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Matera, Italy
Ancient cave dwellings and rock churches carved into limestone.
Eat: Trattoria del Caveoso
Stay: Il Borgo Ritrovato
Do: Sassi di Matera, Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, Palombaro Lungo, MUSMA
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Castelmezzano, Italy
Mountain village with the Flight of the Angel zip-line.
Eat: Trattoria al Vecchio Scarpone
Stay: B&B Al Cuore Del Borgo
Do: Volo dell'Angelo, Norman Steps, Scenic trails
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Pietrapertosa, Italy
Neighbouring village perched among the Dolomiti Lucane peaks.
Eat: Il Frantoio
Do: Saracen Fortress, Chiesa Madre di San Giacomo, Historic centre
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Melfi, Italy
Norman castle town close to volcanic lakes.
Eat: Trattoria Rauseo
Stay: La Casa nel Borgo
Do: Melfi Castle, Monticchio Lakes, Porta Venosina
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Venosa, Italy
Roman ruins and the birthplace of the poet Horace.
Eat: Trattoria Locanda Oraziana
Do: Abbey of the Santissima Trinità, Archaeological Park, House of Horace
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Potenza, Italy
Regional capital with a Romanesque cathedral and lively main street.
Eat: Cantina Ancidda
Stay: B&B Arcobaleno
Do: Via Pretoria, Cathedral of San Gerardo, Torre Guevara
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Maratea, Italy
Tyrrhenian coast town below a giant Christ statue.
Eat: Pizzeria da Ciccio
Stay: Hotel Villa Degli Aranci
Do: Cristo Redentore, Spiaggia Fiumicello, Sea caves boat tour
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Metaponto Lido, Italy
Greek temple ruins beside Ionian beaches.
Eat: Trattoria La Barchetta
Stay: Agriturismo Masseria Cardillo
Do: Tavole Palatine, Archaeological Park, Ionian beaches
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Craco, Italy
Haunting abandoned hill town best seen on a guided tour.
Eat: La Locanda
Do: Abandoned village, Chiesa Madre di San Nicola, Guided tour