Gentian & Sophia

Wedding guest gallery

Thank you so much for traveling so far & being there with us on our special day. We had the most amazing time with you! We hope you love these photos as much as we do. Please find the galleries located below.

Photo saving tip: On mobile, press & hold the photo, then click "save to photos". On desktop, drag & drop.

CENA NEL BOSCO

June 16th

THE WEDDING

June 17th

IPHONE

BRIDAL PARTY

Dear guests,

We are beyond grateful to have you in our lives and couldn’t imagine celebrating our wedding without you. Thank you for joining us to share this special day—we’re so excited to create unforgettable memories together!

With love,
Gentian & Sophia

Të dashur të ftuar,

Jemi jashtëzakonisht mirënjohës që ju kemi në jetën tonë dhe nuk mund ta imagjinojmë ta festojmë dasmën tonë pa ju. Faleminderit që po bashkoheni me ne për të ndarë këtë ditë të veçantë—jemi shumë të lumtur të krijojmë kujtime të paharrueshme së bashku!

Ju përqafojmë,
Gentian & Sophia

About the location

Where is the wedding?

Masseria Grieco

Masseria Grieco is a 16th-century estate located in the Itria Valley outside the city of Ostuni. Once a traditional family masseria used for farming and olive cultivation, it has been thoughtfully restored while maintaining its traditional architecture. The property features ten iconic "trulli" - historic stone houses with cone-shaped roofs that are unique to Puglia and can be seen as you travel throughout the region. We cannot wait to create memories and celebrate our love in this beautiful destination with you!

Where is it located?

Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

Masseria Grieco is located in the countryside of Ostuni in Puglia, Italy. Puglia is one of Italy’s 20 regions and is situated in the southeastern tip, forming the "heel" of the Italian boot. The region offers a beautiful blend of land and sea throughout, and shares a stunning Adriatic coastline with Albania.

Masseria Grieco's address is Contrada Grieco, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy.

Wedding event details

Please see the wedding schedule below

Cena nel Bosco

June 16th at 7pm

Join us at Masseria Grieco for a welcoming evening in the Italian countryside and to enjoy together dinner, spritz, and music.

Dress code: summer whites attire

Dress code detailsRSVP

The Wedding Ceremony

June 17th at 4:30pm

Guests are invited to gather underneath the oak tree for our outdoor ceremony at Masseria Grieco, followed by aperitivo under the apulian sun. Please arrive at the oak tree at 4:30pm, as the ceremony will begin promptly at 5pm.

Dress code: semi-formal attire

Dress code detailsRSVP

The Reception & After-Party

June 17th at 7pm

Continue the celebration with joy, laughter, dinner and dancing to end the night!

Dress code: semi-formal attire

RSVP

We're counting down the days

Accommodations

Discover our guide below for sogni d'oro (sweet dreams)

#1
Masseria Grieco

Our first recommendation is staying onsite at Masseria Grieco. This is where all wedding events will take place and where Gentian and Sophia will be staying. Guests staying at the Masseria can enjoy included daily breakfast buffet from 8am - 10am, an outdoor infinity pool, and most importantly, extra time with the couple!

All rooms at the venue are exclusively reserved for our wedding guests from June 16th - June 18th. To reserve your room, please click "LEARN MORE" below. Room rates start at €230/night (2 nights required) and room availability is limited. We encourage you to book early as reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

LEARN MORE

#2
Masseria Cervarolo

Masseria Cervarolo is a lovely countryside hotel with tradititional apulian architecture and is a 7-minute drive from Masseria Grieco.

LEARN MORE

#3
Ostuni Palace Hotel

The Ostuni Palace Hotel is a boutique hotel in Ostuni's city center and is a 20-minute drive from Masseria Grieco.

LEARN MORE

#4
AirBnbs

There are modern and traditional apulian style Airbnbs in the Ostuni area that are also a great option.

LEARN MORE

Travel details

Hop in. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Puglia

Traveling to Puglia

Flying to Puglia

Flying into Puglia
•⁠ The closest airports are Bari Airport (1 hour drive) and Brindisi Airport (45 minute drive). Both offer direct flight options from major European cities (ex. Rome, Milan, Tirana and London have direct flights offered by airlines like Ryanair, ITA Airways, Wiz Air, and easyJet).

