Get picked up from your hotel in Matera and leave the city behind as you drive through the rolling hills of Basilicata towards one of Italy’s most fascinating hidden gems: the ghost town of Craco.

Perched dramatically on a cliff, Craco looks like a movie set come to life – and in fact, it has been the backdrop for several international films. With your guide, walk through silent stone streets, crumbling palaces, and the remains of the old church while you learn how landslides and abandonment turned this medieval village into a hauntingly beautiful “paese fantasma”.

Continue to Pisticci, a whitewashed hilltop town known for its winding lanes, colorful houses, and sweeping views over the Lucanian countryside. Enjoy free time to wander the historic center, soak up the authentic Southern atmosphere, and choose a cozy trattoria for lunch, where you can taste local specialties, hearty pasta dishes, and regional wines.

In the afternoon, step into the world of one of Italy’s most iconic herbal liqueurs at the Amaro Lucano Museum. Discover how this famous bitters was born in Basilicata in the late 1800s, explore the stylish themed rooms, and learn about the Vena family who created it, with the chance to taste Amaro Lucano and appreciate its unique blend of herbs and spices.

After a full day of discoveries, relax during the comfortable drive back to Matera, where you will be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.