City of Caves

 

We continued further south through the Puglia region into Basilicata, the instep of Italy's boot. The landscape changed again as we left the coast behind. Along the way, we stopped at Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conical stone homes, trulli, are so well-preserved. This stop is not to be missed.

 

Our first view of the Sassi, the ancient caves carved into the rock, made Matera one of the most surprising vistas of the whole tour. With a day to explore, we visited the Carlo Levi exhibit and wandered through rock churches and homes in this very special place.