IMPORTANT! Direct flights from the USA
•⁠ There is a brand new direct flight from New York to Bari Airport, provided by the airline Neos. Flights depart from JFK every Tuesday and return from Bari every Wednesday in the summertime. Tickets can be booked directly on their website: us.neosair.com. Additionally, there are also direct flights from New York to Naples Airport in the summertime if you are planning to spend some time in the Naples area.

Connecting flights from the USA
•⁠ Depending on your travel plans, another option is to book a connecting flight (or connecting flight with a few days layover for sightseeing) from the USA to Puglia. A few popular routes are flying into Rome Airport, Milan Airport or London Heathrow Airport, all of which offer frequent direct flights to Puglia.

Departing from Albania
•⁠ There are multiple direct daily flights from Tirana Airport to Bari Airport.

Our tip for booking flights
•⁠ We recommend using Google Flights to compare flight options, prices, and routes. They also offer a feature to explore multi-city routes, which is convenient if you're flying into one city and departing from another (ex. flying into Rome and flying out of Tirana).
•⁠ Here is the link: https://www.google.com/travel/flights

Driving to Puglia

If you're flying into Rome or Naples, renting a car is also an option to reach Puglia depending on your travel preferences and plans.

•⁠ From Rome: It’s about a 5-hour drive to Ostuni.
•⁠ From Naples: It’s about a 3-hour drive to Ostuni.

All major companies are available for car rental at the airport. We recommend securing your car reservation in advance. Our preferred car rental company is Sixt: https://www.sixt.com/

Sailing to Puglia

For guests traveling from Albania, taking the ferry to Puglia from Durrës or Vlorë is also an option. The ferry ride allows you also to bring your car on board.

Vlorë to Brindisi ferry
•⁠ Operates with 4 daily crossings
•⁠ Sailing is about 5.5–7.5 hours with option for overnight rides + sleep cabins
•⁠ Operated by European Seaways and Star Lines​

Durrës to Bari ferry
•⁠ Operates with 5 daily crossings
•⁠ Sailing is about 8–10 hours with option for overnight rides + sleep cabins
•⁠ Operated by GNV, Adria Ferries, and Ventouris Ferries​

Helpful links
•⁠ Ferry booking: https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/
•⁠ Extra list of ferry routes (Croatia & Greece): https://www.charmingpuglia.com/en/travel-services/apulia-ferries

Training to Puglia

You can reach Puglia by train from various cities throughout Italy. We recommend taking the train from Rome though so you can you can book a high-speed fast train offered by the train provider "Italo". These trains are very comfortable and a great option to travel throughout Italy.

Italo
•⁠ Italo offers a direct highspeed train from Rome to Bari that is around 4-hours. Tickets start at €30 per person, one-way.
•⁠ Website: https://www.italotreno.com/en

Trenitalia
•⁠ While Trenitalia also offers highspeed trains from Rome or Naples, they are with a connection.
•⁠ Website: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

A few "good to knows" about train travel in Italy -
•⁠ On train websites you book by the train station name instead of the city name. Rome = Roma Termini, Naples = Napoli Centrale and Bari = Bari Centrale.
•⁠ Train tickets can be booked in advance directly on Train websites. "Italo" routes are already available for June booking now.
•⁠ As these are "pre-booked" tickets for specific dates/times, you do not need to validate these tickets in the ticketing machines upon boarding at Italian train stations.
•⁠ There is a dedicated space between train carts to place your luggage, however it fills up quickly. We recommend arriving at your train 30-minutes in advance to guarantee space for our luggage.

If you have any questions about train travel, please reach out to us and we would be happy to provide you with more details.

Getting around Puglia

Renting a car

Renting a car in Puglia is highly recommended for exploring the region, as many charming villages, masserias, and beaches are best reached by car.

Rental locations
•⁠ Both Bari and Brindisi Airports have a variety of car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt that can be booked in advance. You can specify during your booking if you would like an automatic or manual vehicle.

