A journey in Apulia also offers the chance to visit and appreciate the scenic beauty of Matera and Basilicata all year round. These two regions not only share borders but also a common historical, natural and cultural background.
Matera, European capital of culture in 2019, is well-known for its Sassi (Stones), ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. They were inscribed on the list of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1993, along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches. This extraordinary urban eco system is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world: here time has stopped and the past is still intact.
If you look at the Sassi from afar, they seem to have been sculpted into the rocks by nature, evoking Dante’s haunting images of the Divine Comedy or the archaic, rural, timeless landscapes of the Holy Land. It is no coincidence that they were used in many Christian-themed films, including The Gospel According St. Matthew (Pier Paolo Pasolini, 1964), The Passion of the Christ (Mel Gibson, 2004), The Nativity Story (Catherine Hardwicke, 2006) and Ben Hur (Timur Bekmambetov, 2016).
Matera and its surroundings offer many activities: from trekking to the so-called "Angel’s flight", from romantic weekends to cultural programs. We offer itineraries that may cover one or more days, giving the chance to explore Matera from all perspectives. At the end of the day, you can enjoy the fascinating view of the town at sunset: it seems as a skillful artisan carved it into the stones, a living manger illuminated by the lights coming from these unique dwellings. The location is so evocative that every year, at Christmas, it is used to recreate the nativity scene with actors wearing historical costumes.
Surrounded by the Parco della Murgia Materana, Matera also offers natural itineraries through mysterious and evocative landscapes, amazing calcareous highland plateaus overlooking beautiful caves and endless green fields made of gorgeous centuries-old olive trees. Here we will lead you to the discovery of ancient paths and Rupestrian cave dwellings, where the stones themselves seem to speak to the traveler.
The history of Matera, going from the Paleolithic to the Middle Age, is written in the gravine (ravines), whose archaeological relics are preserved in the National Archeological Museum of Matera. Numerous entrenched villages and more than 150 Rupestrian Churches disseminated throughout the Murgia and the gravine make this area really amazing. You will have the chance to visit the crypts of these churches which are decorated with frescos and ornaments, conjuring up a timeless, archaic atmosphere in-between magic and spirituality.
Along with the past, Matera has also modern and innovative aspects: it is indeed one of the most dynamic centers of contemporary art. Its Museum of contemporary sculpture (MUSMA), the only “cave-museum” in the world, hosts the most important sculptural art collection in Italy. Furthermore, Matera is the inspiring muse of famous photographers such as Henry Cartier-Bresson, Mario Cresci and Franco Pinna.
We also recommend you to taste the typical local food and wine products while visiting the city, such as the Matera bread (PGI mark) or Matera wine (DOC mark - controlled designation of origin) in a tour of the many ‘masserie’ serving food from farm to table!
We are waiting for you to discover the magical and hypnotic atmosphere of Basilicata and Matera off the beaten tourist tracks!
Bari and Matera
Bari, Matera
Program
Day 1
Arrival at Bari-Palese airport or Bari central train station, transfer and accommodation in a 3 * hotel in the centre of the city.
Guided tour of the old town: a walk to discover the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral, the Swabian Castle and the picturesque narrow streets of the charming medieval centre.
At the end of the visit, tasting of typical products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer by private bus or minivan to Matera.
Check-in and accommodation in a 4 * hotel in Matera. Meeting with the guide and visit of the city and the Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
Free lunch.
In the afternoon, guided tour of the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata located in Palazzo Lanfranchi, a prestigious building built immediately behind the Sasso Caveoso. Opened in 1993 the museum is composed of three sections: sacred art, collections and contemporary art.
At the end of the visit, free dinner. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel and guided tour of the Gravina of Matera and the Sasso Barisano, a neighbourhood completely renovated and transformed from tuff quarry to cultural centre used for concerts, shows and conferences.
Free lunch.
Afternoon devoted to visit the MUSMA - Museum of Contemporary Sculpture: the most important Italian museum entirely dedicated to sculpture. Located in Palazzo Pomarici, it is the only "cave" museum in the world.
At the end of the visit, free dinner. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer to Bari-Palese airport or Bari central train station.
End of agency services.
Services included
Prices include
- Overnight stay in a 3 * hotel in the centre of Bari with breakfast;
- 2 overnight stays in a 4 * hotel in the centre of Matera with breakfast;
- Private guide for visits and excursions as scheduled;
- All transfers for scheduled visits and excursions by private minivan or bus;
- Transfer to and from Bari-Palese airport or Bari train station;
- Tasting of typical products scheduled in day 1.
Prices do not include
- Meals;
- Insurance policy in the event of injury, illness, luggage theft and travel cancellation;
- Entrance fees for visits and excursions to be paid locally to the guide (if any);
- Local and tourist taxes;
- All not explicitly stated under "Prices include".
Notes: Tours can be modified for specific needs or unforeseen circumstances but all scheduled visits will be guaranteed, although their order may vary.
Unless otherwise indicated, all prices are quoted per person in a double / twin room and may vary according to the period. For updated quotations or personalized requests, please use the appropriate form.
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340,00 €
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340,00 €
for person