Located in Northern Italy, Piedmont, which translates to “at the mountain’s feet”, is aptly named for the scenic province’s location. Piedmont is regularly overshadowed by other popular Italian destinations, which is a shame as it truly has so much to offer – from stunning landscapes, regional culinary delights and cultural treasures. Here’s why we think Piedmont should be your next travel destination.
Capital Turin
Turin, the capital of Piedmont, is a vibrant and impressive European city. However, it is often overlooked in favour of Italy’s more popular tourist destinations such as Rome and Milan. Turin truly is a hidden gem with a fascinating history. It was the first capital of Italy from 1861 – 1865, which explains its cosmopolitan and elegant feel. Travelers can explore the cities royal history at the Royal Palace of Turin and the Palazzo Madama, or walk through the beautiful free gardens in Palazzo Reale.
Wander the city streets and admire the beautiful, baroque architecture and sample the wondrous cuisine in its many upscale restaurants and cafes. Turin is also well known for its rich chocolate making history, which often features another famous ingredient from the region – hazelnuts.
The city boasts a wide array of unique cultural activities. Visitors will enjoy Turin’s unique museums such as the Cinema Museum, the Museo Naziolnale dell’Automobile (National Automobile Museum) and the Egyptian Museum, just to name a few. Truly Turin has something to offer every traveler.
Alba Truffle Festival – Truffle Hunting Tour
Located just 50km from the capital, Alba is a gorgeous town nestled amongst rolling hills with vineyards to rival the beauty of Tuscany. This picturesque town is home to one of Italy’s most valuable resources – the white truffle.
Truffles from the Alba region are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Therefore, no visit to Piedmont would be complete without learning more about this elusive culinary ingredient. Join a truffle hunting tour and experience the excitement of foraging with highly trained truffle hunting dogs or come during the months of October to December for the Alba White Truffle Fair, a must for any food enthusiast to experience.
For other amazing Italian destinations to see in the fall, click here.
Barolo
Think the beauty of rolling hills and vineyards can only be found in Tuscany? Think again! The famous Barolo region produces some of Italy’s finest wines sharing the same name. Visit picturesque vineyards for a wine tasting, learn about the process of growing and making Barolo wines and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Many family run wineries still exist in the region such as Marchesi di Barolo , which features a wine library home to over 40,000 bottles and is located in the oppulant Marchesi Falletti di Barolo Castle.
Agriturismos are a popular accommodation option in the region. Similar to a Bed and Breakfast, agriturismos are rooms you can rent on working farms. Often in historic country houses, it is the perfect way to spend time in the countryside with locals who are eager to share their love for the land they cultivate and the amazing wines that it produces.
Reggia di Venaria Reale
This UNESCO world heritage site is also one of the largest royal residences in Europe. Built by the Duke of Savoy in 1675, a tour of this palace will transport you back in time as you enjoy the manicured gardens, opulent halls and beauty of classic Baroque architecture. The Palace was built as a summer residence with 6000 hectares of land for the nobles of the time to enjoy hunting and other leisure outdoor activities. Spring and fall make the perfect time to visit to enjoy the seasonal foliage in all its splendour.
Located just 10 km from Turin, it is easily accessible by public transportation.
Natural Wonders : Lakes and National Parks
When you have had your fill of history and culture, Piedmont offers natural splendor as well. Nature enthusiasts can explore the rugged trails inside national parks such as Gran Paradiso or Val Grande. After a day of hiking, be sure to relax at one of the beautiful mountain view lakes such as Lake Orta or Lake Maggiore. Piedmont offers unspoiled beauty and outdoor adventure for every traveler.
Catch Football Fever : Go to a Juvenus Game
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of an Italian football game by attending a Juventus match. The passion and excitement of the crowd is contagious, even for those who do not know much about the sport. Arguably the most well known Italian Serie A team, you will witness a exciting game surrounded by their loyal fans in their home city of Turin.
A Region Full of Gastronomic Delights
The perfect region for food lovers, indulge in this region’s historically rich food culture. Experience Turin’s cafe culture and its famous chocolate. Dine on Razza Piemontese – tender and flavourful beef from prized Piedmont native cattle. Another must try dish is the region’s pasta such as Tajarin, a thin egg pasta or Agnolotti, a ravioli like filled pasta. The region is also known for its incredible variety of local cheeses such as Bettlematt, Castelmagno, Raschera and Tomino. Not to be forgotten is the region’s specialty ingredients such as truffles, hazelnuts and Barolo wine.
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