group
group
CNA – Grand Tour of Basilicata
Description
The Grand Tour of Basilicata: A Self-Drive Journey Through History and Unspoiled Nature
A road trip through the wonders of Matera, the Vulture, the Lucanian Dolomites, and Maratea
A Journey Through Basilicata’s Millennia-Long History
A journey that takes in the region’s major attractions and, kilometer by kilometer, reveals the timeless beauty of this ancient land. The Oenotrians, the Lucanians, the Greeks, and the Romans once lived in these parts, leaving behind important traces that are still clearly visible along the route today.
Villages, outposts, and ever-changing landscapes
Along the route, you may come across villages perched on hilltops, whose origins clearly suggest their purpose: they were ancient defensive outposts. And then there are lakes, valleys, rivers, seas, hills, mountains, and plains: a mosaic of landscapes that reflects the unique diversity of Basilicata. A land rich in flora and fauna, it is home to most of Italy’s kites and boasts a unique biodiversity.
The Stages of the Grand Tour: From Matera to Vulture
With “The Grand Tour of Basilicata, “ designed by Lucanians who know their region inside and out, you’ll have the chance to discover:
- Maratea, the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea,” which is worth the trip on its own
- Matera, with its unique World Heritage Site
- The Vulture, with its volcano that has been dormant for millennia, and its olive groves and vineyards that bear witness to its fertility
- The Lucanian Dolomites, with their picturesque villages perched among the rocks
- Potenza, Italy’s highest regional capital, and the surrounding valleys, such as the picturesque Melandro Valley
Stage: Matera
Arrive in Matera by your own means. Check in and settle into your room. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay.
Stage: Matera
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and begin the tour to explore the Sassi, which will reveal the secrets of this ancient city. You’ll visit a rock-cut church, a cave house—a typical dwelling with a “tadina” (kitchen) furnished with original farm tools.
Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit a workshop where you’ll watch fresh pasta being made
Dinner on your own. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Stage: Castelmezzano
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Castelmezzano (Lucanian Dolomites).
Along the way, we recommend stopping in Montescaglioso (Matera/Montescaglioso, 20 km), a small village home to masterpieces such as the Abbey of St. Michael the Archangel.
Arrival in Castelmezzano, check-in, and dinner featuring local specialties.
The Lucanian Dolomites are located within the municipalities of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, two picturesque villages nestled between two rock formations facing each other, offering breathtaking views. Here you can experience the thrill of the Volo dell'Angelo, a one-of-a-kind attraction packed with adrenaline, and the brand-new Slittovia, the perfect attraction for everyone.
Stage: Melfi
Check out of the room. Before leaving, we recommend trying the adrenaline-pumping “Volo dell’Angelo” and the “Slittovia.”
Lunch on your own. Departure for Barile.
Arrival in Barile and/or the surrounding area and check-in.
Departure for Melfi to meet the guide and begin a tour of the historic center, including visits to the Castello Federiciano, the Cathedral, and the National Archaeological Museum. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay.
Stage: Power
After breakfast at the hotel, the guided tour of a Vulture winery begins, featuring a tasting of Aglianico wine accompanied by a platter of cheeses and cold cuts. Lunch on your own.
(There are no winery tours on Sundays.)
Departure for Potenza, a city of art and the highest regional capital in Italy (819 meters above sea level), also known as the “Vertical City” or “City of a Hundred Stairs.” Arrival and check-in. Meet with the guide. Private guided tour of the historic center and its churches.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Stage: Castalda Rock
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Lunch on your own. Departure for Sasso di Castalda (14 km), an adrenaline-pumping hike across the world’s highest Tibetan bridge.
Arrival and check-in at Sasso di Castaldi and/or the surrounding area.
Dinner on your own.
Stage: Maratea
Breakfast, check-out. Departure for Maratea, known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea.”
Lunch on your own. Arrival in Maratea, check-in at the hotel, and dinner.
Stage: Maratea
After breakfast, check out and the end of our services.
925 €
Rate per person in a double room.
The fee includes
The price does not include
Practical Information
GIT TIP
A comprehensive tour exploring the millennia-old history and biodiversity of Basilicata, from the Sassi of Matera and the Vulture to Maratea.
You might be interested in
Find your itinerary
