Italian spirit flourishes in Apulia and Basilicata, where tourism has not yet compromised the respect for tradition apparent in every aspect of daily life, even as the region becomes Italy’s newest hot spot. Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is rich in culture: it has its own dialect that Italians from other regions do not understand, archaeological riches (it was first colonized by Mycenaean Greeks), trulli houses, castles, and masserie—farmhouses converted into hotels in the style of “rustic-elegance.” Between the heel of Apulia and the toe of Calabria, is Basilicata. Despite a storied and ancient past, the region has been overlooked in modern times, but its former capital Matera was awarded the title of “Cultural Capital of Europe” of 2019 and Condé Nast Traveler recently called it “the coolest town you’ve never heard of.” White churches perch over the Mediterranean Sea and undiscovered treasures abound in this magical region of southeastern Italy. A specially-customized tour for SBMA Members by art historian Nigel McGilchrist and tour organizer Susie Orso, this art-filled itinerary explores Italy’s best-kept secret.

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