Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Puglia
Explore a wide diversity of christmas & new year tours through Puglia. We have 39 adventures that vary from 3 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best christmas & new year Puglia tours
Compiled by
MelissaPuglia travel expert at TourRadar
- Special Christmas Puglia & Matera, group trip to Unesco wonders
- Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour
- 5-Day Puglia & Matera Small-Group Tour from Bari (Max 8)
- 7 Day Highlights of Puglia Tour Package
- Discovering Lecce
- Discovering Bari
- 7-Day Venice & Bari Discovery – From Canals to Coastlines
- Matera: The City in Stone
- Southern Italy & Amalfi Coast
- Puglia and Basilicata: Private Journey Through Apulia’s History, Flavors, and Relaxation.
Christmas markets set up in Matera's cave houses while a historical reenactment brings ancient Nazareth to life in the Sassi districts. Alberobello's trulli glow with lights in the Aia Piccola quarter as you try Moscato wine and cartellate, then see baroque nativity displays at Lecce's Santa Croce Basilica.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Altamura, Matera, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Turisti in Puglia From
- US$3,232
Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour
“This was an outstanding experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend it.”
Rhona, traveled in October
Celebrate Italian Christmas traditions at a family-run Masseria in Castiglione, where chef Emilio creates holiday feasts using organic olive oil from the estate's 11-hectare grove and fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea 3km away. Walk through UNESCO-listed Sassi di Matera's ancient cave dwellings lit up for the holidays.
Duration 10 days Destinations Brindisi, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Alberobello, Ostuni, Matera Age Range Ages 20+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Soleto Travel From $3,216
23% off- US$2,476
The winter season comes alive in Puglia with festive tours of Trani's illuminated harbor and cathedral. Holiday magic fills Alberobello's trulli houses, Christmas markets near Castel del Monte, while seasonal traditions flourish throughout the region.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bari, Trani, Andria, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Turisti in Puglia From
23% off- US$2,006
Christmas markets bring joy to Bari's Piazza Mercantile and Lecce's illuminated Piazza Sant'Oronzo. The decorated trulli houses in Alberobello and seasonal delicacies like pettole create an enchanting holiday atmosphere.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bari, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Lecce Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
23% off- US$946
Discovering Lecce
“Excellent combination of activities and the guides for each were all exceptional.”
Sandra, traveled in May
Baroque streets of Lecce come alive with local Christmas markets. Holiday cooking classes with Cesarinas showcase traditional cuisine, while decorated trulli houses in Alberobello and Ostuni's white-washed lanes capture the festive spirit.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lecce Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian Operator TUI Italia From $814
15% off- US$692
Holiday magic fills Bari's charming old town, where Christmas lights illuminate ancient streets. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas - home of the real Santa Claus - welcomes visitors, while cooking classes teach traditional festive Apulian dishes. Byzantine church ruins and medieval houses at 'Isolato 49' add historic charm.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian Operator TUI Italia From $825
15% off- US$701
Spend 7 days visiting Venice's canals and Bari's Adriatic coast during Christmas and New Year. St. Mark's Square gets decked out for the holidays, and you'll see the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia in Monopoli plus the trulli churches in Alberobello's Rione Monti area with daily breakfasts included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Venice, Bari, Alberobello, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,786
35% off- US$1,161
Matera's atmosphere works well for holiday getaways, with the illuminated Sassi visible from Belvedere di Murgia Timone at dusk and quiet walks through Piazza San Pietro Caveoso's tranquil squares. Casa Grotta nei Sassi shows millennia of rock-dwelling traditions, and you'll see the Cattedrale's elevated position. Hotel Sassi offers award-winning accommodations with balconies and continental breakfast buffets featuring fresh local specialties like pane di Matera bread.
