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A beautiful Italian town carved from a mountainside is so stunning to look at it's been immortalised as a backdrop for more than 20 films. The good looks of Matera, in the less well known Basilicata region of Italy, are thanks to its unusual limestone architecture and a natural gorge that surrounds the settlement. Now home to 60,000 people, Matera...

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La Dolce Vita Orient Express announced that it will soon be ready for guests to book tickets for what could arguably be called the most luxurious train journey in the world. In a press release shared with Travel + Leisure, the train operator shared it will open its virtual ticket window in April, with the train's specific run dates coming later thi...

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I’ve often wondered what’s so special about walking for days in any weather when you can quickly zip from one place to the other by car or public transportation. So I gave it a try. While there’s no shortage of exciting paths to explore in Italy, I decided to walk the Via Peuceta, a relatively new trail that winds through Apulia and Basilicata. Thi...

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The Sassi di Matera are an extraordinary example of ancient and sustainable human settlement in the southern region of Basilicata, Italy. These stone dwellings, etched into the limestone cliffs of Matera, represent one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with origins dating back over 7,000 years. What makes the Sassi so fascinating...

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Matera, a captivating city in Southern Italy, is not only known for its stunning ancient caves and rich history but also for its gastronomic delights. Exploring the local flavors of means immersing oneself in a culinary journey that showcases traditional dishes, famous restaurants, vibrant food markets, and vibrant culinary events. The traditional...

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Matera – what a city! The first time you lay eyes on the rock city of Matera, you can’t help but be amazed. It’s like something out of a detailed picture book, with sand-coloured house facades stacked side by side and on top of each other. The scene leaves you speechless, reminiscent of a stage set or a movie backdrop. It’s all in shades of tone, t...

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Once branded a source of “national shame”, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, the city of Matera boasts a past with as many twists and turns as the honeycomb of cave dwellings that make up its ancient town, the Sassi.  Situated on the border between Puglia and Basilicata, a lesser-known region in Italy’s deep south, M...

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Puglia has everything. Amazing food, stunning olive fields, inspiring cities, and one of our favorite things: a dreamy coast. I’ve spent long summers exploring Puglia’s quaint towns and villages, sleeping in its traditional masserie, and working with local artisans to design quality linens and woven bags to bring the slow lifestyle into your home a...

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Tucked inside the arch of Italy’s boot, Matera could have easily disappeared into the annals of history — the community was inhabited some 10,000 years before falling into disrepair, and was completely deserted in the 1970s. But, through the sheer force and determination of locals, plus several strategic investments, the long-standing town managed...

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Which are the best things to do in Matera? At first glance, the Lucanian capital seems like something straight out of a dream, a timid vision in a fairy-tale world. Yet beyond the splendor of the glimpse and the wonder of its surroundings, Matera offers an incredible wealth of things to do that will allow you to delve into its culture and everyday...

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