Small Group | Off the Beaten Path | Authentic & Immersive
MYSTERIES OF MATERA
Semi-Independent Tour
GUESTS
1 - 8
DATES
JUNE 1 - 4, 2025
DAYS
4
FROM
$1299
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 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 4-day tour in an ancient city carved from stone is the perfect addition to a fabulous trip in Southern Italy– and an unforgettable place that you’ll be so glad you didn’t miss!
Creative Edge Travel Matera Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
TASTE
the unique "Lucana" culinary traditions.
GO OFF-THE-MAP
to an abandoned church carved into a 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.
DAY BY DAY
Itinerary for Small Group Tours of Matera
Day 1: The Mystery of Matera
After checking into your B&B, you'll enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant where you can discover the unique and delicious "Lucana" cuisine of Matera. Afterwards, enjoy a pedicab ride through the sassi to reach the starting point of your private walking tour. With your friendly guide, you’ll explore the ancient “sassi” of Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of this one-of-a-kind village is truly unique and makes for a mysterious and captivating story that will have you in wonder for days to come.
Meals Included: Lunch
Add this trip to the end of our Secrets of Southern Italy trip!
INCLUDED
in Your Matera, Italy Tour
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3 nights' accommodation at a B&B in the historic center
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All breakfasts, 1 lunch including wine, and 1 bakery tasting
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Transportation: Private Driver to/from Matera and Parco della Murgia. Pedicab to lunch on arrival day and to/from bakery
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Flight Expert to research and book flights
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Pre-Trip Prep: Cultural and Italian language guidance, packing tips, and additional resources to fully connect you with what you'll experience!
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Local recommendations
All Activities
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Guided Walking Tour of Matera
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Behind-the-Scenes Bakery Visit
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Visit to Parco della Murgia
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Sunset Aperitivo
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Local Artisan Walking Tour
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Farewell Dinner
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...and more!
Excluded: Flights, Meals not described, Mandatory Travel Insurance, Optional Tips, and Local tourist tax of approx. 5-8 euros per person per night is not included and payable directly in cash. This semi-independent trip does not include a tour leader. You’ll be with other guests who book this extension. Guides will meet you in convenient locations for each arranged activity. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary to follow with contact info and recommendations for your free time.
Deposits are non-refundable. See cancellation policy for more details. Payment plans available, just ask! We can also plan a custom extension before or after this tour.
Dates don't work? Get in touch to personalize this trip!
NEXT CHANCE TO GO:
June 2 - 5, 2024
Starting from $1299 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
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Who your small group trips for?From solo travelers to groups of friends or couples, our small groups of 7 travelers are made of all ages (18 or above). We enjoy becoming a little community as we slurp through plates of pasta and laugh trying to pronounce Italian words. Our guests understand that travel in Italy can hold unexpected surprises and they’re up for going with the flow, trusting that we know the best place to be at any moment. They’re open-minded, love trying new things, and are accustomed to toeing the boundaries of their comfort zone for the rewarding experiences that lay just outside it. Our trips attract those who appreciate creativity and the arts, nature, meeting locals, and seeing things outside the guidebook that might not be luxurious but are authentic and genuine. All ages above 18 are welcome and we encourage the cross-generational exchange that occurs. A strong effort is made to make everyone feel part of the group no matter what age, race, gender, sexual preference, or hair-do! Our off-the-beaten-path, immersive and laid-back travel style isn’t for everyone. If you're not sure let's chat about it!
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Are flights included?International flights are not included in the trip cost. We may be able to help you research the best flights for your needs, just ask! For full details on what's included, head to Upcoming Trips, select the trip you're interested in, then click the button to "Get the Detailed Itinerary". Or simply Get in Touch!
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I have to cancel the trip. Will I get a refund?Our small group trips are carefully budgeted for 7 participants and we're making payments for the trip long before you book your spot. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel*. Please take a look at our Cancellation Policy for more info. *It is up to you to make sure your travel insurance policy includes trip cancellation coverage. Click here for Travel Insurance info.
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Do I need travel insurance?Yep, Travel Insurance is required to join our small group trips. If you're doing custom trip planning, you can opt out of travel insurance, but we highly recommend protecting your investment with insurance. Please click here for our guidance on travel insurance!
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Do I need a visa to visit Italy?Typically, for tourism purposes, many visitors to Italy don't require a visa for short stays (less than 90 days) if they are from countries with visa-exempt agreements, such as the US. This website can help you understand if you need a visa or not. Need help? Simply reach out to our team, we would be happy to help guide you!
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Do you provide a packing list?What to pack for your trip depends on the season and region you'll be visiting. Your trip leader will send you suggestions and a packing list before your trip. You can check out our blog posts about packing: Your Packing Guide for Fall in Tuscany Spring in Italy Packing List How to Pack for a Spring Trip to Tuscany How to Organize Your Suitcase for Stress-Free Travel
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Can you make one of your group tours private?Absolutely! We offer Custom Trip Planning and can use one of our existing trips as the base for your private trip which we'll then customize together.
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What are the group sizes of your small group tours?While most tour companies boast small group sizes of 14-30 people, Creative Edge Travel small group tours have a maximum of just 7 guests. This allows us to have more immersive access into the culture, whether it's visiting our artisan friend in their studio or dining in a tiny "trullo" house. It also gives you more personalized attention and freedom to enjoy the trip the way that suits you best!
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Is there a single supplement?If you'd like to have a private room, yes, there is a single supplement. Otherwise you can share a room to lower your cost! Most tours will automatically match you with a roommate if you book a Double Room and aren't bringing your own travel partner along to room with. If you do not wish to share, simply upgrade to a Single Room which will be private. Some tours, such as Secrets of Southern Italy, do not offer the possibility to be matched with a roommate as it's not possible to have separate beds in those B&Bs. When deciding whether or not to share a room, please consider what would create the best possible experience for you and others rooming with you if you know that you snore, need more personal space, or are a light sleeper. We do our best to match you with someone we think you’d be compatible with, but we of course cannot guarantee you will get along. You will never be matched with someone of the opposite sex. Email questions to sierra@creativeedgetravel.com
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What if I don't want to travel with a group?No problem! We also offer Custom Trip Planning for a day-by-day itinerary arranged especially for you. If you are planning your own trip but are looking for a few unique experiences to add to your itinerary, take a look at our Italy Immersions!