Unexpected Basilicata Tour 2026
Hosted by Adele Newton
Spring: April 13-19 -SOLD OUT-
Fall: October 20-26 -Now Open -Small Group- Host TBD
Thinking about joining us for the fall tour? Leave your email and I’ll send you all the details
Reconnect with your roots in Basilicata, by experiencing it through the eyes of Adele Newton, whose family emigrated from Pisticci to Canada. Giuditta can work with you to adapt the tour to your own history, so that you too can deepen your relationship with Basilicata.
Basilicata, also known by its ancient name, Lucania, is located on the instep or arch of Italy’s boot.
The region was part of Magna Graecia, the thriving Greek-speaking areas of southern Italy and Sicily colonized by Greeks from the 8th to 6th centuries BCE. It became a rich centre of Hellenic culture, philosophy, trade, and art, deeply influencing Italy before it was eventually absorbed by the Roman Republic.
Over the centuries, Basilicata was invaded by the Romans, Goths, Lombards, Byzantines and Bourbons, and the region’s dialect, culture and architecture are a reflection of those influences, making it unique in Italy.
Basilicata is largely undiscovered by tourists. Adele’s family is from Pisticci. See the region as few ever do, through her stories and memories.
Leave the crowds and rushed schedule behind.
Experience a side of Italy that even seasoned travelers rarely discover.
At a Glance:
- Dates: Spring (April 13–19, 2026), Fall (October 20-26, 2026)
- Price: Single occupancy USD 4,500 | Double occupancy USD 3,900 per person
- Departure Time: 10:00 AM from Grande Albergo delle Nazioni, Bari
- Duration: 6 nights / 7 days
- Type of Tour: Private tour with a maximum of 12 people
Included:
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners with wine
- 6 nights lodging in boutique hotels (Dimore dell’Idris in Matera, Masseria Torre Fiore in Pisticci)
- Local guides and all planned outings
- Transportation during the tour, including private minibus and taxis in Matera
- Concierge service before, during, and after the tour
Not Included:
- Airfare and transportation to Bari meeting point
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Special Extra:
If you’d love to arrive a bit earlier and settle in, I’ve arranged something special for you.
Guests who want to come to Bari a day before the tour can stay at the elegant 5-star Grande Albergo delle Nazioni, right on the waterfront promenade. You’ll stay in a beautiful sea-view room, wake up to breakfast overlooking the water, and enjoy full access to the hotel’s spa.
Exclusive rate for Unexpected Basilicata tour’s guests: USD 270 for single occupancy / USD 305 for double occupancy. To reserve, simply reach out to Giuditta at giuditta@intotuscany.com.
You might wonder what this under-the-radar region can offer you.
The truth? More than you expect. Hidden from crowds and clichés, Basilicata will get under your skin with its rugged landscapes, bold flavors, and moments you never see coming.
You’ll wander through the ancient Sassi of Matera in awe and listen to the eerie stillness of a hilltop ghost town inhabited only by three donkeys.
You’ll meet an olive oil producer, walk among the groves, and taste bright, peppery oil while learning the patience and devotion behind every bottle. You’ll sink your hands into golden Matera bread dough, shaping it just as generations of women have done, and bite into crunchy fried red sweet peppers, a flavor that instantly says Basilicata. I can’t wait to see your expression when you cross the red gate of a secluded 16th-century farm.
But the very best part? Experiencing it all with Adele, whose family roots run deep here. Through her stories and memories, you’ll see Basilicata as few ever do, intimate and personal.
Day to Day Itinerary:
Day 1 :
From Bari to Matera
Your private driver will meet you in Bari, at the Grande Albergo delle Nazioni and take you to Matera.
Enjoy lunch inside a historic cave restaurant, then explore the Sassi with our local guide Silvio: cave dwellings, a traditional casa grotta, and a rock-carved rupestrian church. Dinner at a restaurant overlooking Matera’s glowing lights
Day 2 :
Matera
A slow morning to wander Matera at your own pace.
Lunch in town, then a hands-on class on how to make Matera bread at Forno di Gennaro, the historic, sister-run bakery that has crafted Matera bread since 1960.
Later, transfer to your countryside retreat at Hotel Torre Fiore, followed by a relaxed dinner.
Day 3 :
Olive Oil & the Lucanian Dolomites
Meet Elena and Andrea, olive oil producers, at their property. Enjoy a walk in the olive grove where you’ll see a 17th century old olive tree, taste the oil, and have a delicious lunch in their home. In the afternoon, visit the striking Lucanian Dolomites and a village perched dramatically on the rock.
Return to Torre Fiore in the afternoon for dinner .
Day 5 :
Aglianico del Vulture at Elena Fucci’s winery
Discover one of Italy’s most celebrated southern wines.
Meet Elena Fucci, renowned producer of Aglianico del Vulture, for a tour, tasting with lunch and stories behind this volcanic terroir.
Head back to Torre Fiore in the afternoon.
Day 6 :
Seaside, Mozzarella and Final Feast
Morning by the seatown of Policoro with time to relax at your own pace. Seafood lunch overlooking the water.
In the afternoon, return to Torre Fiore for your final hands-on experience: a cooking class featuring traditional lucanian pasta and mozzarella-making, followed by our farewell dinner.
Day 7 :
Goodbyes
Final breakfast together at Torre Fiore. Private transfer to Bari for departures.
Why you’ll love this tour
- Small, intimate group
- Expert local guide and your local host Adele
- Stay in a secluded 16th-century masseria
- Immersive hands-on food experiences
- Thoughtfully paced itinerary
- Authentic regional cuisine at every meal, wine included.
- Private transportation throughout the tour
FAQ
You can find our cancellation policy by clicking here
Absolutely! Giuditta will help you with suggestions and help with reservations.
Nope! You don’t need to tip in restaurants or bars. Not should you tip guides or drivers. Tipping is a North American tradition that hasn’t taken root in Italy. For more about why you don’t need to tip in Italy, listen to my podcast here.
Yes, we highly recommend travel insurance.
Absolutely! Giuditta will work with you to accommodate your food preferences as much as possible.
Reviews from previous tours
Have questions or wondering if this journey is right for you? I’d love to hear from you.
Fill out the form below and I’ll personally get back to you.
— Giuditta
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