Small Group | Off the Beaten Path | Authentic & Immersive
MYSTERIES OF MATERA
GUESTS
8 max
DATES
June 2 - 5, 2024
DAYS
4
FROM
$1780
ABOUT THIS TRIP
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 its inhabitants were evicted. As you wander Matera's hypnotizing streets, you can feel the ancient history hidden in every stone. You'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 semi-independent immersion in an ancient city carved from stone is the perfect way to end a fabulous trip in Southern Italy– and an unforgettable place that you’ll be so glad you didn’t miss!
HIGHLIGHTS
TASTE
the unique culinary traditions of the Lucana.
GO OFF-THE-MAP
to an abandoned Neolithic cave.
EXPLORE
maze-like streets and artisan shops.
CONNECT
with locals and learn about history through their family stories.
LEARN
the art of bread-making the way it has been done for centuries.
Step into Italy as if you're a Local.
everything you get!
Who is this trip for?
Active travelers who want to access authentic
Italy without the logistics.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
PERKS
Slower-paced & stress-free travel
Unique activities sourced from locals from the region and our extensive research in the area
Exclusive group of like-minded travelers
Plenty of free time to do your own thing
Explore a unique & lesser-known place
Thoughtfully crafted for genuine connection with locals
INCLUDED
3 nights' accommodation in a private room in Matera
All Activities
Guided Walking Tour of Matera
Behind-the-Scenes Bakery Visit
Visit to Parco della Murgia
Sunset Aperitivo
Local Artisan Walking Tour
Farewell Dinner
...and more!
All Breakfasts and 1 Farewell Dinner including wine
Ground Transportation
Carbon Footprint Offset: Trees will be planted to offset the environmental impact of your trip!
Flight Expert to assist with research and booking
Arrival/Departure Transfers from Bari
Trip Leader fluent in English and Italian
Tips for Drivers and Guides
Active travelers who want to access authentic
Italy without the logistics.
Who is this trip for?
Our travelers want to leave the crowded tourist paths behind, without spending weeks researching. They want to connect with locals, but don't have years to perfect a new language. And while they love back roads and hidden villages, they're not up for the hassle and risk of driving a rental.
Our travelers are warm. They’re curious. And they want to see Italy with open hearts, open minds, and without the growl of a giant tour bus announcing their arrival. They are immersion seekers who want to step into the everyday life of authentic Italy!
Sound like you?
Our travelers are generally 35 - 55 years old but we get adventurers of all ages!
The Important Details
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This trip is intended as an extension to our Secrets of Southern Italy trip but can also be booked separately. This extension is designed as semi-independent to give you more autonomy than our small group trips, but with unique activities arranged for you with guides. Experiences will be shared with other trip guests who choose to add this extension (max 8 guests).
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This trip involves walking on uneven ground for multiple hours and lots of stairs as Matera is a multi-level city.
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Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.
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Wifi is available but connection may be weak.
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Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let us know well in advance.
This semi-independent immersion in an ancient city carved from stone is the perfect way to end a fabulous trip in Southern Italy– and an unforgettable place that you’ll be so glad you didn’t miss!
NEXT CHANCE TO GO:
June 2 - 5, 2024
Starting from $1780 USD per person
My Creative Edge trip was like no other. Small group travel is the way to go! No huge buses! Just unique experiences that you would never get in a large travel group. It felt like a friend was showing me around to her local friends places. Was the best trip I have ever done!!
-Robin Paulus, Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera
We experienced the most amazing time and trip through Italy with our tour guide, Sierra. Talking to the Italians and hearing their life stories as they shared their strong love for their city and their country. Matera is the third oldest city in the world and to hear the history of their beginning to now as the generations of the families share their knowledge and their personal experience. I can go on and on. It was an exceptional trip to Italy where we became immersed with the local people who shared so much of their heritage with us besides seeing the cities' historical landmarks. If you want to see Italy in a deeper and personal way, along with the landmarks, I highly recommend you booking Creative Edge Travel with Sierra as your guide.
-Marty Darling, Secrets of Southern Italy + Mysteries of Matera
Reviews
LOCATION
MATERA
Experiences based on authentic connection with locals and their home.
At Creative Edge Travel, we believe every journey should be meaningful. It should teach you about the authentic local culture and a bit about yourself, too. That's why we push the boundaries of the typical Italian tour and add our own creative edge. We design our experiences with individual locals in off-the-beaten-path places to give you a culturally-immersive adventure. Each activity is an opportunity to learn about both the beauty and the challenges of everyday life in Italy. Whether it's exploring a village with a local grandpa as he shares his stories growing up there, or learning traditional music and dance at a historic masseria, expect a deeper travel experience.