Puglia Italy & Greek Isle Cruise

Travel has the power to open doors, and few journeys bring together land and sea in such a rich way as this one. Imagine starting in Italy’s southern region of Puglia, where whitewashed houses, olive groves, and winding streets welcome you at every turn. Then, after exploring this remarkable corner of Italy, you continue your holiday with a seven-night cruise through the Greek Isles, stepping into places that are as timeless as they are beautiful.

This holiday begins with a guided highlights tour of Puglia, one of Italy’s most unique regions. Over seven nights you will discover Alberobello, famous for its fairytale trulli houses. These stone-roofed buildings are unlike anything else in the world and are part of UNESCO’s protected heritage. You also explore Martina Franca, with its baroque architecture and narrow streets that feel like a step back in time.

An optional excursion takes you to Matera, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on Earth. Known for its cave dwellings carved into the rock, Matera has been a backdrop for films and remains a place where history is carved into every stone wall.

Your journey also includes Trani and Bari, two coastal gems where sea views, medieval churches, and lively piazzas make you feel the soul of southern Italy. Ostuni, the “White City,” adds to the charm with its hilltop views and striking buildings that shine under the Italian sun.

After a week of discovering Puglia, you settle into Bari for a three-night hotel stay in the heart of the city. Your hotel is handpicked and centrally located, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants, markets, and the old town at your own pace. From Bari, you step on board MSC Sinfonia for your seven-night cruise.

To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, everything important is arranged for you. Here is what your holiday includes:

• Return flights from the UK to Italy
• Seven-night escorted highlights of Puglia tour, visiting Alberobello, Martina Franca, Trani, Bari, and Ostuni, with an optional excursion to Matera
• Three-night stay in Bari at a centrally located, handpicked hotel
• Seven-night full-board cruise aboard MSC Sinfonia, with meals and entertainment included
• Guided tours and excursions in Puglia, led by experts who bring the region’s history and culture to life
• Time in each destination to explore at your own pace, both in Italy and during the cruise
• All transfers between the airport, hotel, and cruise ship, so travel between stages is easy and comfortable

By combining flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, guided tours, and a cruise, this holiday gives you both structure and freedom. You do not need to worry about planning each stage – it has all been carefully put together so you can focus on enjoying each destination.

This journey departs on 6 May 2026, a wonderful time to visit both Italy and Greece. Spring in Puglia is warm but not too hot, perfect for walking through towns and exploring the countryside. Olive groves are green, flowers brighten the streets, and the coast shines under clear skies.

In Greece, May is one of the best months to visit the islands. The weather is sunny, the sea sparkles, and the towns are lively without being overcrowded. You can enjoy the famous sights of Santorini and Athens without the large summer crowds, making the experience more relaxed and personal.

At a price from £2399 per person, this holiday offers you a chance to enjoy two countries, a guided tour, a city hotel stay, and a full cruise in one complete journey.

This holiday is not just a trip; it is a story told in two parts. The first chapter takes you through the history and traditions of Puglia, where every town feels unique and every meal reminds you why Italian food is loved around the world. The second chapter carries you across the Greek islands, where myths and history meet sandy beaches and vibrant harbours. Together they form a journey that balances discovery, comfort, and beauty.

For those who want to experience more than a standard holiday, this is the perfect blend. You see more, do more, and relax more, all within the same trip. With everything included – from flights and hotels to meals and transfers – you can join with peace of mind, knowing every detail is covered.

The invitation is simple: come and see southern Italy and the Greek Isles in one journey, and return with memories that last a lifetime.