4 days
from 950 euro
From the enchanting Sassi of Matera—UNESCO World Heritage site—with its rock-hewn houses and ancient cave churches, to the ghost town of Craco, suspended in the silence of the Lucanian badlands (calanchi), each stop tells a story that spans millennia.
The experience is enriched with panoramic walks on the Murgia plateau, breathtaking sunsets, and villages steeped in memory and culture. An authentic itinerary, set among cinematic landscapes and timeless atmospheres, designed for travelers seeking to discover the deepest soul of Southern Italy.
Arrival in Bari by train or flight (not included in the package). Upon arrival at the airport or station, pick up your rental car and head to the Ecoluxury retreat Le Grotte della Civita, located in the heart of Matera. Check-in and free time to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast, meet your private guide to explore this one-of-a-kind city.
A guided tour of Matera is a captivating journey into the heart of stone and history. Begin with the famous Sassi, a UNESCO site where cave dwellings climb the slopes like a living nativity scene. Stroll through the winding alleys of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, discovering frescoed cave churches and ancient peasant homes left intact through time. The guide will reveal the harsh yet ingenious life that once unfolded here, suspended between ancient civilizations and cultural revival.
After the tour, enjoy some free time to continue exploring the city. You may choose to visit the Palombaro Lungo, an underground cistern once used for water storage or simply wander through the maze of the Sassi.
Alternatively, continue your exploration by crossing the Gravina suspension bridge and follow one of the scenic trails up the Murgia plateau. This accessible and refreshing walk leads to a unique viewpoint where Matera unveils its full beauty. Stay until sunset, when the Sassi glow in golden light—an unforgettable postcard scene where past and present blend in magical harmony.
Overnight stay.
Just an hour’s drive from Matera lies Craco, a dramatic ghost town nestled in the heart of the Lucanian badlands. Visiting Craco is like stepping into a suspended world where time seems crystallized and history has left deep marks. The town's fate changed forever in 1963 when a devastating landslide forced most of its population to relocate between 1963 and 1974. After years of abandonment, vandalism, and looting, Craco began a new chapter. What was once considered lost is now a place of rare uniqueness: a surreal and silent village framed by the calanchi, clay formations carved by rainwater into jagged, sculptural shapes. This haunting landscape has attracted numerous filmmakers—including Mel Gibson, who chose Craco as a natural set for The Passion of the Christ. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll discover Craco Vecchia, a ghost town brimming with memory, art, and haunting charm.
Before returning to Matera, consider a detour to Metaponto to explore its archaeological park, or continue to Aliano, a scenic village overlooking the calanchi where writer Carlo Levi penned Christ Stopped at Eboli.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast, return to Bari in time to drop off your rental car before your return flight home.
- 3 nights with breakfast at Le Grotte della Civita in Matera
- Rental car for the entire stay (Opel Corsa or similar), with full insurance coverage, roadside assistance, and second driver included
- Private guided tour (approx. 2 hrs) of Matera’s historic center on Day 2, including entrance to the Casa Grotta
- Guided group visit of Craco, including entrance to the Emotional Museum and use of safety helmet (included in ticket). Please wear sneakers or non-slip trekking shoes
- Booking fee including medical and luggage insurance
- Transportation to/from your place of origin
- City tax
- Lunches and dinners, unless otherwise specified under "price includes"
- Drinks during meals
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the "price includes" section