Driving tips
•⁠ Roads are generally well-maintained and not too crowded. Our biggest tip would be to avoid driving into historic city centers as the roads can become very tight there. Often times, it is actually forbidden to enter these areas with your car anyway like in Ostuni, Locorotondo, Bari Old Town, and Polignano a Mare. It is recommend to park closely to the city center and enter the village by foot.

Parking
•⁠ Parking is available at most hotels, masserias, and public lots, but always check with your accommodations.

Key requirements
•⁠ A valid driver’s license; some companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU residents. In our experience, with Sixt we did not need to provide an IDP.
•⁠ Here is a helpful Youtube video about car rentals abroad: https://youtu.be/FkICwNahTDg?si=WiVw0gmQ54SYsct_

Taxi services

Getting around by taxi is a convenient option if you'd prefer to avoid renting a car. While town centers are very walkable in Puglia and typically don’t require car transport within town centers, using a car, taxi, or train is required for traveling between towns.

For taxis, we recommend the company "Taxi NCC Ostuni" for pre-booked taxi services and airport transfers.

Please see provided quotes from Carlo on their team for a few route examples:

⁠Masseria Grieco to Bari airport
•⁠ ⁠Car cost for 2 passengers €140
•⁠ ⁠MiniVan cost for 3-7 passengers €150

⁠Masseria Grieco to Brindisi airport
•⁠ ⁠Car cost for 2 passengers €100
•⁠ ⁠MiniVan cost for 3-7 passengers €110

⁠Masseria Grieco to Polignano a Mare
•⁠ ⁠Car cost for 2 passengers €90
•⁠ ⁠MiniVan cost for 3-7 passengers €110

⁠Masseria Grieco to Ostuni city center
•⁠ ⁠Car cost for 2 passengers €30
•⁠ ⁠MiniVan cost for 3-7 passengers €40

Here is their cell number (+393347813370) and email (info@taxinccostuni.com). You can also check out their website/media below:
https://www.taxinccostuni.com/
https://www.instagram.com/taxi_n.c.c.ostuni

Regional train

If you would like to avoid renting a car, there are also regional trains running throughout Puglia's main cities offered by the train provider "Trenitalia" which is also a great way to discover the region. Tickets are available for booking both on the train provider website or at the train stations prior to your train ride. These types of trains usually have frequent daily routes and do not sell out so you can be more flexible with your planning for these.

Details for key routes:

•⁠ ⁠Brindisi to Ostuni is about a 20-minute route from €4 per person
•⁠ Bari to Ostuni is about a 1-hour route from €7 per person
•⁠ Bari to Polignano a Mare is about a 40-minute route from €3 per person
•⁠ Ostuni to Polignano a Mare is about a 28-minute route from €4 per person
•⁠ There are several other routes connecting major cities like Bari, Brindisi, Ostuni, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Lecce, etc.
•⁠ For schedules and tickets, visit Trenitalia's website: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

If you have more questions about regional train travel, please reach out to us. We would be happy to give you more tips on train travel in Italy.

FAQ

When should I book my flights?

It’s recommended to book flights to Puglia as soon as you finalize your travel plans for better pricing and availability.

Should I go to Bari or Brindisi airport?

Both are great options. ⁠Brindisi airport is closer to the venue at a 45-minute drive. Bari ⁠airport is a bit farther (about 1 hour), but usually offers more diverse and frequent flight options.

Need more help?

No worries, we are here to help. Please give us a call or text.

Things to do

Puglia recommendations from countryside to coast

Polignano a Mare & Monopoli

Polignano a Mare is a stunning coastal town perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Adriatic sea. It's famous beach "Lama Monachile" sits between the cliffs and is incredibly picturesque (but if you want to grab a spot to sun bathe and swim, go as early in the day as possible - it can become very crowded due to its fame). We had great food at the restaurant Sunshine (loved the riso, patate e cozze/mussels). For a quick lunch to go, don't miss La Focacceria Delle Noci Marco nearby the Lama Monachile beach.

Monopoli is a lovely seaside town 15 minutes from Polignano. It is known for its charming old town with narrow streets, vibrant piazzas, coastal views, and lively harbor. This is another great town for exploring, relaxing, and enjoying delicious seafood.

