Matera is one of the most unusual, interesting and singular tourist destinations in Italy. Located in region of Basilicata in southern Italy named also the European Cultural Capital for the year 2019. After you are greeted at your hotel (either in Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi coast), you will make your way from the region of Campania to the region Basilicata and the town of Matera.
Matera is know for its extensive and ancient cave dwellings, the sassi, that were inhabited as far back as Paleolithic times. The highlights in the sassi are a series of ancient, Byzantine style churches. Santa Maria de Idris is carved into a huge rock pinnacle perched on a rock ledge overhanging the ravine. Another rock church, Santa Lucia alle Malve contains 10th century frescoes. While spending the morning in the Sassi, afternoon after lunch a typical at a local place, you have time to explore the actual town, starting with a visit at Cathedral which is the highest point in the city. The walls and columns in the Cathedral are painted a light blue with opulent gold trim and the nave is lined with chapels on both sides, another highlight is the small but very interesting Church of the Purgatorio, the interior is heavenly light blue color and colorful frescoes adorn the walls, but a dramatic counterpoint to the skull and crossbones and stern admonitions posted on the exterior of the church. Late afternoon the driver will take you back to your hotel.
All rates are quoted in the Euro and are only payable in the Euro currency, including Traveler’s Cheques, at the end of the services.
Rates include the use of our luxury vehicles, English speaking driver to and from your hotel.
Lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the sites are not included.
Also please note that we may change the order of the itinerary at our discretion.