We can't wait to celebrate with you in Puglia. Here's everything you need to plan your trip.
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the celebration
The Day
The venue
Masseria Villa Gioia
A noble country villa, built in 1790, just outside Corato
Arrival & Welcome Drinks15:45
The Ceremony16:30Followed by aperitivo, with drinks and plenty of food, as the sun goes down.
Dinner19:00Please take your seats by 18:45 for dinner beneath the stars.
Dancinguntil lateMusic and dancing into the night.
Getting to the villa
Shuttles will run from Corato and Trani, arriving at the villa for 15:45. Pickup points and times will be shared nearer the day. There is one shuttle back to Corato and Trani at the end of the night.
getting there
Flights & Travel
Bari is the closest airport to Corato, with direct flights from several UK airports. Brindisi is a good alternative if the flights suit you better.
Bari Airport (BRI)about 40 min
Brindisi Airport (BDS)about 1 hr 45
Trani to Corato15 to 20 min
Drive times are approximate. You can either hire a car or get a taxi or transfer from the airport, as neither is too far away. September is popular, so book flights early.
where to rest
Where to Stay
Two lovely bases, each with its own feel. Corato keeps you close to the villa. Trani puts you by the sea.
Closest to the villa
Corato
A traditional country town just a few minutes from Villa Gioia, surrounded by olive groves. It's quiet and relaxed, with a pretty old town of white-stone streets and little piazzas. It's also known across Italy for its olive oil, made from the local Coratina olive.
Don't miss
The old town, with its winding white-stone lanes
Santa Maria Maggiore, the main church, first recorded in 1081
Palazzo de Mattis, a Renaissance palace from 1579
Teatro Comunale, a pretty 19th-century theatre
Eat & drink
Coratina extra virgin olive oil
Fresh burrata from local dairies
Bombino Nero rosé and Castel del Monte red wines
Orecchiette, focaccia and taralli
best for an easy wedding day, a quieter stay and a real taste of local life
15–20 minutes away, by the sea
Trani
Often called the pearl of Puglia. Trani is a white-stone harbour town on the Adriatic, with a cathedral that seems to rise straight out of the sea. Evenings are made for strolling the harbour, then eating fresh seafood by the water.
Don't miss
Trani Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece on the water, begun in the 11th century
The harbour at sunset, lined with boats, cafés and restaurants
Castello Svevo, the seafront castle built by Emperor Frederick II
The old Jewish quarter and its medieval synagogues
Villa Comunale, shady public gardens overlooking the sea
Eat & drink
Fresh seafood: mussels, octopus, prawns and raw crudo
Moscato di Trani, the local sweet dessert wine
Gelato for the evening passeggiata
The best restaurants sit a street or two back from the harbour
best for making a holiday of it, sea swims, sunsets and dinners out
where we recommend
Places We Love
These places have kindly offered our guests a special rate. Book directly with them, not through a booking site, and quote “Talia & Sikander's Wedding – 11 September 2027” so they know you're with us.
€ good value€€ mid-range€€€ a treat
CoratoComfortable and good value
L'Aura Stone Room€
Characterful stone rooms in Corato, the closest of our picks to the villa. Better rates for longer stays.
A hotel in Corato with an outdoor pool, private parking and a buffet breakfast. Lots of rooms, including family rooms. Rooms are held for us until 18 January 2027.
Modern rooms and suites on the seafront side of Trani, with a breakfast room, gym and solarium. The wedding rate is for stays between 8 and 13 September booked before 31 December 2026.
Book on their website and enter the code Wedding · Book here · Triples and cots: WhatsApp +39 334 353 3888
Sotrani€€
A small, friendly B&B with breakfast included. Minimum two nights.
If you'd prefer somewhere else, Booking.com and Airbnb both have good options in each town. There are shuttles to the villa from both towns on the day.
make a holiday of it
Explore Puglia
If you're staying a few days, these are all an easy drive from Corato.
Castel del Monteabout 30 minA mysterious octagonal castle on a hilltop.
Traniabout 20 minSeafood by the harbour and the cathedral at sunset.
Bari Vecchiaabout 40 minThe old town, where you can watch the orecchiette being made in the streets.
Materaabout 1 hrAn ancient city carved into the rock. recommended by the bride's family
Polignano a Mareabout 1 hrWhite clifftop town above turquoise water.
Alberobelloabout 1 hr 15The famous cone-roofed trulli houses. recommended by the bride's family
Drive times from Corato are approximate.
good to know
Questions
What will the weather be like?
Usually warm and sunny by day, often around the high 20s, and cooler in the evening. A light layer for later is a good idea.
What should I wear to the wedding?
Elegant summer. Think a summer evening in the Italian countryside.
Can I bring extra guests?
Our venue has a strict guest limit, so we can only welcome the guests named on your invitation. Thank you for understanding.
Do I need a visa?
UK passport holders can visit Italy visa-free for short stays. Please check your passport has enough validity left before booking.
