Wine and Castles in Basilicata

Arrival in Venosa, the Roman city that was the birthplace of Orazio.

Visit to the Trinità complex with its “Unfinished” church. In the nearby Archaeological Park, you can admire the remains of a thermal complex and a mosaic floor. In the afternoon, strolling through the alleys of the old village, you will reach the Pirro del Balzo Castle, home to the National Archaeological Museum, and just outside the city, the Jewish catacombs testify to the presence of Jewish groups between the 4th and 11th centuries.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Transfer to Melfi, Frederick’s city in whose castle, now housing the archaeological museum, Frederick II promulgated the Constitutiones Regni Siciliarum in 1231. The Vulture is not only a volcano but also the homeland of some of Italy’s finest wines. Book a tasting tour through the vineyards and wineries of the region, savoring the famous Aglianico del Vulture and immersing yourself in its intense aromas and flavors.

Make a brief stop in Rionero in Vulture, the birthplace of Rosita Melo. Daughter of tailors, she emigrated to Montevideo and then to Buenos Aires. She is remembered as one of the greatest composers of Tango Vals Boston and for writing “Desde el Alma” at the age of 14; a piece still played today by the greatest artists worldwide.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful castle of Lagopesole, home to the Museum of Lucanian Emigration. The museum offers a multimedia journey through four environments that narrate the lives of Lucanian emigrants. It traces their experiences and trajectories, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of ships with faithful sounds and smells. The visit culminates in the “Ellis Islands” room, where three touchscreen displays present the tests administered by Americans to immigrants for entry into the country.

Overnight stay in Atella.

Today we visit San Fele, the hometown of Saint Giustino de Jacobis. San Giustino is the saint who protects all Lucanians Worldwide. A lucanian that as a missionary in other nations, he recognized the value and growth potential in the integration of diverse cultures.

Moreover, San Fele is the municipality that, in absolute and percentage terms, has paid the highest tribute to emigration among the approximately 740,000 Lucanians who left Basilicata between 1870 and 2005 (the last official data). Meeting with representatives of the Proloco to delve into the history of emigration from San Fele and the illustrious figures originating from the village. Excursion to its famous waterfalls to appreciate the extraordinary uniqueness of nature. In the afternoon, we reach Rapone, the land of fairy tales, where an annual festival of these tales takes place, and some multimedia installations define an unmissable route. Return to the hotel in Atella.

In the early morning, we take a walk around the Monticchio Lakes, of volcanic origin, surrounded by lush vegetation. We then proceed to the beautiful village of Acerenza with its impressive cathedral, often referred to as the “Cathedral City.” Once in the village, we wander through the alleys of the old town, where fountains and prestigious buildings follow one another, many of which feature internal courtyards decorated with coats of arms and stone portals.

End of services.