Basilicata is a relatively small region, but it constantly surprises travelers along its roads. It offers a continuous transformation of landscapes where villages and castles appear small and defenseless against the unstoppable force of nature.
Basilicata, a land of many faces
$4,980.00
Click on the city name to see the description
YOUR TRIP
Days 11
Nights 9
Price (from) $4,980.00 (min 25/30 pax)
The trip starts with a min. of 21/24 participants (plus +100 $)
Group Code BAS24
Overnights MATERA (3), POTENZA (4), MARATEA (2)
-
DAY 1
Departure from New York (or from another airport upon request with cost evaluation), airline, and schedule to be determined.
-
DAY 2 (Aperitif, D)
MORNING
Arrival in Bari and transfer by private bus to the hotel in MATERA (see photo).
Welcome aperitif offered by Superciao Tour at the hotel with tastings of local products like Matera bread and some relaxation.AFTERNOON
Take a walk with a Tour Leader for your first encounter with Matera, the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Known as the “City of Stones,” it is a fascinating and unique place with its history, artificial caves, labyrinths, stairways, alleys, and the poignant living conditions of its inhabitants until 1952 when, with American assistance, the population of 18,000 people was relocated to new buildings.
EVENING
Welcome dinner with a typical Lucanian menu.
-
DAY 3 (B, D)
MORNING
Half-day excursion begins with the first stop in Contrada Murgia Timone, a belvedere offering an iconic view of Matera and a characteristic setting often used for filming Western movies.
The second stop is in Montescaglioso in the valley of the Bradano River, where you’ll visit San Michele Arcangelo, featuring a statue by Mantegna. The Basilica of San Michele is also a significant attraction. Along the way, you’ll pass by the San Giuliano Nature Reserve with its lake.AFTERNOON
Walking city tour with English local guide in Matera with a specialized guide who will immerse the group in the daily life within the Sassi, exploring cave houses (see photo), churches, and the cathedral. The visit will include stops at Piazza Duomo, Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Via Muro, Via Fiorentini, and other areas that provide a comprehensive view of Matera’s reality. In particular, you’ll visit the IMMERSIVE MUSEUM OF PEASANT CULTURE.
Meeting with a local authority who retraces the history of the city and its inhabitants.EVENING
Enjoy dinner in a charming local restaurant in Matera.
After dinner, take a walk outside Matera to get an overall view of the city, which, with its lights, resembles a real nativity scene. -
DAY 4 (B, D)
FULL-DAY TRIP
The tour includes a stop in Pisticci, where the famous and typical Lucano amaro is produced, known worldwide. Approximately 30,000 bottles of it are produced in a day.
Amaro Lucano, the essence of a legend (see photo). An immersive journey, An experience of colors, scents, and the history of Amaro Lucano in the MULTISENSORY AMARO LUCANO MUSEUM.
Basilicata, a land of many abandoned villages due to strong emigration. One of these is Craco, which you’ll visit along this itinerary. Aliano is the last stop before returning, one of the most meaningful and historic.
It was the land of confinement for the writer Carlo Levi and a desolate, abandoned land he described in his novel “Christ Stopped at Eboli.”EVENING
Dinner.
-
DAY 5 (B, D)
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Transfer to Potenza with various stops along the approximately 240 km route.
The first stop is in Tricarico, where you can admire the Norman Tower and the Church of Santa Chiara. The itinerary includes a detour to reach Accettura in the late morning, a small village known for having the narrowest street in Italy (41 cm) and famous for tree rituals (see photo).
You’ll visit the MUSEUM OF TREE RITUALS.EVENING
Arrival in Potenza in the evening.
Dinner at the Hotel la Primula with a typical local menu. -
DAY 6 (B, D)
MORNING
Walking city tour with English local guide in POTENZA, the regional capital situated at the highest altitude in Italy, at 819 meters above sea level.
We’ll pass by the Cathedral and visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, which has been housed in the imposing Loffredo Palace since 2005.
