Basilicata Coast to Coast

“La Basilicata è una regione dai vasti orizzonti e dai profondi silenzi, dove i verdi pascoli contrastano con le gialle distese di grano. Dove il paesaggio ha una sua nostalgica e aspra bellezza, con luoghi ancora immutati che pare siano stati dimenticati dal tempo.”
– Andrea Cerreteli

A week to discover an enchanting region: Basilicata. You don’t visit this land by accident, but you choose to live a different experience, immersing yourself in places where silence, colors, scents and flavors take you away from the noise and stress of modern life, giving unique sensations. From Matera, whose Sassi are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and represent a system of life that lasted millennia, at the Borgo of Aliano, where the italian writer Carlo Levi lived for 8 years, and the lunar landscape of the “Calanchi” to end in Campania in total relaxation a few kilometers from the coast .

Experiences

Basilicata

Cultural and historical heritage

The territory of Matera was inhabited continuously since the Paleolithic era. The succession of populations over time has left an intricate urban system, in which the buildings overlap the natural cavities. Thanks to the local guide you will make the tour of the renowned Sassi starting from the Civita; the highest promontory of the stones of Matera, from which dominates the Romanesque-Apulian Cathedral. On the way there are two Baroque churches, the Church of Purgatory and the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
From Civita, continue on to the Sasso Barisano to access the rock church of San Pietro Barisano, the largest within the agglomeration of the Sassi. We continue in Sasso Caveoso for a visit to a typically furnished cave house, which takes the visitor back to the time when these ancient caves were left by their inhabitants in the 1950s, following the Sassi restoration law, signed by De Gasperi .

Aliano

Carlo Levi’s house

After Matera visit to Aliano, a small village perched on a clayey ridge surrounded by deep precipices, in the province of Matera. Aliano’s name is linked to the figure of Carlo Levi, famous italian writer, who was confined here for eight months during the fascist period. In addition to the Literary Park and the museum housed in the house that hosted the writer, the Church of San Luigi Gonzaga is worth a visit. The guide will accompany you for a visit to the places related to the life of the writer, from his home and museum dedicated to him.

Unique natural landscapes

Sassi and Calanchi

The Sassi di Matera represent an urban settlement unique in the world in the harsh murgical territory. Matera stands on a limestone plateau which has a spectacular anomaly: a central furrow, a real canyon of 70-80 meters, crossed by the Gravina stream. Today it is possible to see the original nucleus of the Sassi and the houses dug directly into the rock and tuff, experiencing a unique sensation: that of being in a crib. The amazing scenery of Matera has been the backdrop for many famous and less famous films, both Italian
and foreign, including Mel Gibson’s blockbuster “The Passion”.
You will also visit the Calanchi Lucani, its deep canyons, the arid white dunes and its natural pinnacles that have inspired poets, painters and directors. A walk along the two ring paths that wind to visit this unique lunar landscape is a must. The paths are easily passable without the need for guides.

Flavors and traditions

Nature and trekking

Welcome dinner in Matera at a restaurant that offers a unique and warm welcome. The hostess will make you live an unforgettable culinary experience not only for its flavors but also for the atmosphere. The “Gran Tour dei Due Sassi” you will make in Matera, includes a visit to “Il Bottegaccio”; by the master potter and papier-mache Mario Daddiego, for the presentation of objects that are part of the popular Matera tradition. The tour will end with a small tasting of typical products of the area. Finally, a few kilometers from your estate in Cilento, you can visit the Borgo of Morigerati, the WWF Oasis and the “I Capelli di Venere”waterfalls. You can hike along the sandy coast to Baia degli Infreschi, the ideal journey to live away from the confusion immersed in nature while enjoying the flavors of the area.

Comfort and tranquility

Exclusive overnight stay

A selection of nights stays specially chosen to make you experience a journey in tranquility and relaxation. In Matera a B&B chosen with an exceptional view of the Sassi, the best ever. In Aliano, you’ll stay in a historic residence and to finish, you will discover the estate immersed in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with a simple and elegant design, with its swimming pool surrounded by ancient olive trees.

Note: The tour can be customized based on your needs and all the services are subject to availability at the moment of booking. The estimated rates must be confirmed at the moment of booking

Tour: what is included or excluded

Included in the price

6 nights in b&b, historic residence and farm estate
4 breakfasts of which the first two in light breakfast format served in the room
anti-covid measures
Private guide in Matera (half day)
Dinner in a restaurant in Matera
2 dinners at the Locanda in Aliano
Private guide to Carlo Levi’s places and museum tickets in Aliano

Excluded from the price

Transfer
Meals where not included as per program
Tourist tax
where applicable

Irina Dragutan

We select for you events, stories, recipes, news and images that tell and let you taste, at least in part, the Bel Paese. 20 Regions of Italy is your travelling companion, that trusted friend always able to anticipate your desires and take you to the most secret and precious places in Italy.

Experiences

Tour: what is included or excluded

Included in the price

Excluded from the price

Request a quote

Related tours