Guide to Italy
Monopoli
This is the town closest to our wedding venue. Here you'll find a charming coast next to the historic old town. Wander the alleys of the Centro Storico, admire traditional fishing boats in the old harbor, and explore the seaside Castello Carlo V. You'll find some small beaches and coves within walking distance including Cala Porta Vecchia, Porto Bianco, Porto Verde, and Spiaggia di Cala Porto Rosso. Must See: Monopoli Cathedral, Castello Carlo V, Porto Antico Must Try: Panzerotti, Seafood
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is another coastal town in the region, known for being on a high cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It's most popular beach, Lama Monachile, sits at the bottom of 2 cliffs. It provides unique, stunning views and there are no other beaches like it in the region (but it can get quite crowded in the summer). Must See: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Roma, Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano Must Try: Focaccia
Bari
Bari is Puglia's capital and largest city, with a historic Old Town and a modern new district. In the old town you will find medieval streets, the Basilica di San Nicola, and fresh pasta makers. In the Modern Quarter (Murat), you will find modern buildings, shopping districts and many popular stores and restaurants. Bari is a transport hub, and has many connections to the rest of Italy and Europe. Must See: Basilica di San Nicola, Castello Svevo, Lungomare of Bari Must Try: Orecchiette Pasta (you might find this being made on the street!)
Ostuni
Ostuni, nicknamed the "White City," is a whitewashed hilltop town in Puglia's Itria Valley, offering panoramic views of ancient olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. Its charming streets are filled with whitewashed houses, small cafes, boutiques, and the prominent Gothic Cathedral. Must See: Ostuni Cathedral, Piazza della Libertà Must Try: Cavatelli Pasta, Taralli
Alberobello
Alberobello is a unique UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic trulli - traditional dry-stone huts with distinctive conical roofs. Located in the heart of the Itria Valley, the town's two main districts, Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, feature hundreds of these historic structures, many of which now house shops, restaurants, and small hotels. Must See: Trullo Sovrano, Belvedere Santa Lucia, Villa Comunale Belvedere Must Try: Pasqualino (a sandwich unique to Alberobello)
Rome
Rome is known as the eternal capital of Italy. The city offers numerous historical sites, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Here you will also find world-class art and culture, enjoy iconic Italian cuisine in local piazzas, and explore famous shopping districts. Must See: Vatican City, Colosseum, Spanish Steps (to name a few!) Must Try: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Pinsa Our favourite restaurants: 1) La Tavernatta 29 2) Fuorinorma 3) Osteria da Fortunata 4) Otello
Florence
One of our favourite cities in Italy!! Florence is the heart of the Italian Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany. The city has plenty of artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery and works by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery. Here you can walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, admire the Duomo, and explore historic piazzas. Florence is a pedestrian-friendly city that offers rich culinary experiences and serves as an ideal base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. Must See: Piazza del Duomo, Accademia Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo Must Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina:, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Tuscan wine Our favourite restaurants: 1) L’Girone de Ghiotti 2) Osteria Vecchio Cancello 3) Auditore Ristorante (get the Florentine Steak!) 4) Osteria La Dolce Vita
Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the south-west coast of Italy, so may be a strategic stopover for before or after the wedding. The town is known for its dramatic cliff views and historic charm. Key activities include exploring the old town, enjoying panoramic views over the Bay of Naples, and dining in Marina Grande. The town provides an excellent base for day trips to other towns in the area such as Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Must See: Villa Comunale di Sorrento, Centro Storico, Marina Grande Must Try: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Ravioli alla Caprese, Limoncello Spritz Our favourite restaurants: 1) Enjoy the Little Things Bistrot 2) A’Marenna 3) Buenos Aires 4) Ristorante Bagni Il Delfino
