Start your day with a private pickup directly from your hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca or from a pre-arranged meeting point. Meet your professional bilingual driver and settle into a luxurious car or van. As you leave Santa Maria di Leuca behind, the landscape unfolds like a cinematic journey through ancient olive groves, traditional masserie, and sparkling views of the Adriatic coast.
Upon arrival in Matera, you will begin a self-guided tour, exploring the city on foot at your own pace. Your private driver remains at your disposal, with pre-arranged meeting points and timing to ensure a stress-free experience. This careful planning allows you to enjoy every stop calmly, without feeling rushed.
Your day in Matera is dedicated to discovering one of Italy’s oldest and most captivating cities, famous for the extraordinary Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow alleys carved into the rock, explore charming cave houses, and admire unique rock-hewn churches and scenic viewpoints that reveal landscapes shaped over centuries.
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio, perched on the Civita, which dominates the city with its grand Romanesque-Puglian façade and interiors rich in sacred art, offering breathtaking views over the Sassi below. Experience the remarkable Church of Santa Maria de Idris, adorned with medieval frescoes reflecting the city’s spiritual heritage, and explore the Palombaro Lungo, an impressive underground water reservoir showcasing the ingenuity of Matera’s ancient hydraulic systems.
From elevated viewpoints at the Parco della Murgia Materana, admire dramatic canyons, caves, and wild landscapes, understanding why Matera is considered an open-air museum where every corner tells a centuries-old storey.
At the agreed time, your driver will be ready to continue the journey seamlessly to your next destination.
The tour continues with a stop in Bernalda, an elegant Lucanian town known for its charming historic centre and the majestic Castello di Bernalda. Here too, you will enjoy a self-guided tour, strolling along Corso Umberto I, the lively heart of the town, among historic palaces and traditional cafes, soaking in the authentic and relaxed local atmosphere. This stop offers a unique glimpse into Basilicata’s traditions, picturesque streets, and cinematic history.
Throughout the day, timings are thoughtfully coordinated between driver and tour, ensuring a relaxed pace without rushing. This is your time to explore deeply, without hurry. At the end of the experience, your private driver will comfortably escort you back to Santa Maria di Leuca, directly to your hotel or the agreed meeting point.