Off-beat walking in Italy's undiscovered south

Britain’s leading guided walks operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a two week tour of Basilicata – the relatively undiscovered mountain region in the south of Italy.

With a sparce population and just a few small towns, the region is ’home’ to several rare species including, the black woodpecker and Apennine wolf.

Once the winter snows have disappeared the meadows and glades become magical seas of flowers.

Overshadowing this landscape are the remote and mysterious peaks of the Pollino range rising to over 2000m. Until the 19th century the caves in this region – which is now a national park - were homes to brigands and plunderers.

And, after a challenging days walk one can enjoy the gastronomic delights of The Hotel Picchio Nero in Terranova di Pollino, created by renowned chef, Pino Golia – an exponent of the “Slow Food Movement”!

This tour also includes a stay at hotels La Locanda di San Francisco in Viggianello and Gabbiano in Acquafredda di Maratea, which lies literally on the beach where the majestic Apennines tumble down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Nearby, are the Sassi caves at Matera and the ancient temples of Paestum.

Price £994 per person includes, return flights from Gatwick, half board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

For more information and reservations, visit RamblersHolidays.co.uk.