Alberobello

Alberobello, meaning "beautiful tree," is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique trulli village. Visitors can walk through the winding streets and explore the trulli—used today as homes, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visiting here is "trulli" a step back in time! We highly recommend a visit here.

Helpful tip: The town can get crowded in the summer months starting from 10am. We recommend going as early in the day as possible—arriving by 8am would be ideal. Start your morning there with a stroll, breakfast at a café and enjoy the charm of Alberobello before the crowds arrive.

After your visit, a short 10-minute drive to the stunning botanical gardens at Giardini Pistola is a must! Entry to both Alberobello and Giardini Pistola is free. Locorotondo (more info below) is also a short drive away from Alberobello, so this could be another great town to visit.

If you're hungry after your busy morning, you could grab lunch nearby at Da Silve* in Fasano or by the sea at Coccaro Beach Club* (great seafood and pasta dishes).

Ostuni

Ostuni, the "White City", is a beautiful hilltop town known for its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and ocean views. It’s full of small shops, restaurants, and gelaterias, perfect for an evening stroll after a day by the beach or pool.

During a walk in Ostuni we recommend stopping for dinner at Osteria Pizzeria Sant’Oronzo (try the orecchiette al pomodoro with mozzarella di bufala & mussels with focaccia), Operaprima*, Trattoria Fave e Fogghje* (the crocchette di patate & orecchiette con le cime di rapa were amazing) and sweets to go from Pasticciotti Tradizionali (they sell traditional oval-shaped pastries with sweet fillings local to the region). In the outskirts (this spot best accessible by car), we also recommend a quick lunch to go at Panificio A. Valente (amazing focaccia barese and pettole).

For beach clubs a short drive from Ostuni, check out Cala Maka and Il Santos. For night clubs, we recommend Badawï.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo is a charming hilltop town known for its narrow winding streets, local wines, and scenic views of the Itria Valley. Its name, meaning "round place," reflects the town's circular layout. It is another great spot to visit in the evening for a relaxing aperitivo, dinner, or to do some shopping at the small artisanal stores.

Locorotondo and Alberobello are about a 15 minute drive apart so this could be another great village to visit afterwards!

Bari

Bari is the largest city (and capital) of Puglia. This is also where one of the international airports is located. Situated right on the coast, it's a great place to visit for traditional barese food and exploring the charming old town. A famous street is "Via della Orecchietta" (photographed on the left) - it is filled with locals making and selling traditional orecchiette pasta right in front of you every day. If you visit Bari, having a walk around there is a must!

For lunch or dinner in the old town, we recommend Ristorante La Cecchina* (try the crema di fave (fave bean purée) and seafood pasta dishes). There are also plenty of places in the city to grab focaccia barese, a local focaccia pizza that originates from the city of Bari.

Further South

If you travel further south of Ostuni, you will find some of the most stunning beaches in all of Puglia! We have heard popular beach destinations are Torre dell’Orso, Sant’Andrea, Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. At the very tip of Italy, Pescoluse, known as the "Maldives of Salento" is also extremely famous for its white sands and turquoise waters.

The city of Lecce is another beautiful city to visit in the evening after exploring these beaches. Its baroque architecture throughout the city has made it known as the "Florence of the South"!

Matera

Matera, located in the neighboring region of Basilicata, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient cave homes carved into the cliffs of the city. The old town is full of narrow alleys and ancient structures that date back thousands of years.

Matera is about a 1-hour drive from Bari and 1.5-hour drive from Ostuni.

FAQ

How should I travel between towns?

The best way to travel between towns is by car—either via your car rental or taxi. If you are planning on visiting several towns, a car rental will be more economical as taxi fares for long distances can be high. Another option is taking the train between towns, however please note train access to beach areas is not always available.

Once you are in the towns, you do not need a car as the town centers are very walkable.

Where do I park when I drive?

Many visitors and locals drive in Puglia, so parking in the region can become challenging and require some creativity during the high season.

