1-week Trekking in Matera and the Lucanian Dolomites

Join Daniele, a UIMLA-certified Mountain Leader, during this 7 day journey through the incredible sites of Matera and the Lucanian Dolomites, in a trip that combines the unique history of Matera with the incredible natural beauty of the region!

Group

Dolomite Mountains

7 Days

Oct

Intermediate

Beginner

Highlights

Discover the fascinating culture and history of Matera
Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Lucanian Dolomites
Stay at a comfortable 4 star resort for the duration of the trip

Description

Combine unique cultural experiences with outdoor adventure during this 1 week journey as we explore some of the most incredible sites in Southern Italy! Not only will you have a chance to visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera, but you will also explore the breathtaking panoramas of the Lucanian Dolomites!

During our 7 days together, we will have ample time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, a city known for its unique cave dwellings dug out of the caverns and grottos of the area. Matera is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world, with the famous Sassi of Matera inhabited since prehistoric times. The area is also the site of the incredible Rupestrian Churches, which were also carved out of caves hundreds of years ago. A visit to Matera is a fascinating lesson in history, culture, tradition, and, of course, geology.

We will also visit some of the highlights of the Lucanian Dolomites. We will trek through the countryside, observing as the forests give way to mountainous terrain, visiting a number of important historical sites along our route, including castles, monasteries, and even an abandoned ghost town. We will walk through the Italian badlands called “Calanchi,” and observe the rural way of life in the villages of the Dolomites. A day-by-day outline of the itinerary is included below so you can get a sense of all the incredible stops we will make during the journey.

The excursions and hikes are generally considered easy and suitable for any individual who is comfortable being on their feet for 5-6 hours per day. Each day’s elevation change is generally relatively mild (maximum of 380 m) and the trails are not technically difficult.

Our base will be the conveniently located, comfortable 4 star resort of Giardini d’Oriente. 6 dinners, 6 breakfasts, and 5 boxed lunches are included, as well as all transportation during the trip. The meeting place and drop off point will be either the airport or train station in Bari, Italy. In addition to the quoted price, there is a supplemental fee of 95 Euro to be paid in person at the start of the trip.

Book this unique trip now for an adventure that combines the cultural and historical highlights of Matera in Southern Italy with plenty of time spent outdoors exploring the stunning landscapes of the region!

Check out my other program in Italy: 1-week Trekking and Beach Holiday on the Aeolian Islands, Sicily

Price includes

Accommodation included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees

Price details

Price includes: Transfer to/from Bari airport or railway station; Double occupancy in a 4star resort hotel with 6 breakfast and 6 dinners (note: single occupancy available for an additional fee); drinks with meals; 5 boxed lunches; excursions mentioned in the itinerary; guides; tickets to: Palombaro, Matera Subterranean, “Casa Grotta,” and the passageway in Grotta; technical managment and assistance.
Does not include: Transportation to and from Bari from your home city, tourism tax, personal extras, spa services, other entrance tickets not mentioned above.
NOTE: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE EXTRA 95 EURO FEE TO BE PAID ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE TRIP

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, transfer to hotel

We meet at the train station or airport in Bari, Italy. From there, the group will be transferred to Basilicata, where the hotel is located. After dinner at the hotel, we meet to discuss the itinerary for the next 5 days.

Day 2: Sassi of Matera & Materana Park

From the hotel, our transfer takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. We explore different neighborhoods of the city and have the opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and construction of the famous cave dwellings of the city.

We then visit the Regional Natural Park of the Murgia Materana, where we set off on foot through the beautiful Gravina di Matera Canyon to visit the famous stone (Rupestrian) churches of the area.

Packed lunch provided. We return to the hotel for dinner.

Difficulty: Easy – moderate

Day 3: Parco Materana & Montescaglioso

We continue our exploration of Materana today, first vising the regional Parco Materana, where we visit more caverns, churches, and dwellings, some of which are as old as the Metal Age.

We then begin our hike toward Montescaglioso, stopping to enjoy our boxed lunch in a beautiful cavern. We stop to visit one of the biggest cave dwellings at Villaggio Saraceno. Finally, we arrive in the town of Montescaglioso where we have the option to continue with a guided tour of the historical center and Abbey (for an additional fee).

Packed lunch provided. We return to the hotel for dinner.

Difficulty: Easy – moderate

Day 4: Lucanian Dolomites: Pietrapertosa & Castelmezzano

We depart the hotel for a day of trekking in the Lucanian Dolomites. We enjoy incredible panoramas as we ascend toward Pietrapertosa Castle (at 1,080 m elevation). From there, we trek to Castelmezzano Castle, following the legendary “Path of the Seven Stones” for a part of the journey. From the castle, the view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, from Matera to Potenza, is simply amazing.

Packed lunch provided. We return to the hotel for dinner.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate (Elevation change of 350m)

Day 5: Calanchi Park & Matera

We head to Calanchi Park, where we marvel at the Italian Badlands, watching as the scenery changes to farmland filled with Mediterannean trees such as pine and cypress. We stop at an old Romanesque-style sanctuary and the “ghost town”of “Old” Craco. Then we finish the day in the town of Matera, where you will have free time for independent exploration.

We return to the hotel. A packed lunch will be provided.

Difficulty: Easy

Day 6: Gallipoli Cognato & Lucanian Dolomites

Today, we trek through the Regional Natural Park of Gallipoli Cognato and the Lucanian Dolomites. We start the day with a visit to Palazzo, a Benedictine Monastery from the 1100s – 1200s.

We then explore the landscapes of the park on foot, taking the opportunity to notice as the landscape changes from forest to rocky terrain to mountain plateaus.

Packed lunch provided. We return to the hotel for dinner.

Difficulty: Moderate (17km distance, 380m elevation change)

Day 7: Departure

After a final breakfast at the hotel, we say goodbye and depart via transfer to the train station or airport in Bari.

About the guide

Daniele

Mountain Leader

I'm a full-time hiking guide and I own the brands "Dimensione Attiva" and "Prowalking". I like to propose active holiday trips in Italy especially in the south, combining trekking and sea but also on the Dolomites and on all the Alps, on foot or with eBike.

Languages

Italian | English

Certificates

AGAI-AMM | UIMLA

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