Basilicata
Overview
Discover Basilicata: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel
Basilicata is a beautiful and diverse region in Southern Italy, known as the 'breadbasket' of the south considering that most of southern Italy's wheat and other grains are produced here. It is home to unique and sprawling landscapes where rolling hills covered with crops give way to some of Italy's most ancient and important cities like Matera, Melfi, Maratea and Melf.
Many of these towns and villages have recently been featured in major motion pictures. For example, films like the Passion of Christ, Wonderwoman and James Bond, were some of the most important who used this region's towns and cities as their backdrops, however there have been dozens of others. In fact, Rai (which is Italy's largest broadcast station) has their largest Italian office in Potenza, the regions capital city.
The name 'Basilicata' takes it name from the Latin "Basileus", meaning the 'land of kings', for it was here in this region where Federico II, known as the 'King of the Two Sicilies' which pre-dated what is now Italy and Sicily created his most important fortresses and numerous castles in towns like Melfi, Lagopesole, Venosa and others.
Traveling through this region is like taking a tour through human history, thought it is not only the incredible history that may encourage you to visit here. The incredible landscapes, lakes, monasteries and the coast of Maratea are remarkable natural areas to explore.
Catch a brief overview of some of the remarkable landscapes, cities and towns in this video here:
Each city, town and area, even within this small region is unique and tide to the traditions of the land which date back to eras Before Christ.
Each village in Basilicata, even now, in 2020 hangs on to its local culture, customs and traditions which are celebrated throughout the year in a number of unique celebrations 'sagra' or festivals which celebrate the harvesting of grapes for the incredible wines which are the end result, the mushrooms and 'tartufo' / truffles, the sweet red peppers, asperagus, grains which create the wonderful bread and pasta and many other local products.
If you let your imagination run wild while exploring the countryside of Basilicata, it is soon evident that this is a land where nature takes first priority as protector and provider; and where ancient customs and myths never die out. Basilicata is where the sacred mountains dominate the skyline in solemnity and grandeur and begin their trek toward the Italian Peninsula. Italy is, without question, realized to its fullest extent in Basilicata; “a land of endless wonders between earth, sky, stars and trees”.
Basilicata in pictures
Gallery
A few frames from our own trips. The rest are in the gallery below.
Multi-Day Holidays Tours
Whole journeys, planned end to end
Amazing Amalfi, Mystical Matera and Pristine Puglia
The Amalfi Coast and Italy's Deep South are almost impossible to visit without a car. Yet, the roads in many places, the parking situation and other logistics are complicated. This is why, our Amazing Amalfi & Italy's Deep South offers our guests th...
Kingdom of the Sun: Undiscovered Calabria & Basilicata || Highlights include Maratea and the mountain-top redeemer, Praia a Mare and the Madonna Della Grotta, Diamante the city of murals. Cooking, food and wine and highlights with chef Michelangelo
Join us for an 8-day package in Calabria and explore the deep south of Italy, including the regions of Calabria and Basilicata. Our tour is centered around the charming town of Tortora, and from there, we embark on daily excursions to some of Calabri...
The Heel and Toe of Italy : Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata
This meticulously crafted 11-day journey through Southern Italy offers an immersive experience into the heart of Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. Starting with your arrival at Bari airport...
Calabria with Local Hosts: Food, Coast & Village Life
This is an opportunity to stay in a private family home in Praia a Mare, Calabria a beautiful sea-side resort town famous for Dino Island and the Arcomagno caves. During this unique holiday experience you will visit the coast of Maratea, Diamante th...
Magical Matera and Puglia Private Discovery Experience
Embark on a captivating 6-day private tour exploring the enchanting regions of Matera and Puglia in southern Italy. Delve into the rich history and stunning landscapes of these areas as you visit Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, Bari wit...
Hidden Villages of Calabria & Basilicata with Local Guides
Calabria is the largest region in Italy and yet it is always the least-frequently visited by visitors to Italy. For decades it has remained relatively unforgotten by Europe except for Italian travellers who by the thousands if not millions each summ...
Kingdom of the Sun Discovery: A private Journey into Italy's Mezzogiorno
Southern Italy reveals itself slowly. In whitewashed towns above the Adriatic, in the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, in long lunches that drift into the afternoon. This private journey through Puglia and Basilicata is made for travelers who want t...
Basilicata: Luxury Tour of Undiscovered Italy
Despite its beautiful coastline and dramatic mountains, most of Basilicata remains undiscovered by visitors to Italy. This incredible week of luxury accommodation and private guides and drivers will introduce you to this amazing region, its stunning...
Kingdom of the Sun Escorted Tour of Italy's Deep South including Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria Departing Spring 2026: May 23, June 6 Fall 2026: Sept 12, Oct 10
Let the sun shine through in our small group tour of Italy's deep south including the regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria. Throughout the tour we visit extraordinary towns, villages and coastal villages and we enjoy some of the very best loca...
The Kingdom of the Sun - South of Italy - Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily - Private Individuals & Small group Tours
Each year we bring people in the travel industry to experience incredible interesting places in Italy and the Mediterranean. This year one of our most thrilling adventures is going to offer a rich and rewarding learning experience through Sicily and...
Explore the Hidden Gems of Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria
This is a unique opportunity through southern Italy where we will introduce you to somee of souther Italy's most incredible landscapes.
Calabria and the Cedri Riviera Mini-Stay including Cooking Class, Wine Tour and Full Day Tour to the Coast of Maratea
This 4 day, 3 day package is ideal for those wanting to get to know the incredible culinary traditions of Calabria famous for the 'hot pepper" and fussili dishes. Our package includes accommodation in a private villa located in the center of town....
Hotels
Rooms we would happily sleep in again
Italy,Basilicata,Maratea
Hotel San Diego Maratea
The full service, 4 star SAN DIEGO HOTEL is located in Acquafredda di Maratea, the last bay of the i...
Italy,Basilicata,Maratea
La Locanda delle Donne Monache, Maratea
Nestled in the heart of Maratea, La Locanda delle Donne Monache is a beautifully restored 18th-centu...
Photo Gallery
Explore Towns and Cities in Basilicata
Every town here has its own personality. We know them by name.
Popular Transfer Routes in Basilicata
The rides our guests ask for most, with a driver who knows the way.
Italy Vacation Specialists provides licensed private transfer services throughout Italy, including Basilicata and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, our professional English-speaking drivers offer both Business Class and Luxury Class vehicles for airport transfers, city-to-city rides, and full-day chauffeur services. All vehicles are fully insured, well-maintained, and operated by vetted local drivers who know the roads, traffic patterns, and best routes across the region.
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In their words
Stories That Stay With You
Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys
From the journal
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21 September 2026
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