In Matera, you’ll swap neat city blocks for a maze of cave homes. These ancient dwellings carved into limestone have been continuously lived in for 9000 years, save a short period in the 1950’s when it was so impoverished that it became known as the “shame of Italy” and it’s inhabitants were evicted. As you wander Matera's hypnotizing streets, you can feel the ancient history hidden in every stone. Together, we'll unearth those mysteries and celebrate this amazing village which is not only an UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the 2019 European Capital of Culture! 

This is an exclusive opportunity for just 5 participants - grab your spot now!

Please note, we require at least 5 confirmed guests to run this trip. In the event that minimum requirements are not met within 2 months of the trip start date, you will have the choice to receive a full refund of your trip cost or credit applied to another trip within the next year. Flight costs and other costs outside of the trip itself would need to be reimbursed by the travel insurance which you are required to purchase.

Ciao! My name is Sierra and I'm the founder of Creative Edge Travel and the leader for your trip in Apulia! I fell hard for Italy in 2011 and have never stopped exploring its many regions since. From the tall mountains in the north to the sunny heel of the boot in the south, I scoured maps for Italy's hidden secrets, connecting with locals and soaking up the authentic everyday life along the way. This passion led to a career in travel in NYC, where I worked for top agencies and startups, planning luxury vacations for VIP clients. Now living half the year in Italy, my goal is to bring my guests meaningful travel experiences that will forever connect them to the genuine spirit of Italy.

After checking into our B&B, you'll be free to discover the unique and delicious "Lucana" cuisine of Matera for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take a guided walk through the ancient streets of Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of this one-of-a-kind village is truly unique and makes for a mysterious and captivating story that will have you in wonder for days to come. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Matera's winding streets on your own!

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at our B&B, we'll set off to a bakery to learn how locals make their famous bread and the ancient traditions behind it. The baker will share the story of his family's bakery dating back to the times when people still lived in the "sassi" caves. Afterwards, you'll have free time to visit Matera's many interesting sites, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, we'll connect with Neolithic history by checking out one of the area's earliest cave dwellings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Aperitivo

This morning after breakfast, your trip leader will take you on a creative excursion to drop in on two of our favorite local artisans and see what they're working on. Afterwards, enjoy time on your own to visit museums, do some shopping, or soak up more of Matera's hidden corners. This evening, we'll end our adventure on a delicious note with a farewell dinner at our favorite restaurant in Matera!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we'll say our goodbyes to magical Matera where we surely will have made some unforgettable memories! We will bring you back to Bari Airport and send you on your way. Ciao for now!

Meals Included: Breakfast