Around Matera: gentle trekking between Basilicata and Puglia

First day

Welcome to Gravina
We’ll start the morning with a transfer from Rome, sharing the ride to Gravina in Puglia through the hills of the Murgia. After checking into the hotel, we’ll stroll along its “Asse Monumentale,” discovering little-known historical treasures. We’ll visit the Crypt of San Vito Vecchio, then stop at the intriguing Cola-Cola Museum: no, not the famous soda, but the traditional terracotta whistles that are the city’s symbol. We’ll continue with a hike through the Gravina ravine: we’ll reach the Roman Bridge, which connects the two sides of the ravine, and the Botromagno Necropolis. We’ll treat ourselves to a tasting of Gariga, a local bitter liqueur made from wild herbs of the Murgia. We’ll wrap up 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 toward Matera, the City of the Sassi, 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 people of Matera, and continue on to the Benedictine Monastery and the Cathedral. We’ll stop at the Church of Santa Lucia alle Malve. After lunch, we’ll resume our tour at Palazzo Lanfranchi, now home to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. We’ll conclude the day with a spectacular view of the Gravina di Matera at sunset. We’ll return to our hotel in Gravina in Puglia, where dinner awaits us.

Third day

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

Fourth day

The Wild Murgia and Altamura
After breakfast, we’ll venture into the Murgia Materana Parkfor a gentle hike along the Gravina stream, crossing the picturesque Tibetan suspension bridge, which opened in 2015. Those who wish can visit the Grotta del Peccato Originale(Cave of Original Sin), often called the “Sistine Chapel of cave art.” In the afternoon, we change scenery and head to Altamura, the “Lioness of Puglia.” Here we’ll have a “special” encounter: withthe Altamura Man, the oldest and best-preserved skeleton of Homo neanderthalensis, who lived over 150,000 years ago. Don’t miss a delicious stop to savor Altamura DOP 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’re heading out in search of some cool relief, visiting the Castellana Caves, one of Italy’s most spectacular karst cave systems. The caves, over 3 km long and up to 122 meters deep, will take us on a fascinating journey through stalactites, stalagmites, and majestic underground cathedrals, all at a constant temperature of 16.5°C. After this journey underground, we’ll return to the surface to explore Alberobello, the city of trulli and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A hike through stone farmhouses, sheep trails, and centuries-old olive trees will let us discover the countryside that frames this timeless place. We’ll return to Gravina for a gentle hike at sunset and wrap up the day with a traditional Apulian dinner at a trattoria.

Sixth day

Monopoli and Polignano: Puglia from the Sea
After all that wandering, we deserve the sea! But we won’t give up on exploring, because our journey continues through historic villages and spectacular cliffs. We’ll start in Monopoli, with its historic center overlooking the sea and the splendid Madia Cathedral. After a stroll through the narrow streets and small squares, we’ll treat ourselves to a refreshing swim at the beach right next to the town center. In the afternoon, we head to Polignano a Mare, the pearl of the Adriatic. The first sight that greets visitors is Lama Monachile, the iconic cove nestled between sheer rock walls overlooking the sea. The view from the Bourbon Bridge is a must-see—a true spectacle! We return to Gravina in time for dinner, with the intense blue of the Apulian sea still fresh in our minds.

Seventh day

Today is the day we head home, but before saying goodbye to this region, we treat ourselves to one last stroll through the charming narrow streets of downtown 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 products like Altamura DOP bread or a bottle of Primitivo wine. As we stroll through the alleys, we relive the unforgettable moments of this vacation: the scenic hikes, the enchanting 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’s been wonderful to experience this adventure together… shall we start planning the next one already?