Matera: Pic-Nic Under the Centuries-Old Olive Trees

Matera, an ancient city in southern Italy, offers a unique opportunity to experience a picnic like no other. Nestled beneath centuries-old olive trees, this 2.5-hour activity promises a guided tour of an olive grove, coupled with a delightful meal featuring local delicacies. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane and Gallipoli Cognato Park, this experience emphasizes sustainable and healthy eating, allowing participants to enjoy the serene surroundings while learning about the art of olive cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production.

Key Points

• This picnic experience takes place in an olive grove near Matera, featuring a guided tour and a meal showcasing local, sustainable produce.
• The picnic includes cured meats, cheeses, wood-fired bread, local wines, and homemade desserts, providing a taste of regional flavors.
• The scenic location offers views of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane and Gallipoli Cognato Park, creating a serene and relaxing environment.
• Participants will learn about olive tree cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production during the guided tour of the olive grove.
• Certain restrictions and guidelines, such as no alcohol or drugs and the use of personal insect repellent, ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity is titled "Matera: Pic-Nic under the Centuries-Old Olive Trees" and is priced from $62.95 per person.

It lasts 2.5 hours and is available in English, French, and Portuguese.

The meeting point is Azienda Agricola Mantenera, 3.5 km from Tricarico Village and 41 km from Matera.

Free parking is available in front of the gate.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reservations can be made with no upfront payment.

Itinerary and Highlights

A guided tour of the olive grove is provided, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings.

The highlight of the experience is a picnic under the centuries-old olive trees. The meal includes a selection of cured meats, cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, wood-fired bread, tomato bruschetta, olives, and homemade desserts.

Local wines, Aglianico del Vulture, and water are also included. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane and Gallipoli Cognato Park during the picnic.

The emphasis is on healthy eating and the importance of local, sustainable produce.

Experience Description

Walking through the olive grove provides serenity in any season, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Participants will learn about olive tree cultivation and the production process of extra virgin olive oil, gaining a deeper appreciation for locally sourced ingredients.

The picnic setup in nature emphasizes healthy eating, with a low table, cushions, and mats providing a comfortable dining experience.

The meal features a selection of cured meats, cheeses, wood-fired bread, tomato bruschetta, olives, and homemade jams, accompanied by local Aglianico del Vulture wine and water, showcasing the flavors of the region.

Participant Restrictions

Although this pic-nic experience is suitable for most visitors, there are certain participant restrictions in place.

The activity is not recommended for children under 2 years old, wheelchair users, or those with altitude sickness. Individuals over 95 years old and those with insect allergies should also refrain from joining.

Prohibited items include sandals/flip flops, baby strollers/carriages, electric wheelchairs, alcohol/drugs, fireworks, and party groups.

Personal insect repellent is recommended due to the organic practices employed, though no chemical repellents are used on-site.

These restrictions ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

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Important Information

Several important guidelines must be adhered to during this experience.

Prohibited items include sandals/flip flops, baby strollers/carriages, electric wheelchairs, alcohol/drugs, fireworks, and party groups. Making fire is also not permitted.

Due to the organic farming practices, personal insect repellent is recommended, though no chemical repellents are used.

Participants should be aware that the activity is not suitable for children under 2 years, wheelchair users, those with altitude sickness, individuals over 95 years, and those with insect allergies.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable picnic under the centuries-old olive trees.

Exploring the Olive Grove

Visitors embarking on this picnic experience are guided through the centuries-old olive grove, seeing the serenity of this verdant landscape.

The guide shares insights into olive tree cultivation and the time-honored process of producing extra virgin olive oil. Guests witness the gnarled, silvery trunks and twisted branches that have weathered centuries.

They learn about the olive’s ecological importance and the sustainable farming practices employed. This intimate connection with the land sets the stage for the upcoming picnic, where guests will savor the bounty from these ancient trees and the surrounding region.

Savoring the Picnic Delights

The picnic is set up under the centuries-old olive trees, with a low table adorned with an array of local delicacies. Guests can savor the flavors of the region, including cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and wood-fired bread. The table also features freshly harvested olives, tomato bruschetta, and homemade jams. To accompany the meal, a selection of local wines, such as Aglianico del Vulture, and refreshing water are provided.

| Item | Description |

| — | — |

| Cured Meats | Locally sourced, high-quality cured meats |

| Artisanal Cheeses | A variety of regional cheese specialties |

| Wood-Fired Bread | Freshly baked bread with a crisp crust |

| Tomato Bruschetta | Juicy tomatoes on toasted bread |

Appreciating the Scenic Surroundings

As guests wander through the olive grove, they are greeted by the captivating scenery of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane and the Gallipoli Cognato Park.

These picturesque landscapes offer a serene and natural backdrop to the picnic experience. The rugged peaks of the Dolomites contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of the olive trees, creating a visually stunning environment.

Visitors can take in the panoramic views while savoring the delicious local fare and sipping on the regional Aglianico del Vulture wine. The scenic surroundings enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tranquility of the olive grove.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The activity details do not mention the option to bring your own food and drinks. Participants are provided with a picnic meal and local wine as part of the experience. Bringing outside items may not be allowed.

Are Pets Allowed on the Picnic?

Pets are not permitted on the picnic. The activity description states that it is not suitable for those with insect allergies, indicating that bringing pets would not be allowed due to potential safety and environmental concerns.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Option Available?

According to the information provided, there is no specific mention of a vegetarian or vegan menu option. The picnic menu includes cured meats and cheeses, but it is unclear if alternative options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

Is There Any Shade Provided During the Picnic?

The picnic is set up under the canopy of the centuries-old olive trees, providing ample shade during the outdoor dining experience. Cushions and mats are provided for a comfortable seating arrangement in the natural shaded area.

Can I Participate in the Olive Oil Production Process?

During the picnic experience, participants can learn about the olive oil production process but do not actively participate in the hands-on cultivation or extraction of the olive oil. The focus is on enjoying the picnic under the olive trees.

Final Words

Enjoy the natural beauty of Matera’s centuries-old olive grove and savor a delightful picnic featuring local delicacies. This 2.5-hour experience offers a chance to learn about sustainable olive cultivation and appreciate the stunning scenery of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane and Gallipoli Cognato Park. An ideal activity for nature enthusiasts seeking a unique and authentic exploration of the region’s culinary and environmental riches.

You can check availability for your dates here: