With coastlines on both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, Basilicata has been heavily influenced by visiting Greeks and Lombards, Byzantines and Normans, but has been relatively neglected by holidaying visitors in recent years. Sprinkled with a clutch of gorgeous beach resorts and hotels, the temptation in Basilicata is just to relax. However away from the beach the region offers huge rewards, with a rugged, remote sparsely populated interior with craggy, arid plateaux of pine and beech, terraces of chestnut and oaks, studded with sparkling lakes - it's Italy from another time and age, with leafy, cobbled village squares where you could sip cappuccinos all day long, watching the ancient pace of village life play out around you. Rich in archaeological relics, Basilicata has Greek ruins at Metaponto, while ruins of the Roman Age can be seen in Venosa. Mediaeval art also abounds, with the churches in Venosa and Cerenza particularly impressive. Architecturally, the region bears traces of many fascinating, contrasting influences, with Matera, Melfi and Lagopesole rich in Arab-Byzantine and French influences, while Neapolitan Baroque influences also abound. Finally, wherever you venture in Basilicata, eating out is a hugely enjoyable aspect of local life. Here in this arid land, gastronomy is based on traditional, strong, sharp and sun-filled flavours, washed down with rich and full-bodied reds. Basilicata is an excellent destination for those who wish to discover fascinating architecture as well as to relax in beautiful surroundings.
Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be
● Single centre or multi-centre● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Italy and within Italy, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers
Our special interest holidays to Basilicata
● Food and wine holidays● Art, history and heritage holidays
● Family holidays
Included in all our holidays
● Concierge service● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday
Call us on 01392 441245
Highlights of Basilicata
In Matera, the 13th century cathedral houses the 12th century Madonna della Bruna, while Santa Maria di Idris has 13th century frescoes; also in Matera, visitors can see the “Sassi”, the typical houses and churches dug into the “tufa” crag; the May “chopping festival”, played out in villages right across the region; Sunday markets selling the region's famous ceramics, as well as traditional foods such as spicy sausage and fresh game; the Antiquarium of Metaponto; breath-taking views from the summit of Monte Biagio above Maratea, crowned by a huge statue of Christ the Redeemer; Potenza has some beautiful Romanesque churches and a wonderful 12th cathedral, and is a fascinating regional capital, at 2,687ft above sea level, Italy's highest. A visit to the region is also an opportunity to try local cuisine, with Basilicata particularly known for strong, rustic flavours, such as roast kid with potatoes, peas and artichokes and provolone from Sila.
Basilicata travel arrangements
By air
Daily flights to Naples with British Airways from London Gatwick. Airports at Lamezia Terme and Reggio di Calabria with flights with Alitalia London to Milan or Rome and then a connecting domestic flight. We can also offer you charter flights from UK regional airports to Naples. EasyJet also flies from Stansted to Naples. Ask us for a fare quote at the time of booking if you are interested in this route. You may collect and return the car from and to different locations at no additional cost, ideal for a two-centre holiday.Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be
● Single centre or multi-centre● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Italy and within Italy, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers
Our special interest holidays to Basilicata
● Food and wine holidays● Art, history and heritage holidays
● Family holidays
Included in all our holidays
● Concierge service● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday
Call us on 01392 441245
Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be
● Single centre or multi-centre● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Italy and within Italy, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers
Our special interest holidays to Basilicata
● Food and wine holidays● Art, history and heritage holidays
● Family holidays
Included in all our holidays
● Concierge service● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday
