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

Setting out on a walking tour through the lesser-known corners of Basilicata offers a refreshing glimpse into Italy’s authentic rural life. This experience combines a trek in Murgia Park, a visit to an ancient Saracen Village, and a delicious tasting of local products at a traditional farm — all packed into just over three hours. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and flavors, especially if you’re after something more intimate and off-the-beaten-path than the usual tourist spots.

What really makes this tour shine is the exclusive access to a private part of the park and the chance to uncover a rock settlement dating back centuries. Plus, the farm visit provides a hearty tasting of Basilicata’s best oils, wines, cheeses, and cold cuts. It’s a well-rounded day that ticks many boxes for travelers craving genuine experiences. The only thing to keep in mind? The tour is quite active, so comfortable shoes and a bit of stamina are recommended.

This experience works best for those who enjoy outdoor adventures combined with cultural discovery and savoring regional flavors. It’s especially suited for curious travelers looking to go beyond the typical guided city tour and truly connect with the land and history of Basilicata. If you’re after a laid-back, informative, and tasty journey into Italy’s lesser-known regions, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Visit a private section of Murgia Park, rarely open to the public.
• Historical Insight: Explore the well-preserved Saracen Village carved into limestone rock.
• Authentic Tastings: Indulge in local extra virgin olive oil, Lucanian wines, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with details about flora, fauna, and history.
• Balanced Duration: The 3.5-hour tour offers a manageable half-day adventure with plenty of authentic moments.
• Good Value: For around $300 for a group of five, it provides a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins conveniently from the Passi nei Sassi office in Matera, a city renowned for its striking cave dwellings and UNESCO status. The short 20-minute bus transfer to Murgia Park is a highlight in itself — offering scenic views of Matera’s iconic Sassi, rolling hills, and countryside. This transport component ensures you start the experience relaxed and ready to explore, without worrying about logistics.

The Trek in Murgia Park

Once inside the private area of the park, you’ll enjoy a guided walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. The guides are praised for their engaging storytelling, sharing insights about the local flora and fauna — from aromatic plants and wildflowers to birds of prey circling overhead. Reviewers note that the landscape gradually unfolds, revealing rock formations, ancient traces of settlements, and an evocative sense of stepping back in time.

The paths are manageable, but sturdy, comfortable shoes are necessary as uneven terrain and rocky surfaces are involved. Travelers mention that the landscape feels both wild and welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy panoramic views of Matera and the surrounding countryside.

Visiting the Saracen Village

The main highlight is the visit to the Saracen Village, an ancient settlement carved into limestone. This site offers a tangible connection to the past, as you can see how early communities adapted to a challenging environment. Walking through these carved rooms, you’ll observe the ingenious use of natural materials and understand how residents created spaces for living, working, and worship.

One reviewer describes the experience as “a journey back in time,” and emphasizes how the site’s preservation allows for a vivid sense of history. Since the village was inhabited centuries ago, the site is an evocative reminder of resilience and ingenuity amid harsh conditions.

The Farm and Tasting Experience

After the historical exploration, the group walks for about 10 minutes to Pasquale’s farmhouse, where hospitality is genuine and warm. The tasting session lasts approximately 1.5 hours and offers a multi-sensory experience of Basilicata’s regional products.

You’ll savor locally produced extra virgin olive oil, served with Matera IGP bread, along with a selection of cheeses and cold cuts typical of the area. The Lucanian wines served are described as authentic expressions of the land, making each sip a chance to appreciate local craftsmanship.

Reviewers consistently mention the quality of the food and wine, noting that it’s served directly by the producer, adding a layer of authenticity and friendliness. The convivial atmosphere makes this part of the tour feel more like visiting friends than being at a formal tasting.

Return and Reflection

After the tasting, the group walks back to the bus, about 15 minutes, and is then transported back to Matera. This relaxed pacing ensures you have ample time to reflect on the sights and flavors before ending your half-day adventure.

Practical Details and Value

Duration, Price, and Group Size

The 3.5-hour duration is perfect for travelers who want a meaningful experience without committing a full day. The cost of $301 for up to five people offers good value, given the inclusions of transportation, guided visit, and the extensive tasting. Considering the personalized access and authentic rural atmosphere, it’s a compelling option for those seeking depth over a quick overview.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included in the price are the bus transfer, guided tour, and food and wine tasting — everything needed for a smooth, engaging experience. However, you should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, outdoor clothing, a camera, and a reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended, especially during warmer months.

Note that personal trekking gear isn’t provided, so dress appropriately for outdoor walking on uneven terrain. Participants also need to be mindful of not bringing drones, baby strollers, or engaging in loud activities to preserve the site’s tranquility.

Accessibility and Suitability

While the experience is generally suitable for most healthy adults, it’s not recommended for children under 5, those with altitude sickness, or travelers with mobility issues due to uneven paths and walking involved. The tour is conducted in English and Italian, so language preferences are covered.

Cancellation and Flexibility

With a full refund available when canceled at least 24 hours in advance, booking is fairly flexible. This makes it easier to plan around other activities in Matera.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this experience special is its combination of exclusivity, authenticity, and focus on regional flavors. The private access to the park means fewer crowds and a more intimate encounter with both nature and history. The visit to the Saracen Village offers a rare glimpse into the past, carved into stone, which most travelers simply don’t get to see.

The tasting at the farmhouse adds a convivial, local touch that elevates the whole experience from a typical sightseeing tour to a memorable culinary journey. For food and history lovers alike, this experience hits the right notes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is an excellent choice for adventurous travelers who love outdoor activities but also want meaningful cultural insights. If you’re interested in history, archaeology, and regional cuisine, this tour satisfies on all fronts. It’s more suited for those comfortable with walking and outdoor environments, and those wanting to avoid crowded tourist spots.

It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a personalized, relaxed experience. Budget-wise, it offers good value given the inclusions, especially for those who appreciate authentic, locally-driven experiences.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a bus transfer from Matera to the private area of Murgia Park and back, making logistics seamless and comfortable.

How long is the walk?
The guided walk inside the park lasts about 1.5 hours, plus a short 10-minute walk to the farm, totaling around 2 hours of walking in scenic outdoor settings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, outdoor clothing, a camera, a water bottle, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. The terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is essential.

Are meals or snacks included?
No, but the tastings of olive oil, cheeses, cold cuts, and wines are included at the farm, creating a full sensory experience of local flavors.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for older children and adults due to walking on uneven terrain and outdoor conditions. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for your plans.

What languages are available?
Guides speak both English and Italian, so you can choose the language that suits you best.

Does the tour operate year-round?
While not explicitly specified, the general recommendations suggest preparing for outdoor conditions in any season. Checking availability directly is advised.

This Trekking Culture and Flavors experience offers a well-balanced mix of outdoor adventure, historical discovery, and regional tasting. With exclusive access to a private part of Murgia Park and a visit to the impressive Saracen Village, it’s a rare opportunity to see a different side of Basilicata away from crowds. The tasting at the farm enhances the journey, making it not just educational but also deeply satisfying for the palate.

Ideal for those who love authentic local experiences and aren’t afraid of a bit of walking, this tour delivers value through a combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious regional products. If you’re eager to understand the land and history of Basilicata while enjoying genuine flavors, this outing ticks many boxes.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone craving a unique outdoor activity, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to come prepared and bring your curiosity along; the land of Basilicata has plenty of stories to share.