Stories of Normans, Staufer and Lucanians

Stories and history in a forgotten region

Highlights of a forgotten and unforgettable region The Basilicata and a view to Puglia
History (s) of Saracens, Normans and Staufer time

The Basilicata is one of the last three unknown regions of Italy! Basilicata is one of the regions in the south of Italy that was somehow "forgotten". Previously feared because of bandits and until recently due to lack of transport links to the offside of tourism. But if you make a trip to this region of Mezzogiorno Italy, who will take home in every way grandiose experience.
In front of the visitor spreads an area that conveys the feeling of infinite expanse, then again like a lunar landscape through the hills marked by erosion.
We marvel at the places of Stupor Mundi, as Frederick II is called, the emperor of the noble family of Hohenstaufen and the other diverse cultural assets that convey living history. It is not a region that offers cultural treasures at every turn. Only those who visit Basilicata with an open eye and have a sense for the diversity of the terrain will be richly rewarded.
A trip to the Basilicata includes everything: culture and art, nature and excellent food and drink - and above all, it gives something we only rarely can: surprise.

1st day: Benvenuti in the Mezzogiorno
You arrive in Bari at the airport. There your tour guide awaits you. The trip to the north-west of Basilicata will take you to the Vulture area, where the excellent wines of Basilicata are produced, the Aglianico. Of course, this area is dominated by the extinct volcano of the Vulture, the more so are the olive groves and vineyards that make their mark on the terrain. After checking in at your 3 * hotel on Monticchio Lake, at Borgo Villa Maria, you will have your evening meal.

2ndday: The magic of the Vulture
If you ask yourself, what has enchanted Frederick II the Staufer, the Stupor Mundi, that he spent much time here, you will be able to answer the question yourself during a walk at the Monticchio Lake in the nature reserve of the same name. The panoramic and interesting abbey of S. Michele, built in the 12th century and built over caves already inhabited centuries ago, invites you to look at "lived history". Visit this impressive abbey. In Rionero del Vulture you will have a delicious lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to this little town that stands for the Aglianico wine, the "nectar of the gods". Albanian-Greek influence has been evident here since the 16th century, and the significance of the wine is unmistakable. Here you turn to one of Basilicata's most notable wineries. In the wonderful old "treasuries", the wine cellars in caves, you will taste the wines awarded in the Gambero Rosso. Be sure, you will be surprised of the wine cellar! For dinner return to the hotel.

3rd day: As on a postcard - the Lucan Dolomites
Drive to the Lucanian Dolomites, to Castelmezzano. The fact that the Basilicata is partly by the sea is relatively well-known, that in this region is also a mountainous area is rather unknown. The road with the panorama is simply spectacular and it quickly becomes clear why these mountains are called the Dolomites, because up to 1050 m high peaks characterize the nature and are very similar to the "real" Dolomites. The two villages of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano, separated only by a deep gorge and clinging to the rocks, seem like a postcard idyll. In the afternoon you climb the highest point, which was important for the Saracens as a viewpoint for possible attacks. Dinner is served in a quaint restaurant serving local specialties. Return to Monticchio to the hotel.

4th day.: Melfi - one-time "Capital of Europe" and Horace with his city
Melfi is extremely interesting in many ways: the Normans here in the 11th century launched the defense against the enemy occupiers such as Arabs, Lombards and Greeks in an alliance with the Church. Here Frederick II established the Melfish Constitutions, which are still relevant today, the first crusade was planned in Melfi and celibacy was launched, just to name a few of the events. A city tour and a visit to the fortress with its impressive museum will tell you a lot of interesting stories and history and impressive monuments of a warlike time. After this excursion into history, it's time to have lunch. An afternoon excursion to Venusia, today Venosa, will take us to the birthplace of the great poet Horace in 65 BC. Manfredi, the illegitimate son of Frederick II had been born here in 1232. The city itself was one of the favorite places of the Staufer.
Roman antiquity meets you here at every turn, but not only. Witnesses from the Norman era, such as the imposing Abbazia della Ss.Trinità with the Chiesa Incompiuta from the Middle Ages or the fort, to name a few monuments, embody centuries full of historical vicissitudes. In the evening you can look back at the delicious menu.

5th day: Accompanied by Frederick II, the stupor Mundi
Now it is time to make the trip to the area of ​​Murgia Materana. First, however, you head for an imposing castle, which also goes back to Frederick II, Lagopesole. Visible from a distance, it overlooks the small town. Visit of the interesting museum, which represents a completely new kind, visit of the fortress area. Arrival in the afternoon near Matera in a charming Masseria.

6th day. The incredible city - Matera
This day is devoted to the unique city of Matera with its famous Sassi, their rock dwellings. In the morning we leave to see this fascinating city. Matera - It is not for nothing that Matera has been declared a World Heritage Site since 1993. Here you will get to know the oldest city in the world and its monuments. A typical restaurant serves Lucanian specialties for lunch. In the afternoon you will marvel at the rock churches on the Murgia Materana, which create a unique interplay of nature and culture and bring a lot of history to life. After this spectacular day, you can look back on what you have seen at a culinary dinner.

7th day.: Moving story and moving panoramas
Today, your journey takes you through a landscape that is hard to put into words, as well as the place you will visit. After the mountainous landscape, it goes into an area that is characterized by boundless expanse and erosion. Almost one seems to have a moonscape in front of him. In the midst of this fascinating area stands out a place that actually does not exist anymore.
Here in Craco, the place abandoned in 1975 and now the backdrop for many films, including "The Passion" by Mel Gibson, you make a flying visit. With its uninhabited, weather-beaten houses, over which only the intact Norman tower stands out, this ghost town certainly makes a memorable impression. From here you can enjoy a view over the whole valley and its pronounced "Calanchi" (erosions). Another stop at a short distance is in Tursi. This is not about the "new Tursi" but about the old, antique part of the city. It recalls the time of the Saracens in IX. Century in the "Rabatana", but not only this. It is not a "silver tray Italy", but a real testimony of bygone times. You will experience a small and surely unexpected surprise regarding a later lunch! In the late afternoon you will return to the Masseria. If there is enough time you can take a detour to Metapont to the sea. Dinner is served in a restaurant with Lucania dishes.

8th day: Arrivederci
After breakfast, with hopefully many unforgettable memories, you will say goodbye to this incredible and unknown region. Transfer to Bari to the airport. However, you will first make a visit to the Castel del Monte of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, which is an integral part of the castles of the Staufer, Frederick II represents. Even that he probably never lived there himself does not change the fact that it was built according to his designs and is an unforgettable experience in its overwhelming construction, which seems to contradict any strategic logic. Enjoy a splendid farewell.
© Ulla Kastner

min. 4, max. 15 participants

Travel data:
April 29 to May 6, 2022
September 18 to September 25, 2022

further desired dates on request, from 4 people

Services:
3 x overnight stays at Matera in a masseria
4 x H / P in a 3 * hotel on Lake Monticchio
3 x dinner in Matera
4 x lunch
1 x wine tasting
Permanent tour guide
All transfers from / to Bari in minibuses

Not included:
All meals not listed
Drinks and tips
Travel cancellation insurance
Arrival - we are happy to help you find a flight
Entrances

Price per person in a double room: € 2,090.00 from 4 participants
Price per person in a double room: € 1,760.00 from 6 participants
Price per person in a double room: € 1,590.00 from 8 participants
Price per person in a double room: € 1,450.00 from 10 - 15 participants
Single room surcharge: € 175.00 for single room use

The flight times must be in the morning for arrival and in the late afternoon for departure.