5 days for ALL of Basilicata. Matera (Sassi + cave hotels), the Dolomiti Lucane (Castelmezzano + zipline), Craco, the Pollino National Park (Italy's largest — ancient pines at 2,000m), Maratea (the secret Tyrrhenian coast), and Venosa (where Horace was born 65 BC).
Each day is a logical geographic loop. Mornings for sights, afternoons for food, evenings for aperitivo. Car essential in Basilicata.
Matera (2 days) — Sassi, cave churches, Casa Grotta, evening walk when the Sassi light up. Dolomiti Lucane + Craco (1 day) — Castelmezzano, zipline, ghost town. Pollino + Maratea (1 day) — ancient Bosnian pines, then descend to the Tyrrhenian coast (22m Christ statue, hidden coves, half the Amalfi price). Vulture + Venosa (1 day) — Aglianico wine on volcanic soil, Melfi castle (Frederick II), Laghi di Monticchio crater lakes, Venosa abbey.
Best time: April-June, September-October. Agriturismi 60-100/night with breakfast. Book 2-4 weeks ahead in summer.