AFTERNOON
Muro Lucano, a typical village on the hill with its castle and stories of medieval betrayals and killings. In front of the Archaeological Museum, you’ll find the Scala della Poesia, made of colorful pebbles.
The tour continues to Castelgrande, where the Butterfly House is located, and it’s also home to an Astronomical Observatory (see photo) equipped with a massive 40-meter mirror.EVENING
Dinner with a typical local menu.
-
DAY 7 (B)
FULL-DAY TRIP
Excursion to Calvello and visit to the Museum of Ceramics
The Carafa-Ruffo Castle, dating back to the Norman era, is located at the top of the town of Calvello (PZ) and houses the CERAMIC MUSEUM.
In the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn not only how a ceramic artifact is made but also about the tools and various techniques used in ceramics craftsmanship. -
DAY 8 (B, D)
FULL-DAY TRIP
The first town we come across is Rionero in Vulture, where if anyone wishes, they can also independently visit theMuseum of Banditry that plagued the area and where the largest production of Aglianico wine takes place.
Visit one of the local wineries with a wine tasting session.
We then reach Venosa, which has numerous attractions that we explore while walking through its ancient streets: Pirro’s Castle, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Abbey of the Holy Trinity, and more. We’ll also stop in the square dedicated to Horace, the Latin poet known for his “Carpe Diem” and “Aurea Mediocritas” philosophy.
The tour concludes in Rapolla, famous for its thermal baths and the Urban Park of the cellars.EVENING
Dinner featuring local specialties.
-
DAY 9 (B, D)
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Transfer to MARATEA with a couple of stops along the way. In particular, we visit Lagonegro, known for its proximity to the ski resorts in the area. Here, you can see the Church of San Nicola.
If anyone wishes, they can also independently visit the Monnalisa Museum in this town.
Along the route to Maratea, we also pass through Rivello (see photo), perched on the summits of three hills, which was contested by the Byzantines and the Lombards, representing two different cultures.EVENING
Enjoy dinner at a typical restaurant.
-
DAY 10 (B, Cooking workshop/D)
RELAX DAY OR FULL-DAY TRIP
In Maratea, the most beautiful beaches (see photo) are concentrated in just 30 km, stretching from Calabria to Campania. These coves feature intensely blue seas and steep cliffs, making Maratea a dreamy destination.
ORFull-day excursion to San Severino Lucano on the last day before departure. You’ll take a trip to the Pollino National Park, where you can enjoy the slowest carousel (see photo) in the world. This excursion offers a serene way to conclude your trip, taking in the natural beauty of the Pollino region.EVENING
Cooking workshop and enjoy a special dinner.
Farewell dinner. -
DAY 11 (B)
Transfer to the airport, via private motor coach, for the return flight.
Lunch and snack served on board. Same day arrival.
PROCEDURES AND INSURANCE
PROCEDURES TO ACTIVATE THE TRIP
1. The Group Coordinator requests a quote via email (or by using the form on the website) for the group they intend to organize, specifying: chosen trip, dates, number of participants, and any specific requests regarding the itinerary and group composition.
ATTENTION: The travel period cannot be chosen in the months of August and December.
2. Superciao Tour sends the Coordinator:
- the requested quote
- the flyer for presenting the trip to participants
- instructions for registration on the website.
SUPERCIAO TOUR WEBSITE
The website (www.superciaotour.com) provides the option for:
- individual or family registration
- payment of fees.
On the website, you can view:
- Terms and conditions of the contract
- Day-by-day updates on the trip organization.
TRAVEL PREPARATION OFFERED BY SUPERCIAO TOUR
- Pre-trip preparation meeting via Zoom with logistical information for participants.
- Detailed Tour presentation booklet with cultural and tourist information useful for the group.
- Online course PASSAPORTO PER L’ITALIA Level 1-2-3-4, based on your communication skills.
- All the information about the Region and the main cities is included on the website, in order to provide not only a Language and Communication Course, but also landscape and cultural data.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- When an optional choice between two destinations is planned, and the bus is used for the transfer, the destination is decided based on the majority of preferences. The option to stay at the location remains freely available.