Duration 3 days Destinations Matera Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From $185
20% off- US$148+$185 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Naples, Sorrento, Lecce, Monopoli, Bari Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Interrailing Packages From
20% off- US$1,863
Seasonal wine tastings delight at Trullo di Pezza and Semeraro wineries in Puglia. Holiday markets brighten Alberobello's UNESCO trulli district, while traditional Christmas feasts in historic Lecce osterias satisfy culinary desires. Decorated wine resorts showcase regional winter specialties.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bari, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Monopoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Taranto, Manduria, LecceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Angel Wine Experiences and Enotropea Wine Experiences SL From
20% off- US$14,489
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What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Puglia
- Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour
We so enjoyed the warmth and passion of our wonderful hosts at the olive farm - nothing was too much trouble for Emilio, Clara, Antonio and Michael to make our experience one to be remembered. The freshly cooked food Emilio prepared daily was very tasty and beautifully presented and the accommodation was comfortable. They chauffeured us, and were our guides, taking us to some very pretty and interesting places in Salento and we had the flexibility to have ‘free time’ for as long as we wanted in most places - thank you all (not forgetting the children and Pongo the dog). We then headed to Matera to meet Cosimo our very professional and informative guide for the next couple of days. He explained the history of the whole Sassi and National Park areas, showing us the unique cave like homes, Rupestrian Church with frescoes, and many other sites as well as the pretty flora. He also arranged a delicious food and wine tasting lunch and a cab to our FlixBus depot the next day - thank you Cosimo! We would highly recommend both parts of this tour but the farm stay was a unique and special experience which we will remember fondly.
- 5-Day Puglia & Matera Small-Group Tour from Bari (Max 8)
Disappointing in some respects as follows 1) little to no commentary on the bus 2) no headsets to hear the guide when taking photos 3) picking up and dropping off passengers in Bari cost us 2 hours of our time on the tour
- Discovering Lecce
Excellent combination of activities and the guides for each were all exceptional. The only let down was the hotel which was quite run down, but worst still the air-conditioning wasn't working and although we talked to various hotel staff each day the situation wasn't remedied
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Puglia
What makes Christmas & New Year in Puglia unique compared to other Italian regions?
Puglia's holiday season stands apart with its blend of religious observances and local customs. In Bari the Basilica hosts St. Nicholas celebrations while Matera's ancient caves transform into elaborate nativity scenes. The trulli homes of Alberobello glow with seasonal light displays. Thanks to mild winter weather visitors can easily explore baroque architecture in Lecce or stroll the coastal towns. Local hotels like Hotel Belvedere incorporate regional holiday customs into their guest experience. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Christmas in Puglia felt more authentic and less touristy than other Italian regions with wonderful local traditions and celebrations."
What special New Year's Eve celebrations can I expect in Puglia?
New Year's Eve in Puglia ranges from refined dinners at places like Grand Hotel Tiziano in Lecce to vibrant street celebrations in Bari's Piazza Mercantile. Polignano a Mare draws crowds for its seaside fireworks display while Alberobello's distinctive trulli district comes alive with lights and festivities. Most tours feature the traditional Cenone di Capodanno dinner showcasing local dishes. A TourRadar traveler shared: "New Year's Eve in Polignano a Mare was spectacular - fireworks reflecting off the Adriatic Sea while we celebrated in the piazza."
How is the weather in Puglia during Christmas & New Year period?
Winter in Puglia brings mild Mediterranean conditions with coastal areas like Bari seeing daytime temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F). Inland cities such as Matera tend to be cooler at 8-10°C (46-50°F). Coastal snow is unusual though light rain can occur. Properties like Hotel Dimora del Monaco in Lecce offer heated rooms for winter comfort. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The winter weather was perfect for exploring - cool enough for walking tours but still sunny enough to enjoy outdoor cafes."
Which cities in Puglia are best to visit during Christmas & New Year?
Key holiday destinations include Lecce with its lit-up baroque streets Alberobello where trulli houses sparkle with seasonal decorations and Matera where the ancient sassi district hosts living nativity scenes. Bari draws visitors to its Christmas markets and San Nicola Basilica celebrations while Polignano a Mare offers memorable New Year's fireworks. Hotels like the Boston in Bari and President in Lecce serve as convenient bases. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Spending Christmas Eve in Matera's candlelit sassi was absolutely unforgettable."
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in Puglia?
Five to seven-day tours during the holiday season typically cost between 950 USD and 2500 USD per person. This covers accommodations at properties like Hotel Imago Plus in Bari guided excursions select meals and holiday activities. Budget extra for special events like gala dinners (100-150 USD) optional tours and personal expenses. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The Christmas period was slightly more expensive but worth it for the special festivities and decorations throughout Puglia."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in Puglia?
Securing holiday tours 6-8 months ahead is essential given high demand and limited rooms at preferred hotels like Hotel Imago Plus in Bari or Hotel President in Lecce. By September many tours reach 75% capacity particularly for smaller groups. Early planning often means better rates and more choice in holiday activities. A TourRadar traveler advised: "We booked our Christmas tour 7 months ahead and were glad we did as many hotels were fully booked by autumn."