Magna Graecia Basilicata: culture and history from Matera to the Ionian Sea
Description
Explore Magna Graecia Basilicata:
With our exclusive tourist package, you will experience the timeless beauty of this Italian region. From Matera, known as the City of Sassi and a UNESCO World Heritage site, to Metaponto and Policoro, evidence of the magnificent Magna Graecia in Basilicata, you will discover ancient civilizations and fascinating archaeological treasures every day. This trip will surely leave you enchanted by the magic of Basilicata, with a perfect mix of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Grand Tour of the City of Sassi
Starting from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, you will discover the historic heart of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will admire the Apulian-Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista and visit the Casa Cava, an ancient tuff stone cave transformed into an auditorium. Your tour will continue through the Sasso Barisano district with a visit to the rupestrian church of Sant'Antonio Abate and a typically furnished cave house in the Sasso Caveoso district. You will walk through the charming Via Madonna delle Virtù to reach Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and Via Bruno Buozzi. You will discover the rupestrian church of Madonna delle Grazie, the church of Purgatorio, and the church of San Francesco d'Assisi. The tour will end with the magnificent Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral.
Visiting the Palombaro Lungo
You will discover Matera's largest water tank, located in the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a part of the Hypogea complex.
Exploring the Murgia Natural Park of Matera
Take a shuttle to the Park of Rupestrian Churches, where you will explore the history from prehistory to the Middle Ages. You will visit the monumental tomb in the Neolithic village, walk along the Gravina, and admire the view of the city illuminated at sunset.
Visiting the Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin)
You will explore this ancient oratory, one of the oldest evidence of Rupestrian art in Southern Italy.
Visiting Metaponto
You will discover the Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Park, and the Tavole Palatine (Palatine Tables), evidence of ancient Greek culture. Located on the Ionian coast, Metaponto was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, and today is one of the oldest and most important centers in Basilicata.
Exploring Policoro
Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Park of this enchanting seaside resort located on the Ionian coast, where you can find evidence of the ancient cities of Siris and Herakleia.
Visiting the Sanctuary of Santa Maria d'Anglona
You will discover this medieval sanctuary, evidence of the city of Anglona, with frescoes of great artistic interest. Being located on a hill, the sanctuary offers a breathtaking view and has been declared a national monument.
You will enjoy a trip full of history, culture, and natural beauties in one of Italy's most fascinating destinations. Book now your Magna Graecia Basilicata tour for an unforgettable experience!
Location
Recommended equipment
It is recommended to bring: - Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles - A K-Way or light windbreaker - A reusable water bottle - Snacks for a fast refreshment during the tour
Highlights
Included
Not included
Extra options
Program
Your trip begins with arrival at Bari Airport and a direct transfer to Matera, where you will find comfortable accommodation in a hotel in the charming Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After settling in, you will have the whole night free to explore the city as you wish.
After a rich breakfast at the hotel, you will immerse yourself in the historical heart of the City of Sassi with a 3-hour guided tour. Starting from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, you will walk through ancient streets to discover the Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista and the fascinating Casa Cava, which today is a convention center carved into the tuff. You will walk through the Sasso Barisano district to visit the Rupestrian Church of Sant'Antonio Abate and a traditional cave house in the Sasso Caveoso district. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views from Via Madonna delle Virtù and visit religious sites like Madonna delle Grazie and San Francesco D'Assisi. The tour will end with the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral overlooking the city. After a free lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore the Palombaro Lungo, the largest water tank in Matera, and join an exciting tour of the Murgia Natural Park and Park of Rupestrian Churches, where history comes alive from prehistoric to medieval sites, concluding with a spectacular sunset over the Sassi.
After breakfast, you will depart for the Cripta del Peccato Originale (Crypt of Original Sin), an ancient oratory representing a jewel of Rupestrian art of Southern Italy. After a free lunch, your trip will continue to Metaponto, famous for its Archaeological Museum, Archaeological Park, and Tavole Palatine (Palatine Tables), the remains of Magna Graecia in Southern Italy. Returning to Matera, you will have the whole night free to relax or discover extra culinary delights.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Policoro to explore the Museum and Archaeological Park, the remains of the ancient cities of Siris and Herakleia. After a free lunch, your day will continue visiting the picturesque medieval sanctuary of Santa Maria d'Anglona, full of frescoes and history dating back to the Middle Ages. Returning to Matera, you will have the whole night free to enjoy your last moments in this fascinating city.
After your last breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say goodbye and go to Bari Airport for your return flight. Your trip has been an extraordinary journey through the history, culture, and natural beauties of Basilicata, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Matera and its surroundings
Useful information
We are aware that plans can change. Here, our cancellation policy to ensure you maximum flexibility: - From the 45th to the 30th day before arrival: 50% penalty - From the 29th to the 15th day before arrival: 70% penalty - From the 15th day until arrival: 100% penalty
Trip Cancellation Insurance (on request): Price: Starting from €50 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is available on request and offers additional coverage to protect your reservation in case of unforeseen events that force you to cancel your trip. This option gives you the peace of mind to recover part of the cost if necessary, ensuring greater flexibility and security when planning your trip. Please, contact us directly for more details on the trip cancellation insurance terms, conditions, and costs. Our team will gladly assist you and give you all the information needed.
To make your trip even more comfortable and organized, we offer transfer services with the following pricing options (per person): - For groups of up to 2 people: €550 - For groups of up to 3 people: €370 - For groups of up to 4 people: €275 - For groups of up to 5 people: €220 - For groups of up to 6 people: €185 - For groups of up to 7 people: €160
Our minivans are available for your comfort and convenience. Please provide us with your arrival time and flight number for an impeccable service. Any additional waiting hours are charged at €35.00 per hour (VAT included), with a 20% surcharge for nighttime hours.
