Around Matera: gentle trekking between Basilicata and Puglia

First day

Welcome to Gravina
We leave in the morning with the transfer from Rome, sharing the journey to Gravina in Puglia through the hills of the Murgia. After checking into the hotel, we stroll along its Monumental Axis, discovering little-known historical gems. We visit the Crypt of San Vito Vecchio, then stop at the curious Coca-Cola Museum: no, not the famous drink, but the typical terracotta whistles that are the symbol of the city. We continue with a trek in the Gravina ravine: we reach the Roman Bridge, which connects the two sides of the ravine, and the Botromagno Necropolis. We treat ourselves to a tasting of Gariga, a local bitter liqueur made from wild herbs from the Murgia region. We end the evening with dinner together, ready to discover even more in the coming days!

Second day

Matera, the city carved out over time
We board the private minibus and head towards Matera, the City of Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, where a gentle hike awaits us. Walking through the narrow streets carved into the rock and the labyrinthine alleys, we discover the deep connection between the architecture and the landscape of the Murgia. We visit a typical cave house, which tells the story of the life of the people of Matera, and continue on to the Benedictine Monastery and the Cathedral. Stop at the Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve. After lunch, we resume our visit at the Lanfranchi Palace, now home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. We conclude this day with a spectacular view of the Gravina di Matera at sunset. We return to our hotel in Gravina in Puglia, where dinner awaits us.

Third day

On the trail of Magna Graecia
Today we travel back in time to the era of Magna Graecia in Lucania, visiting one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in southern Italy: the Archaeological Park of Metaponto. Here we walk among the ruins that bear witness to the greatness of the ancient Greek colony, admiring the remains of the temples dedicated to Athena, Apollo, Hera, and Aphrodite, with particular attention to the Temple of Hera, also known as Tavole Palatine. We move on to Policoro, where a well-deserved break awaits us at the Lido, between a swim and a walk along the long beach. Those who wish can explore the Bosco Pantano Nature Reserve, a rare example of lowland forest. In the late afternoon, we return to Gravina in Puglia ready for a dinner that celebrates the flavors of Basilicata and Murgia.

Fourth day

Wild Murgia and Altamura
After breakfast, we venture into the Murgia Materana Parkfor a gentle hike along the Gravina stream, crossing the picturesque Tibetan suspension bridge, inaugurated in 2015. Those who wish can visit the Cave of Original Sin, known as the Sistine Chapel of cave painting. In the afternoon, we change scenery and move to Altamura, the "Lioness of Puglia." Here we will have a "special" encounter: with theMan of Altamura, the oldest and best-preserved skeleton of Homo Neanderthalensis, who lived over 150,000 years ago. A tasty stop to savor Altamura PDO bread and Apulian focaccia, accompanied by a glass of local wine. Return to the hotel in Gravina for dinner.

Fifth day

Castellana Caves and Alberobello
Today we set off in search of coolness, visiting the Castellana Caves, one of the most spectacular karst complexes in Italy. The caves, over 3 km long and up to 122 meters deep, will take us on a fascinating journey among stalactites, stalagmites, and majestic underground cathedrals, with a constant temperature of 16.5°C. After this immersion underground, we will return to the light to explore Alberobello, the city of trulli UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trek through stone farmhouses, sheep tracks, and centuries-old olive trees will allow us to discover the countryside that surrounds this timeless place. We will return to Gravina for a gentle trek at sunset and end the day with a traditional Apulian dinner in a trattoria.

Sixth day

Monopoli and Polignano: Puglia seen from the sea
After all this traveling, we deserve a break by the sea! But without giving up on discovery, because our journey continues through historic villages and spectacular cliffs. Let's start with Monopoli, with its historic center overlooking the sea and the splendid Cathedral of Madia. After a stroll through the narrow streets and small squares, we treat ourselves to a refreshing swim at the beach next to the center. In the afternoon, we reach Polignano a Mare, the pearl of the Adriatic. The first image that greets visitors is Lama Monachile, the iconic cove nestled between rock walls overlooking the sea. The view from the Bourbon bridge is unmissable, a real spectacle! We return to Gravina in time for dinner, with the intense blue of the Apulian sea still in our eyes.

Seventh day

Today is the day we return home, but before saying goodbye to this land, we treat ourselves to one last stroll through the charming narrow streets of the center of Gravina. It's the perfect time to do some last-minute shopping: a small handmade souvenir, perhaps a traditional terracotta whistle or some typical Apulian product such as Altamura bread DOP bread or a bottle of Primitivo wine. Strolling through the narrow streets, we relive the unforgettable moments of this vacation: the scenic treks, the enchanted villages, the crystal-clear sea, the ancient caves, and the authentic flavors of Puglia and Basilicata. With a touch of nostalgia, but with our hearts full of emotions, we board our transfer to Rome. It was wonderful to experience this adventure together... shall we start planning the next one?