Buried Italy Series
The Forgotten Kingdom of Southern Italy
Overview
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Journey: Cave Cities, Lost Kingdoms & Magna Graecia
Destinations: Naples, Corigliano, Matera, Reggio Calabria, Canosa di Puglia
Discover the forgotten south of Italy
A remarkable land of ancient civilisations, lost kingdoms, abandoned villages and extraordinary cave cities that many visitors never experience.
Known as the Mezzogiorno, southern Italy preserves layers of history stretching from the ancient Greek world of Magna Graecia to the Norman conquerors, medieval rulers and the Bourbon kingdom that preceded Italian unification.
Over eight fascinating days, travel from Naples towards the toe of the Italian peninsula, uncovering historic palaces, mysterious ghost towns, rock-cut settlements and archaeological treasures along the way.
This historian-led journey with Italy history expert Joseph Walker reveals a side of Italy far beyond the familiar tourist trail.
Expedition itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome to Naples: Capital of the Lost Kingdom
Begin in Naples, a city shaped by centuries of political power, cultural exchange and extraordinary history. Discover its connection to the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the legacy of southern Italy’s lost monarchy.
Day 2 — The Palace of Kings & the Ghost of a Lombard Capital
Caserta & Benevento
Explore the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, a symbol of Bourbon ambition, before travelling to Benevento, a historic centre associated with the Lombards and the shifting powers of medieval southern Italy.
Day 3 — The Crown of Frederick II & the Tombs of the Norman Founders
Castel del Monte & Venosa
Discover Castel del Monte, the extraordinary octagonal castle associated with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Continue to Venosa, a town rich in Roman and medieval heritage, to explore the history of the Norman rulers who helped shape southern Italy.
Day 4 — Matera: The Buried City Reborn
Explore Matera’s remarkable Sassi, a landscape of cave dwellings, churches and homes carved into the rock. Once associated with poverty and abandonment, this extraordinary settlement has been transformed into one of Italy’s most distinctive historic destinations.
Day 5 — The Ghost Town, the Footsteps of Pythagoras & the Coast of the Gods
Craco, Metaponto & Tropea
Discover the haunting abandoned town of Craco, where deserted buildings cling to a dramatic hillside. Continue to Metaponto, associated with the ancient Greek world and the philosopher Pythagoras, before reaching the spectacular coastal landscapes of Tropea.
Day 6 — A Village Carved from Stone, a Castle for a King & the Gelato that Started It All
Zungri, Pizzo & Tropea
Explore the extraordinary rock-cut settlement of Zungri, then visit Pizzo, a picturesque Calabrian town with historic streets, a castle and a celebrated local gelato tradition. Enjoy more of the scenery and heritage of the Calabrian coast.
Day 7 — Scylla’s Rock & the Violet Coast
Scilla & Reggio Calabria
Visit Scilla, a coastal town linked to the mythology of the Strait of Messina. Continue to Reggio Calabria, where the landscapes and history of the region connect the ancient Greek world with the southern Italian story.
Day 8 — The Warriors from the Sea & Arrivederci
Reggio Calabria
Conclude the journey with the remarkable Riace Bronzes, two celebrated ancient Greek bronze statues discovered off the coast of Calabria. They offer a fitting finale to a journey through Magna Graecia and the forgotten kingdoms of southern Italy.
Departure dates
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On Request
Availability and tour details
For current availability, accommodation, inclusions, exclusions and important travel information, enquire by email using the details below.
An exclusive offer from Gateway Travel
Save 5% on your tour
Use code GATEWAY5 (Valid until 31st December, 2027)
Gateway Travel is pleased to offer travellers an exclusive 5% discount on An Italian Mosaic: Emperors, Myths & Buried Cities.
To access this offer and request full tour details, email:
Quote GATEWAY5 in your email. Tour information, availability and booking arrangements are provided directly by Historian Joseph Walker and his team.
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