Alberobello, Massiera Fragnite Mozzarella producer and Ostuni

We are back on our own today, seizing the freedom of our last car rental day with an early start to make the most of a packed schedule. Our journey takes us to three captivating destinations, each over an hour from Bari, showcasing the diverse beauty and culture of Puglia.

First, we head to **Alberobello**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its whimsical *trulli*—unique, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that dot the landscape like something out of a fairytale. These iconic structures, built without mortar using ancient dry-stone techniques, are a hallmark of the Itria Valley. Strolling through the Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola districts, we marvel at the trulli’s intricate limestone designs, some adorned with mysterious symbols said to ward off evil. Many of these homes now house charming shops, cafes, or museums, offering a glimpse into their historical use as dwellings or storage. We pause to savor a coffee in a trullo café, soaking in the village’s timeless charm and snapping photos of the conical rooftops against the bright Puglian sky.

Next, we visit **Masseria Fragnite**, a traditional Apulian farmhouse turned mozzarella producer, where the art of cheesemaking comes alive. Nestled in the rolling countryside, this masseria offers an authentic taste of Puglia’s culinary heritage. We’re greeted by the scent of fresh milk as we tour the dairy, learning how creamy, handcrafted mozzarella and burrata are made from local cow’s milk using time-honored techniques. The highlight is a tasting session, where we savor the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella paired with crusty bread and local olive oil. The masseria’s rustic setting, with its stone walls and olive groves, invites us to linger, connecting us to the region’s agrarian roots.

Our final stop is **Ostuni**, the "White City," perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Known for its dazzling whitewashed buildings, Ostuni’s labyrinthine streets glow under the Mediterranean sun, creating a postcard-perfect scene. We wander through the historic center, where medieval arches, narrow alleys, and the Gothic-style Ostuni Cathedral, with its ornate rose window, captivate our senses. The city’s vibrant energy is palpable in its bustling piazzas, where locals sip espresso and artisans sell handmade ceramics. We climb to the top of the old town for a breathtaking view of olive groves stretching toward the sea, before enjoying a plate of *orecchiette alle cime di rapa* at a local trattoria, savoring Puglia’s bold flavors.