
Best Holiday Destinations for 2026
29/12/2025 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels for 2026, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips, from bucket list sights to hidden gems.
Read moreWith over 500 miles of golden coastline, Puglia boasts a dazzling landscape of pristine beaches, turquoise waters and whitewashed villages. Revel in the tranquil lifestyle, indulgent cuisine and rich cultural history of this idyllic region on an escorted tour.
Our itineraries are crafted with more than 50 years of expertise, with every detail accounted for so all you have to do is enjoy. Uncover the sun-drenched destinations of Puglia from a seaside base or the Hidden Gems of Southern Puglia from a historic town surrounded by olive groves. For a more extensive Italian journey, you could uncover the Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome on a dual-base holiday. Accompanied by a dedicated Tour Manager, you can savor each moment as you discover the fairytale scenery of Italy's heel.
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Marvel at the endless history of Southern Italy and Puglia from magnificent, hand-selected bases. Our itineraries feature elegant hotels in stunning settings, whether that's a restored 17th-century Masseria, a seaside resort or an 18th-century countryside estate with everything you need for a relaxing journey.
With wheat fields, grape-laden vineyards and abundant olive groves, Puglia's gastronomic heritage offers a feast for every palate. Savour fresh seafood in Gallipoli or delight in local favourites like sun-dried tomatoes, orecchiette pasta and spit-roasted lamb. Indulge more with our value, all-inclusive holidays.
Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinthine streets of Puglia's picturesque towns and villages and explore UNESCO-listed sites. Marvel at the iconic trulli houses in Alberobello or the sassi caves of Matera, or lose yourself in the circular town of Locorotondo, renowned for its sparkling white wine.
Whether you prefer secluded coves or buzzing beach resorts, Puglia offers a seaside holiday like no other. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Polignano a Mare, framed by dramatic cliffs, or unwind on the golden shores of Bari, a picturesque port city with a mazelike Old Town.





Flying into Bari, stay just outside the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare, renowned for its secluded coves and historic Old Town. Ideally placed for exploring Puglia's top sights, your hotel provides a relaxing base, with all meals and a drinks package included throughout your stay. Experience the region's culture and character during visits to...





Travel by First Class rail to explore the iconic sights of ancient Rome before continuing south to discover the unique landscapes and traditions of Puglia and Basilicata. Enjoy stays in two scenic bases, including a beautifully restored farmhouse and a seafront hotel overlooking the Salento coastline, both ideally located for exploring the...





After flying into Bari, stay in scenic Torre Canne on the Adriatic coast - the perfect base for exploring Puglia's timeless landscapes. With all meals and drinks included throughout your stay, relax and enjoy each day with everything taken care of. Rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites, this journey showcases the region's most remarkable treasures,...





Discover a more authentic side of Italy in Salento, the sun-drenched tip of Puglia, as you fly into southern Italy. Staying in a beautifully restored 17th-century Masseria - a traditional fortified farmhouse - near Vernole, relax in a peaceful, rural retreat surrounded by olive groves. From here, explore the rich culture and history of southern...