Day 1 – the Sassi of Matera – 2 hours walk
Individual arrival in Bari airport and transfer to Matera by bus. Accommodation in the Hotel in Pietra 3* (or similar). Afternoon: guided tour of the Sassi (UNESCO world heritage site), and the historical centre: the Baroque town, the Romanesque Churches and the rock civilization. Free dinner at a typical restaurant in the Sassi.

Day 2 - the Rock Church Park – 6 km/5 h walk
A short trip to Matera Moors in search of the treasures of the rock civilization and its unique flora and fauna. Route (setting off from Matera on foot): Grotta dei Pipistrelli, Jazzo di Lamaquacchiola, Cristo la Selva and the Saraceno village. Packed-lunch at Cristo la Selva village. In the afternoon, journey by bus to visit the town of Montescaglioso with the ancient Abbey of S. Michele Arcangelo. Back to Matera by bus, free dinner and overnight stay.
Grade: easy to moderate

Day 3 - the Pollino National Park – 8 km/5 h walk - Height difference: 259 m.
Journey to the Pollino National Park (2 hours’ drive). The walk begins in the Peschiera River area.
You will walk through one of the largest forests in Basilicata: beech trees and oak trees reign supreme. Peschiera River is home to several, rare, important animal species: the most important being the otter. Trip to Viggianello in the afternoon, accommodation in a hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Grade: easy

Day 4 – Serra di Crispo – 12 km/7 h walk - Height difference: 678 m.
A trip to the “heart” of the Pollino Park. Along a path through the forest on the abandoned Rueping, an Austrian railway used for carrying wood in the 19th century. After a little lake called "Lago Fondo" you will come to Pietra Castello (1750 metres) where you will see the first “Loricato” (Bosnian) Pines. From here you will climb up to the Grande Porta del Pollino set at a height of 1958 metres, and the summit of Serra di Crispo (2056 metres), called the “Garden of the Gods”. Back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Grade: moderate to high

Day 5 – the Pollino Patriarchs – 14 km/8 h walk - Height difference: 771 m.
Today you will reach the summit of Mount Pollino, the second highest peak in the Park. Cross the beech wood with a view of the rocky coasts dotted with Bosnian Pines. Here you can see eagles and pilgrim hawks. Back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Grade: moderate to high

Day 6 - The Tyrrhenian coast: Maratea – 3 h walk
Journey to Maratea and accommodation in a 3* hotel. Self-guided tour of Mount San Biagio and the Redeemer statue, with a breathtaking view over the cliffs and coves along the coast. Head down to the town on foot along a paved path to visit the historical centre. Free time to enjoy the beautiful town of Maratea. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Grade: easy

Day 7 – flying over Trecchina – 4 h walk
Journey to the neighbouring village of Trecchina. From the main square where you can see the leaning tower of the church, go along the street lined with Liberty-style houses that takes you to the beautiful Forraina Chapel. From here take the path followed by pilgrims every year, carrying the statue of the Virgin to the Sanctuary. From the top you will see the Noce river valley, the Tyrrhenian Sea, Mount Sirino and Pollino. Back to the village along the same path. Return to Maratea. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Duration: 4 hours
Level of difficulty: easy

Day 8 – breakfast and end of trip 

We recommend to rent a car for this trip !