Puglia Holidays & Tours | Newmarket Holidays

Stretching 248 miles and forming the heel of Italy's 'boot', Puglia offers visitors the chance to explore centuries of history thanks to the various conquering dynasties that have all left their own architectural mark on its lands.

With ancient sites, whitewashed hill-towns and splendid churches in abundance, it's easy to find yourself immersed in days gone by here. Away from the region's historical sights, Puglia holidays provide the chance to enjoy delicious local dishes, glorious countryside and hundreds of miles of emerald waters along its coastline.

Explore the old town and atmospheric harbour of the region's capital city, Bari, or discover the Baroque masterpieces of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”. Pay a visit to the ancient hilltop town of Ostuni, sip locally-made wine in Locorotondo and wander through Castellana's famous cave network, another popular stop on most Puglia tours. Whether you're returning to this enigmatic region or visiting for the very first time, our Puglia escorted tours are designed to create treasured lifelong memories.

Puglia & the South - Undiscovered Italy

4.19 (243 reviews)
Italy

3 excursions included
14 meals included
Spend seven nights beside the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea
Discover the UNESCO-listed wonders of Matera's Sassi cave-dwellings
Witness hilltop Ostuni’s white walls gleaming in the Italian sun

Things to see in Puglia

Castel del Monte is a perfectly octagonal castle dating back to 1240. It was built by Frederick II, although what exactly it was used for remains something of a mystery.

Don't miss the chance to see the impressive stalagmites and stalactites in the Castellana Grotte. This captivating cave network stretches three kilometres and was discovered by cavers in 1938.

A visit to the nearby town of Matera is a highlight of many Puglia tours. At this UNESCO World Heritage site you can see ancient cave-dwellings that were still inhabited just four decades ago.

Things to do in Puglia

Pay a visit to the elegant town of Martina Franca and wander around its old quarter, which features rococo architecture, serene churches and former palaces among its narrow winding streets.

Explore the beautiful city of Lecce, where Roman ruins, including a grand amphitheatre, sit next to elegant Baroque churches and chic waterfront restaurants.

Take some time to refuel on a visit to the much-loved hill-town of Ostuni, and enjoy a slow lunch or aperitivo at a café lining one of the piazzas in the old quarter.

Food and Drink in Puglia

The most distinctive pasta is orecchiette, an ear-shaped variety

This is often served with ingredients such as meatballs, broccoli, and ricotta. Tasting the local varieties is a must-do, especially since the region produces 80% of Europe's pasta.

Those visiting Lecce on their Puglia holidays should be sure to try a pasticciotti. These delicious tarts are made with shortcrust pastry and filled with cream around a single cherry.

For local wine connoisseurs, a stop at the hill-town of Locorotondo is sure to delight. The vineyards here are renowned for their excellent white wines, and the good news is there are a number of cellars that offer tastings.

Puglia Tours for Solo Travellers

Be inspired to travel solo. Newmarket Holidays welcomes solo travellers on all our group tours. In fact, many of our customers choose to join our tours on their own. And the best part is: you won’t really be alone. With a group of like-minded travellers and a friendly, informative tour manager (as well as incredible locals all over the world!), you will love your holiday experience. Joining a tour as a solo traveller is also a guaranteed way to feel safe and confident when travelling alone. While you can join any of our regular tours on your own, we also have a range of tours designed exclusively for solo travellers.