Matera & Bari Hidden Jems
Small Group Tour - 7 days, 6 nights
Matera & Bari Hidden Jems
Day 1 – Arrival in Matera
Pick up at Bari airport and arrive in the enchanting city of Matera, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meet your tour guide and settle into your accommodation, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city’s ancient stone streets and breathtaking views.
Day 2 – UNESCO Sassi Tour, Artisans & Flavors
Start your day with a guided tour of the legendary Sassi di Matera, exploring ancient cave dwellings and churches carved into the rock with a professional local guide. Along the way, visit artisanal workshops to witness the traditional crafts of tuff stone, ceramics, and wood.
Next, step into a historic bakery (“forno”) for a hands-on bread-making masterclass.
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties.
Free afternoon and evening.
Day 3 - Murgia treasure
After breakfast, we pick you up and we head to the Murgecchia area to discover the evocative tufo caves.
In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Crypt of the Original Sin—a true gem decorated with ancient frescoes.
End your day with an aperitivo at the renowned Dragone Wine Factory, then enjoy free time for dinner and evening strolls in Matera’s magical nighttime ambiance.
Day 4 – Ancient Villages, Nature & Tradition
Venture out for a guided tour of the Neolithic village of Timmari, set in the surrounding countryside.
Experience an aperitivo in the forest, connecting with the landscape’s ancient roots.
Continue the exploration with a visit to La Martella village, accompanied by a local guide.
Savor a typical lunch in the heart of the village’s main square.
The afternoon and evening are at your leisure, perfect for further discovery or relaxing in Matera’s captivating surroundings.
Day 5 – Craco, Aliano & Pisticci: History, Art, and Authentic Flavors
Today’s journey takes us deep into the heart of Basilicata. We begin with a guided visit to Craco, a hauntingly beautiful ghost town perched dramatically on a hilltop. Once a thriving medieval village, it was abandoned after a landslide in the 1960s and now stands as a stunning open-air museum—its stone towers and silent streets offering a glimpse into centuries past.
Our next stop is Aliano, known for its poetic landscapes of clay canyons and its connection to writer Carlo Levi, whose exile here inspired his famous book Christ Stopped at Eboli. We’ll visit his historic home, now a museum dedicated to his life and art.
In the afternoon, we reach Pisticci, a whitewashed hilltop town overlooking the Ionian coast. Here, we’ll stop at the Amaro Lucano Museum—an immersive space celebrating one of Italy’s most iconic herbal liqueurs. Learn about its century-old recipe and perhaps enjoy a tasting before returning to Matera for the evening.
Day 6 – The Lucanian Dolomites: Nature & Adventure
Today we head toward the spectacular Lucanian Dolomites, a mountain landscape of striking rock formations and two picturesque villages—Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa—that seem to cling to the cliffs.
Enjoy a walking tour through both villages, crossing scenic footpaths and panoramic viewpoints that connect their medieval centers. This is a day for breathtaking photos, local encounters, and pure inspiration among southern Italy’s most dramatic scenery.
Day 7– Castel del Monte, Trani & Bari: From Legends to the Sea
After breakfast, we travel to Castel del Monte, Emperor Frederick II’s mysterious octagonal fortress, perfectly balanced and filled with symbolism. A 2.5-hour guided trekking route around the castle reveals panoramic views before we explore the interior of this UNESCO masterpiece.
We then head to Trani, a charming Adriatic town famous for its white limestone cathedral overlooking the sea. After a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoy a guided stroll through its harbor and medieval streets.
The day concludes in Bari, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay. Take the evening to explore Bari’s vibrant old town, brimming with lively markets, coastal promenades, and local trattorias.
Day 8– Farewell & Departure
This morning, private transfers are provided to Bari Airport and the train station for your onward journey.
And... Arrivederci!
Upcoming Tour Dates
31 March - 7th April 2026
18th - 25th May 2026
15th - 22nd June 2026