- If not everyone wishes to participate in one or more excursions, they must indicate this during registration.
- During the trip, each day the Tour Leader will provide the schedule for various activities, and these times must be followed to ensure smooth coordination and success of the planned events. Should anyone decide not to participate in an activity, they must inform the Tour Leader to avoid unnecessary delays for the group.
PLEASE NOTE! The schedule for the day may vary depending on weather conditions, traffic, and other logistical needs.
Tipping for various service staff is not mandatory and is therefore at the discretion of each participant or the group. However, for specific requests such as luggage handling, tips should be handled either individually or as a group.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Civil Liability Insurance – Nobis 203118346
(2.100.000 € casualty – 2.100.000 € person – 2.100.000 € damages of personal belongings/animals).
Accident and Personal Injury Policy – Zurich 653A3115
(50.000 € death – 50.000 € permanent disability – 1000€ medical expenses – 50€ daily hospital allowance).
Guarantee Fund, Multi-risk Travel Policy, Cancellations and Bankruptcies – Nobis 203111335
Legal protection – Arag – Policy n.31867871
American insurance for the cancellation of the trip is optional at additional cost.
PACKAGE PRICE INCLUSION
A. TRANSPORTATION: Flights – Private bus
- Round-trip flight from NY (or from another airport with cost assessment).
PLEASE NOTE! If you do not wish to return with the group, you have the following options:
1. Return on a different date, based on your needs – upon request (visiting relatives or places of personal significance).
2. Extend the trip to Rome, only available upon request and at an additional cost.
During the registration phase, it is necessary to formally express either option 1 or 2 for the conclusion of the trip in order to organize the return flight. - Private and exclusive bus available for the group throughout the entire Tour.
B. FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION: Hotel – Restaurant – Allergy
4-star hotels based on availability and time of year, in double rooms or single rooms with a supplement.
Breakfast and 8 dinner or lunch if necessary for the itinerary(specified by the program) (including water and excluding beverages, which are the responsibility of the participants) every day, and in addition, these tastings or aperitifs, where indicated by the program:
Welcome aperitif and Tasting
NB. The menus include a selection of typical regional dishes.
Each participant must report any allergy or food intolerance issues in advance.
C. SUPPORT STAFF: Tour Leader (24/7) – English local guide – Baby sitter
- A Tour Leader who accompanies the group on various excursions, coordinates them throughout the period, and provides all necessary information and advice: shopping, currency usage, withdrawals, phone usage, public transportation, restaurant choices, and more.
- Regularly accredited specialized guides* for the city tours, where indicated by the program. The use of English or Italian will be at the group’s discretion.
PLEASE NOTE!
- If you would like a second Tour Leader for the entire trip or for specific days, you must make an explicit request through your group coordinator. The price will be determined accordingly.
- Families traveling with children and who wish to have a babysitter for a few hours on certain days must request this service in advance, with pricing to be determined.
- Anyone needing a wheelchair must notify us in advance so that arrangements can be made.
| ENGLISH LOCAL GUIDES* Planned for each Trip | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABRUZZO E MOLISE L’Aquila Campobasso Pescara |
BASILICATA Matera Potenza |
CALABRIA Zungri Vibo Valentia Reggio C. Cosenza |
CAMPANIA Benevento Caserta Napoli Pompei |
PUGLIA Bari Lecce Area greca Isole Tremiti |
SICILIA Taormina Monte Etna Catania Ragusa Siracusa Agrigento Palermo/Monreale |
VENETO Verona Venezia Vicenza Padova< |
D. ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS**
The group will be able to participate in festivals or popular and traditional events that will be selected (as much as possible) based on the dates of the trip.