Here are some useful tips:
•⁠ Use Google Maps on your phone instead of your car GPS system. Google Maps works very well in Italy and will help you navigate even the small roads. When parking, aim to get as close as possible to your destination without driving into the old town (which is usually restricted to enter by car anyway). Outside the old town, you will find parking lots or street parking. You may need to walk 10 minutes or so to reach the heart of the town, but this will usually be a pleasant and walkable route anyway.
•⁠ Look for public or private parking lots. Type in in "parking" or "parcheggio" in the search field on Google Maps to pre-identify some parking lots before leaving for your destination.
•⁠ If your accommodations are in these towns, coordinate with your hotel/AirBnb for their designated parking areas.
•⁠ Ask a local. When in doubt, you could always ask someone for some tips/help on where to park!

Do I need to make reservations at restaurants?

There are many restaurants throughout the region, so securing a reservation is not always required. Within each city, there will always be places you can get a table by walking in. If you want to go somewhere specific, however, you can call or WhatsApp text ahead.

Specifically at restaurants we've mentioned above, we have placed an asterisk (*) next to the name we would recommend making a reservation in advance.

Is there any specific food I should try?

Yes!! The food in Puglia is amazing. It is very vegetarian friendly, but there is also delicious seafood and meat dishes.

Some foods that are local to the Puglia region that you will see often on menus (and are definitely worth a try) will be:
•⁠ Orecchiette – Traditional pasta shaped like little ears, often served with a sauce made from tomatoes or broccoli.
•⁠ Focaccia Barese – A thick, fluffy bread topped with olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano.
•⁠ Taralli – Savory, crunchy, bready cracker that will probably be served at some point in your bread basket.
•⁠ Burrata – A creamy, rich cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often paired with fresh tomatoes or as part of a salad.
•⁠ Panzerotti – Fried pockets of dough filled with mozzarella, tomato, or other fillings.
•⁠ Frittura di Mare – A mix of fried seafood.
•⁠ Pettole – Fried dough balls.
•⁠ Riso, Patate e Cozze – A comforting dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels, typically baked together.
•⁠ Fave e Cicoria – A creamy fave bean purée, usually served with chicory and olive oil.
•⁠ Pasticciotti – A sweet, shortcrust pastry filled with creamy custard, often served as a dessert or snack.

You will also find on the menu other Italian classic dishes. There are also plenty of delicious pizzerias throughout the region that are always amazing :)

You've got questions...

Grab a cappuccino-
we've got answers

FAQ

Will the events be outside?

Yes, all wedding events will be held outdoors.

What is the weather typically like in June?

June in Ostuni is warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 75–85°F (24–29°C) and cooler evenings around 60–70°F (16–21°C). We recommend light clothing for the day and a layer for the evening.

When do I need to RSVP by?

Please RSVP no later than April 15th.

What is the dress code for the events?

We have created a moodboard to provide inspiration for the dress code of each event. Please see here: https://myblissandbone.com/gentianandsophia1/#p487333

Can I bring a plus one, other family, or children?

We’re so excited to celebrate with you! Kindly note the guest list is limited to those specifically invited on your written invitation. If your invite did not mention a plus one, other family, or children, we kindly ask that you attend solo (or only with the guests noted on your invitation). Thank you for understanding.

Can I stay at the wedding venue?

Yes, our guests will have exclusive access to the entire venue from June 16th - June 18th, with all 25 rooms at Masseria Grieco reserved for this period. For more details, please visit the accommodations page.

Will there be parking at the venue?

Yes, there will be plenty of free parking available at the venue for all guests, regardless if you are staying on or off the venue property.

What is Masseria Grieco's address?

Masseria Grieco is located on Contrada Grieco, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy.

Please note there is a gate at the entrance. Simply press the intercom and provide your name to be let in. For driving instructions or contact information, please visit Masseria Grieco's website at https://www.masseriagrieco.com/en/contact/

Please note the venue is located in the countryside of Ostuni, so rental cars or taxis are the recommended options to getting there.

Do you recommend any hair salons nearby?

Yes! On the outskirts of Ostuni there is a great salon, "Moro Parrucchieri di Massimo Moro" located on Via Venezia, 1, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy.

Here is his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/massimo_il_moro/