losaltos

We will be driving (in a three-car caravan) between Matera and Rome. First of all, how long should that take? Second, are there stopping points of real interest (we only have the one day to get there) and good restaurants anyone can recommend along the way?

bobthenavigator

I would plan on 5 hours driving time plus stops.
I would stop at Caserta---read about it.

stevewith

There are many points of interest, in particular Paestum and Pompeii, but if you only have one day, and there are 3 cars, I would not plan on making any stops except for lunch. It takes a couple of hours to see these places (including Caserta). It will already be a long, stressful day trying to keep 3 cars together for an autostrade journey this long.

One place quite near Matera that is really worthwhile to visit if you have cars is the Crypt of the Original Sin.

http://www.cryptoforiginalsin.it/

It is really difficult to suggest restaurants along the way without knowing what time in the morning your caravan will be leaving. What you want is a good restaurant in the vicinity of where you will be around noon.

Have you considered dropping off the cars somewhere nearer Matera and taking the train into Rome? It is a 60 minute easy drive to Bari, and from there a 4 hour train ride to Rome.

losaltos

We have actually "done" the coastal sites on previous trips so were thinking of a different route. But the suggestion of returning the cars to Bari and taking the train from there is very appealing -- thanks!

stevewith

Sure. But even if you take the Bari option, try to visit the crypt of the Original Sin before leaving the area of Matera. It is only about 15 minutes south of Matera, in the countryside.