The travel program includes activities and various workshops, marked with the following symbols:
- Visit to a winery / Tasting local product
- Craft Workshop
- Meeting with the Autority
ATTENTION: A meeting with an expert for an interview on specific regional issues is scheduled, to be confirmed at a later date. It may indeed undergo changes based on the availability of authorities or experts. - Cooking workshop
- Dance lesson (optional)
OPTIONAL: Reservation on request with price to be determined based on the number of participants.
| ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS** Planned for each Trip | |
|---|---|
| ABRUZZO E MOLISE – Visit to a winery in Ofena – Meeting with the Museum director of the National Paleolithic Museum at Isernia – Painting Atelier visit – Cooking workshop in Campobasso |
BASILICATA – Meeting with a local authority who retraces the history of the city and its inhabitants – Multi-sensory experience in Pisticci during the visit to the Amaro Lucano Museum – Ceramic workshop in Calvello – Winery visit and tasting in Rionero in Vulture – Cooking workshop in Maratea |
| CALABRIA – Tasting at Monteporo Latteria and Salumeria – Ceramic workshop in Seminara – Meeting with the Association for the Preservation of the Dialect in Bova – Cooking workshop in Tropea – Tarantella/Pizzica dance lesson in Cosenza (optional) |
CAMPANIA – Excursion to Capri by boat – Pizza making cooking workshop in Sorrento – Ceramic workshop in Vietri – Meeting with local authorities in Castellabate – Tarantella dance in Benevento (optional) – Falanghina wine tasting |
| PUGLIA – Social dance of the Pizzica in Bari (optional) – Meeting with the museum director to discuss the artisanal vocation of the region in Grottaglie – Ceramics workshop in Grottaglie – Cooking workhop in Grottaglie – Visit to a winemaking production with tastings in Manduria |
SICILIA – Social dance of the Sicilian Tarantella in Taormina (optional) – Visit to an ice cream parlor in Bronte – Sweet tastings where you purchase the famous chocolate bars – Ceramic workshop in Caltagirone – Cooking workshop in Enna – Meeting with an authority in Agrigento – Wine and local product tasting with a picnic at a farm near Agrigento. |
| VENETO – Tasting of local typical products in Verona – Meeting with Verona Professor of University – Tasting of Soave wine in Soave – Tasting of Grappa in Bassano del Grappa – Ceramic workshop in Bassano del Grappa – Exibition of Alpin songs – Cooking workshop in Agriturismo Padova – Gondola ride (optional) |
|
E. MUSEUM ADMISSIONS***
The trip includes visits to the museums listed in the table, but the detailed program also indicates other museums that each participant may choose to visit on a personal level.
| MUSEUMS*** Planned for each Trip | |
|---|---|
| ABRUZZO E MOLISE – Saffron Museum in Navelli- Confetti Museum in Pelino- National Paleolithic Museum in Isernia- Mysteries Museum in Campobasso |
BASILICATA – Immersive Museum of Peasant Culture in Matera – Multisensory Amaro Lucano Museum in Pisticci – Museum of Tree Rituals in Accettura – National Archaeological Museum in Potenza – Ceramic Museum in Calvello |
| CALABRIA – Rock Museum and Agrarian Civilization in Zungri- Ceramic Museum in Seminara- National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria- National Bergamot Museum in Reggio Calabria – Mediterranean Biodiversity Park in Catanzaro |
CAMPANIA – Wood Inlay Museum in Sorrento – Ceramic Museum in Vietri – Padula Charterhouse – Royal Palace of Caserta – Pompeii Excavations Site |
| PUGLIA – Archaeological Museum of Bari – Grottaglie Ceramic Museum – Multimedia Museum in Corigliano d’Otranto Castle – Historical Firefighters Museum in Manfredonia |
SICILIA – Greek Theater of Taormina – Chocolate Museum in Modica – Municipal Puppets Museum in Syracuse – Ceramic Museum in Caltagirone |
| VENETO – Verona Arena – Peasant Civilization Museum in Grancona – Alpine Museum in Bassano del Grappa – Ceramic Museum of Bassano del Grappa – Whistles Museum in Marostica – Scrovegni Chapel in Padova |
|