- Napoli
- Melfi
- Monte Vulture
- Matera
- Maratea
Dates
April 25 – May 5, 2025
Highlights
- Escape the commercial tourist crowds; slow exploration in beautiful Compania, Basilicata, and Puglia
- Small group vibe; local hospitality; outstanding regional cuisine
- Multi-night stays in high-standard hotels
- Three mesmerizing “hubs” of southern Italy: Monte Vulture; Matera; Maratea
- Ancient Roman sites; extraordinary seascapes; some of Italy’s most dramatic town- and landscapes
Trip Description
Join us for a small group adventure to the stunning landscapes and cultural mélange of southern Italy! We’ll fly in and out of Napoli – gateway to the less-traveled South – and enjoy three distinct geographic regions of Italy. We’ll spend our first two nights near the beautiful “Norman town” of Melfi: featuring a 12th century Norman-built castle; the famous Aglianico wines, grown on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Vulture; and the nearby ancient Roman city of Venosa.
We’ll then move to Matera – city of the Sassi (that is, ancient homes / dwellings cut into the soft limestone of the gorge where the city lies). Matera was named Europe’s “Culture Capital” in 2019 – and it’s uniquely beautiful. Across the gorge lie churches and hermitages, painted in frescoes, and blending into the natural surroundings – and offering stunning views of Matera, itself. In the wider region (Puglia), we’ll make a visit to the unique trulli houses of Alberobello – another UNESCO world heritage site.
We’ll then drive through valleys framed by the high, jagged peaks of the Pollino, as we make our way to Maratea – on the Tyrrhenian Sea. We’ll stay in one of Italy’s best hotels, as we take in the views, enjoy a tour of the coast from the water, and sample the region’s delectable food and wine. Yes – enlightened living.
Featured Experiences
Relais La Fattoria
Castel Rigone, medieval village in Umbria "Green Heat of Italy"
At the beginning of the 17th century, a stronghold was built on the ruins of the ancient castle of the barbarian Arrigo to guard the valley of the Municipality of Perugia.
It is on these walls that in the following centuries the manor house of the agricultural estate of Castel Rigone and Pian di Marte was planted. From then on this place, narrow and dark but inaccessible to the attacks of time, has been a farm with flourishing periods in which the Grand Master of the Knights usually stayed there who had become fond of a particular room and noblemen and counts of passage or holiday in Umbria.
"... where peace and relaxation will envelop your holiday"
Palazzo Della Fontana
Intimacy and relaxation in the heart of the historical center of Matera.
The charm of one of the oldest cities in the world, an elegant building from the early 1900s, contemporary style and design. Palazzo della Fontana is the place where Matera's past, present and future stay.
Hotel Villa Cheta
What makes a hotel special? It is the feeling of your being special from the moment you arrive, the smile from the porter who takes your luggage, the recognition the moment you give your name to the receptionist, the freshness of the room and the view from the window: sitting on the top of a cliff, dominating the coast of Maratea for your hedonistic pleasure as the views from there are unbelievable, amongst the finest in Italy, and our staff will be happy to plan your stay and side trips even to enjoy one of the beautiful beaches, such as Porticello, reachable by stairs in few minutes from Villa Cheta, or Anginarra beach or the Black one, both reachable by car easily.
In a world of travel where few genuine fairytales still exist, Villa Cheta offers the ideal romantic destination for your next holiday. The building is graceful and easy and the combination between excellent cookery and perfect service delivers the property to a boutique clientel.
What's Included
Comfortable ground transportation (including yes, by train!)
Accommodation for nine nights
Breakfast, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
All activities / admissions per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$6,365 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $1,185)
What's Not Included
Price does not include airfare, alcohol, other meals, optional activities, or optional trip insurance.
I highly recommend Explore Up Close. Not only did we enjoy some beautiful cities and landscapes, we learned so much history. They are memory makers!
If you want first-class service within a small group of traveling companions that you can really get to know, then definitely consider Explore Up Close.
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Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing airline tickets.
Explore Up Close will provide a recommended flight itinerary for your consideration, which is intended as a helpful suggestion. We encourage travelers to choose airfare depending on their personal preferences, as some travelers may prefer to travel independently and meet at our destination, or may wish to extend their travels at the beginning or end of the trip. Our travel agent is available to assist you with booking flights and trip insurance.
Again, please confirm with Explore Up Close before purchasing your airline tickets or making additional travel arrangements!
