nights in Basilicata in a quaint agriturismo set amongst olive & orange groves
- Private guided walking tour of Matera
- Visit several "ghost towns"
- Indulge in several sommelier guided wine tastings
- Enjoy an evening with local folk musicians & dancers
- Watch local artisan demonstrations
- Shop at local markets
- Learn to make pasta and mozzarella in hands-on cooking lessons
- Visit an artisan break baker and learn about the traditional Lucana bread
- Explore small villages and intimate locations not often visited.
- Learn about the regional cuisine and local specialty dishes.
- Experience an olive harvest and olive oil tasting
Day 1 - Arrival Day/ Benvenuto!

Your accommodations for the next seven nights is in a typical local agriturismo (farmhouse), situated about 5 miles from Matera (Basilicata) in a nature reserve that is full of wildlife and greenery.
Each room has access to a large terrace where you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding area or perfect to sit outside with a glass of wine!
All of the food served at meals at our agriturismo is locally produced, organic, and typical of this region of Southern Italy. The farm grows a range of delicious fresh produce including, olives, eggplant, oranges, cherries, watermelons and much, much more. In addition, there are also many donkeys, sheep, chickens, cats and dogs that live at the farm.
During your free time you can take a stroll through the woods, borrow one of the bikes or even spend some time bird watching. Enjoy a welcome aperitivo and then the rest of the afternoon & evening is yours to explore or relax until our group Welcome Dinner. (A, D)
Day 2 - Matera: The Town of Stone

Dinner tonight at our agriturismo with local wines. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Olive Harvest and Pasta Workshop

Then relax for the rest of the afternoon before we head back into Matera to visit a fascinating wine bar cave. Here we'll enjoy a light dinner combined with a wine-pairing. Truly a unique experience. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - A Day in Local Villages & Ghost Towns

For nearly fifty years, the town of Craco has stood uninhabited. In 1963, the last 1,800 residents were forced to leave this village for their own safety due to the risk of earthquakes and landslides.
Today, thanks to the dramatic landscape and unique atmosphere, Craco has been the set of many movies including 'Saving Grace' , James Bond 'Quantum of Solace' and the hanging of Judas scene in Mel Gibson’s the 'Passion of the Christ'.
We'll also visit two other tiny villages in this area with some very unique history. Dinner with local wines at our villa. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Cheese & Wine

This resident cheesemakercomes from a long line of Southern Italy mozzarella makers and there's not many people in the world who know more about this than him.
In this demonstration we will guide you through the process of making this wonderful cheese and then, of course, you'll get to taste it!
In addition to the fresh mozzarella that we will make, we will have the opportunity to taste some of the other local cheeses of this region.
Italian cheese is world famous but some of the most well known Italian cheeses can be found in Southern Italy.
After lunch, we'll enjoy a special wine tasting. In this wine tasting experience, we'll lay out a variety of Southern Italian wines for you to taste with our own 'Sommelier' or (wine expert) to guide you through the different flavors. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - The Dolomites of the South

Both villages belong to the “I Borghi più belli d'Italia” (The most beautiful villages of Italy), an association of small Italian towns of historical interest.
Here you will also find the “Volo dell’Angelo (flight of the angel) – A zip line adventure that takes you on a journey between the peaks of Castelmezzano to the village of Pietrapertosa.
It is one of Basilicata’s most exhilarating tourist attractions that is not for the faint of heart.
Dinner with local wines at our agriturismo this evening.(B, L, D)
Day 7 - Day Trip to Puglia

For lunch, we'll be savoring some local seafood delights (options available for non-seafood eaters).
In the afternoon, we will travel on to explore another iconic town of Puglia: Alberobello. This fairytale town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous for its unique "Trulli" - the conical shaped homes.
Farewell dinner tonight at our villa. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Departure Day

We'll board our vans and depart for the Bari Airport.
Bid Arrivederci to Italy! (B)
This Tour Includes:
- Small group size: Maximum of only 12 travelers per group
- 7 nights in an agriturismo in Basilicata
- Transfer to and from Bari airport (BRI)
- All breakfasts, buffet style
- All lunches and dinners
- Regional wines with most meals
- Land transportation for the duration of the tour
- Private full-time escort, interpreter and driver
- Private bus/van for our daily excursions
- All excursions and entrance fees as outlined by the itinerary
- Several wine tasting events
- Pasta making lesson
- Mozzarella making demonstration
- Guided walking tours throughout
- Cheese & olive oil tasting events
- Pre-trip information packet
- Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance*
- Travel documents & fees: i.e. passport and visas (if required)
- Lunch on arrival day, and 2 other days
- Any telephone, cell, data & internet usage**
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel-related expenses outside of the tour itinerary
- Any food or beverage ordered by traveler that is not included or presented during meals including: wine and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks & gelato
- Any taxes on personal items purchased
- Optional tips to guides, staff or drivers. These are not required and are given at your discretion.
* We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. This is to ensure that you are covered in the event of loss of deposit and cancellation fees, medical emergency or health expenses, personal accident, flight cancellation or delays and to protect your luggage against any loss or damage.
** There is free wifi at our accommodations
8 Days/7 Nights
Where: Basilicata
Group size: 6-12 Guests Maximum
Tour Cost: $3,400 USD per person/double occupancy
$450 USD single supplement
Balance due: 60 Days prior to travel date
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