Italy is filled with remarkable cities and destinations brimming with centuries of history, beautiful scenery and a strong sense of tradition. While some of these places are well known and widely beloved by travellers - cities like Rome, Florence and Sorrento - there are some Italian gems that have remained lesser known to the masses. One such region is Puglia.
Located in vibrant southeastern Italy and framed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, this area tempts visitors with timeless hill towns and sweeping views. More than 800 kilometres (nearly 500 miles) of coastline beckons - as do villages with UNESCO World Heritage sites and cities whose cobbled streets lead to preserved Baroque buildings and traditional restaurants serving the unique flavours of the 'heel' of Italy.
We have captured these highlights and more on our Simply Puglia All Inclusive, Explore Puglia All Inclusive and Hidden Gems of Southern Puglia holidays, itineraries that explore from a single base - stunning resorts near the azure seaside. We caught up with Tour Manager David Hobson, who has led a group on these tour, and he couldn't say enough about beautiful Puglia and travelling with Great Rail Journeys.
Eight years of unforgettable experiences across Europe
David has been a Tour Manager with Great Rail Journeys for about eight years, leading tours to locations across many nations, from the British Isles to Austria, Spain and Italy.
'I have always been lucky enough to travel and have a passion for exploring - especially by rail. My favourite tour in Britain is the Isles of Scilly - it's absolutely amazing. In continental Europe, I enjoy tours during which I can use some local language skills. I speak Spanish and have been learning Italian, so I enjoy interacting with locals and allowing our travellers to feel more connected to the destination.'
Despite the excitement of exploring, his favourite thing about the job is giving something back to the people.
'As a Tour Manager, I enjoy taking care of the details, so all guests have to do is relax and enjoy the sights. Seeing group members enjoy themselves, learn unique local facts from our excellent tour guides, and connect with the locations gives me a real sense of satisfaction.'
Uncovering the great variety of Puglia
Of all the places David has taken Great Rail Journeys travellers throughout his years as a Tour Manager, it is Puglia that has left a lasting impression.
'What stands out to me about Puglia is the variety of days, from visiting hilltop towns and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites to wandering around larger cities like Bari and Lecce. No day is the same, and I think that sits really well with our customers. Every day and excursion becomes memorable in itself.'
Each holiday brings a chance to experience the local traditions and connect with authentic Puglia. At the resort, there are evenings with folk music and traditional dancing, and as our travel groups get out and explore, there are chances to get to know the region's authentic spirit.
'One of the things I love is that you never quite know what you'll encounter. On our most recent tour, we came across four weddings and a funeral - and no, not the film. Whilst every occasion was different, they all offered fascinating insights into the cultural side of Puglia.'
Surprising visitors at every turn
Despite being a beautiful destination in coastal Italy, holidays to Puglia are not always the relaxing getaway travellers envision - but for all the best reasons. This region is filled with history, culture, architecture and contrasting landscapes. There are villages that invite slow exploration and cities where intrigue beckons around every corner, and the best part is, it all feels manageable.
'If you think about it, nowhere is too far away in Puglia. If we have a coach journey, it's not taking all day, and if we get on the train, it's long enough to enjoy the scenery and the changing views, but never too lengthy.'
With less time travelling from place to place, we have more time for our guests to soak up the region's wonders, whether with free time to wander at their own pace or on a guided tour. This tour features a thoughtful mixture of the two, providing endless meaningful ways to explore.
Discovering Puglia's many highlights
There is so much to love about this lesser-known corner of Italy, where highlights are revealed at every turn. While everyone can find their own ways to be inspired here, David particularly enjoys presenting two unique experiences to his groups:
'Alberobello is incredible, and its trulli houses are "trulli" unique. Guests can browse local shops and buy local produce, such as olive oil or balsamic vinegar. There's a lot of interesting architecture and stunning views over the valley where the trulli houses are.
'But for me, Matera is the standout excursion of the entire tour. It's the day, especially because it was a filming location for one of the James Bond movies. This is a little more physically demanding than the other days of the tour, and guests rise to the challenge because it is truly worth it. We visit its ancient sassi cave dwellings, dug deep into the cliffside, and learn the city's history.
'A moment of great connection comes as we come to a scenic viewpoint in Matera and look across the valley, with thousands of years of history spread out before you. You can see across rooftops and churches to the caves in the distance. It's really interesting and clearly a highlight of the tour.'
And these are just a couple of things guests can look forward to on a Great Rail Journeys holiday to Puglia.
Travelling to Puglia with Great Rail Journeys
In addition to these two fantastic tours to a region filled with old-world charm, we offer a curated selection of other escorted tours featuring Puglia. Whether you hope to make its magical hill towns the feature of your holiday or want to combine your time in Puglia with other areas in Italy, such as Rome, we have options that meet your travel goals.
Experience Italy's hidden gem with experienced guidance from start to finish, local tour guides, sensational accommodations and unforgettable excursions that bring Puglia's best features to light. Your ideal journey awaits.
