Trekking Culture and Flavors, visit to the Saracen Village with tasting

Travelers seeking an authentic taste of Basilicata’s culture, history, and landscape will find this tour a welcome departure from typical sightseeing. For just $65 per person, you’ll enjoy an exclusive trek through the private areas of Murgia Park, a visit to the extraordinary Saracen Village, and a leisurely tasting of local oils, wines, and traditional dishes at a family-run farm. The experience lasts around 4 to 5 hours, including transportation, making it a compact yet immersive trip.

What we love most about this tour is the access to a private, off-the-beaten-path section of Murgia Park, and the chance to literally step back in time at the ancient Saracen settlement — carved into limestone, untouched by ordinary travelers. Plus, the tasting portion offers genuine, farm-fresh flavors paired with local Basilicata wines, giving an authentic taste of regional rural life.

A possible consideration is that participants need to be comfortable with moderate walking over uneven terrain — comfortable shoes and some outdoor gear are essential. This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager for a combination of history, nature, and culinary delights — especially those who appreciate walking in scenic, less crowded environments and want more than just surface-level sightseeing.

Key Points

• Exclusive access: Private area of Murgia Park, not generally open to the public.
• Historical discovery: Visit to the ancient Saracen Village, carved into limestone.
• Taste of Basilicata: Generous farm tasting of oil, cheeses, cold cuts, and local wines.
• Scenic journey: Short bus transfer with evocative views of Matera and countryside.
• Authentic experience: Enjoy genuine hospitality at a local farmhouse.
• Practical details: Price includes transportation, guided visits, and tasting; participants should bring appropriate outdoor gear.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Hidden Corners of Basilicata: Trekking, History, and Flavors

Basilicata, often called the “forgotten” region of Italy, surprises those willing to venture a bit off the beaten path. This tour offers a blend of outdoor adventure, historical insight, and culinary sampling, all wrapped into one manageable day. Starting from Matera, famous for its Sassi, we head into the lesser-known Murgia Park, a landscape dotted with ancient rock settlements and evocative natural scenery.

The Private Trek in Murgia Park

Our journey begins at the Passi nei Sassi office in Matera, where we meet our guide and board a comfortable bus. The 20-minute transfer whisks us into the private sector of Murgia Park, a place normally closed to the public but opened for this experience. The ride itself is a treat, offering panoramic views of Matera’s iconic cave dwellings, and surrounding rolling hills.

Once inside, we’re introduced to the flora and fauna that make this area special. Our guide shares stories about aromatic plants, wildflowers, and the birds of prey circling overhead, making it clear that this landscape is as alive as it is ancient. The paths we walk are uneven in parts, so sturdy shoes and outdoor clothing are wise choices. The quiet and the sense of untouched nature make this a peaceful escape.

The Saracen Village: A Walk Through Time

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Saracen Village, an ancient rock settlement carved into limestone. Carved into the rocks centuries ago, the village offers a rare look at how communities thrived in challenging environments. As we explore, we see how the inhabitants organized their homes, workspaces, and spiritual sites, revealing resourcefulness and resilience.

Visitors often find this part of the tour moving. One reviewer noted, “Seeing the actual homes and spaces where people lived centuries ago made history come alive.” It’s a visual and tactile experience that connects you directly with the lives of those who called this place home long before modern Italy.

From Landscape to Farm: Authentic Basilicata Flavors

After the historical exploration, we walk to Pasquale’s farmhouse, where a warm, familial atmosphere awaits. Here, the focus shifts to genuine hospitality and local flavors. The tasting lasts about 1.5 hours and offers a selection of traditional Lucanian products: extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, cold cuts, locally baked Matera bread, and regional wines.

This part of the experience is not just about tasting but about understanding the land and its people. The farm hosts explain their methods and traditions, giving a personal touch that enhances the entire culinary journey. Multiple reviews mention how the foods are “genuinely fresh” and “authentic,” making it clear that this isn’t a tourist trap but a real taste of Basilicata’s rural life.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Considerations

The entire tour clocks in at around 4 to 5 hours, including transportation, guided walks, and tasting. The price of $65 covers bus transfers, expert guiding, and the farm tasting. Participants should plan ahead with comfortable walking shoes, outdoor clothing, and a water bottle, as there’s some walking on uneven terrain.

Note that the tour is not suitable for children under 2 years and involves some outdoor activity, so it’s best suited for those comfortable in nature. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own sun protection and insect repellent.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to active, curious travelers who love history, nature, and good food. If you’re eager to see a lesser-known side of Italy, away from crowds, and enjoy tasting local products directly from production, this is a great fit. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of walking and appreciate authentic, rural experiences over cookie-cutter tours.

Final Thoughts

This tour delivers more than just sightseeing; it’s a hands-on, authentic encounter with Basilicata’s landscape, history, and flavors. The private access to Murgia Park offers a unique perspective on this stunning region, and the visit to the Saracen Village is a memorable step back into a world where humans and nature intertwined in remarkable ways.

The farm tasting is a highlight — a genuine chance to savor local oils, cheeses, cold cuts, and wines that showcase Basilicata’s rural charm. The combination of outdoor exploration, historical discovery, and culinary delight makes this tour an enriching addition to any itinerary.

Ultimately, this experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to go beyond the usual sights and genuinely connect with the land and people of Basilicata. It’s a well-priced, thoughtfully curated journey into one of Italy’s lesser-known, yet deeply rewarding, corners.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bus transfer, guided visit to the Saracen Village, and a farm tasting of oils, cheeses, cold cuts, bread, and wines.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including transportation, walking, and tasting.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a round-trip bus transfer departs from and returns to Matera’s center, specifically from the Passi nei Sassi office.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, outdoor clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, and insect repellent are recommended. Bring a camera too, to capture the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 to 8 years, depending on the child. It requires some walking and outdoor activity.

Are meals or additional drinks included?
No, only the farm tasting of local products and wines is included. Extra drinks or meals are not covered.

Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot without immediate payment, providing flexibility in planning.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a genuine, well-rounded glimpse into Basilicata’s history, landscape, and flavors, making it an excellent choice for those who seek authentic experiences beyond the standard tourist trail.

You can check availability for your dates here: