
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 hidden gem on an escorted tour.
Our expertly crafted itineraries take you to the region's best-loved destinations. Venture inland to discover the region's unique culture, exploring opulent Baroque architecture in Lecce, encountering the famous whitewashed trulli houses of Alberobello, and discovering the picturesque fishing village of Gallipoli. Accompanied by a dedicated Tour Manager, you can relax and savor each moment as you discover this long-held secret of Italian holidaymakers.
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Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinthine streets of Puglia's picturesque towns and villages. Marvel at the iconic trulli houses in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or lose yourself in the circular town of Locorotondo, renowned for its sparkling white Spumante 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.
With rolling wheat fields, grape-laden vineyards, and abundant olive groves, Puglia's rich gastronomic heritage offers a feast for every palate. Savour the freshest seafood in Gallipoli or delight in local favourites like sun-dried tomatoes, orecchiette pasta, and succulent spit-roasted lamb.





Arriving by plane, enjoy our scenic base in a hotel overlooking the coast of Monopoli. From here, experience the incredible sights and traditions of Puglia, a place untouched by the hands of time. Rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, discover the spectacular trulli homes of Alberobello and the sassi cave dwellings in the cliffside town...





Enjoy stays in two scenic bases, both perfectly located for relaxing and uncovering this unspoilt region of Italy. Travel by First Class rail to admire the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring the unique dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Puglia and Basilicata. Marvel at the otherworldly sassi caves of cliffside Matera...





All the allures of Italy in a place where time stands still, this GRJ All Inclusive holiday steps into a lesser-discovered part of Italy's heel, Salento. Spend each day soaking up southern Puglia from our four-star retreat, set in rural Vernole amid olive groves. Relish coastal history and stunning buildings dating from the 12th century...