
Piedmont Travel Guide
Welcome to the Piedmont travel guide, your ultimate resource for exploring this stunning northern Italian region. Known for its rich culinary heritage, world-renowned wines, and breathtaking landscapes, Piedmont is a must-visit destination for food and wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike.
Whether you’re wandering through Turin’s historic streets, discovering charming hill towns, or relaxing by the shores of Lake Maggiore, this Piedmont travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Though wine collectors have long adored this corner of Italy, it’s only recently come onto the radar of most other Italian travelers. We have been traveling to Piedmont since attending a Slow Food Terra Madre event over twenty years ago and returning whenever possible. In that time, the classic charms of the wine country hilltowns and Torinese cafes are still there, but the spirit of youth, creativity, and individuality has become even more present.
This region of Italy is one of our favorite places to provide Italy travel planning for fellow food travelers since there is so much to do! Read on for Piedmont travel tips, food and wine recommendations, and must-try classic Piedmont itineraries.
Piedmont Travel Tips
Proper Piedmont travel planning is key to making the most of your visit to this diverse region. Here are some essential Piedmont travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
When to Visit: Fall (September-November) is perfect for wine harvest season and truffle festivals, while spring (April-June) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The winter has its own appeal, though the weather can be frigid and foggy.
Getting Around: Renting a car is the best way to explore Piedmont’s countryside, though Turin has an excellent public transportation system.
Where to Stay in Turin: Choose from elegant hotels in the city center, boutique guesthouses in historic districts, or stylish modern accommodations. Most of our clients stay in the historic city center or the San Salvario neighborhood.
Things to Do in Turin: Visit the Egyptian Museum, explore the grand Piazza Castello, and indulge in Turin’s famous chocolate and coffee culture.
Piedmont Itineraries: Plan a mix of urban exploration in Turin, wine tasting in the Langhe, and relaxing lakeside retreats for a well-rounded experience.
Where To Stay In Piedmont
Turin
Turin, the capital of Piedmont, is a city of grandeur, history, and exceptional gastronomy. Turin is a cultural gem known for its royal palaces, Baroque architecture, and world-class museums. Some top things to do in Turin include visiting the Mole Antonelliana, home to the National Cinema Museum, exploring the regal Palazzo Reale, and strolling through the vibrant Quadrilatero Romano district.
Turin is also famous for its culinary scene, offering delights such as gianduja chocolate, bicerin (a local coffee and chocolate drink), and some of Italy’s finest aperitivo spots. Whether admiring historic sites or savoring Piedmont food and wine, Turin is an essential stop in any Piedmont travel guide.
Wine Country & Hill Towns
The rolling hills of Piedmont are home to some of Italy’s most enchanting towns, each offering its own unique charm. Alba, the truffle capital of Italy, is a paradise for food lovers, especially during the annual White Truffle Fair. Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, is a must-visit for those passionate about sustainable gastronomy.
Asti, famous for its sparkling wine, Asti Spumante, also boasts stunning medieval architecture and lively festivals. These hill towns provide the perfect escape for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Piedmont food and wine, making them a highlight of any Piedmont itinerary.
Lake Maggiore
Located on the border between Piedmont and Lombardy, Lake Maggiore is a breathtaking retreat offering serene landscapes and charming lakeside villages. The Borromean Islands, with their opulent palaces and gardens, are among the most spectacular attractions in the area.
Stresa, a picturesque town along the lake, is an excellent base for exploring the region. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains, while those looking for relaxation can enjoy leisurely boat rides and waterfront dining. A visit to Lake Maggiore adds a touch of tranquility to any Piedmont travel guide itinerary.
Piedmont Food And Wine
No Piedmont travel guide would be complete without diving into its extraordinary culinary and wine traditions. Piedmont food and wine are internationally acclaimed, with the region producing some of Italy’s most prestigious wines and dishes. Must-try specialties include:
Tajarin al Tartufo: Thin egg pasta served with a rich truffle sauce.
Vitello Tonnato: Sliced veal topped with a creamy tuna sauce.
Bagna Cauda: A warm dip made of garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables.
Brasato al Barolo: Slow-cooked beef braised in Barolo wine.
Agnolotti del Plin: Small, hand-pinched pasta filled with meat or vegetables, served with butter and sage.
Bonet: A traditional Piedmontese chocolate and amaretti pudding.
Piedmont is also one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, home to legendary varieties such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto. Whether you’re tasting wine in the Langhe hills or enjoying a traditional meal in Turin, Piedmont food and wine are integral to the region’s appeal.
We’ve arranged all sorts of hands-on food experiences for our travel clients, from private wine tours to truffle hunts and cooking classes in a historic castle to a market or cocktail tour in Turin.
Piedmont Classic Recipes
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Piedmont Travel Planning Resources
Starting to plan Italy travel? Check out these helpful links:
- Apartments: Use code SaltandWindTravel/AM when booking apartment stays with Plum Guide
- Hotels: Book High-Quality Hotels at Booking.com
- Italy Trip Calculator: Get our new budget calculator to estimate your Italy trip cost accurately.
- Italy Trip Planner: Planning a trip to Italy yourself? You’ll want our Italy itinerary planner so you can access our expert travel insights from more than ten years of travel planning in Italy!
- Tours: Book in-depth tours with Context Travel
- Shop: See our favorite travel essentials in our Amazon store
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Frequently Asked Questions About Piedmont Travel
Piedmont, nestled at the foot of the Alps, offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions:
- Turin (Torino): The region's capital, known for its elegant architecture, the renowned Egyptian Museum, and the iconic Mole Antonelliana.
- The Wine Regions of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato: These areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for producing some of Italy's finest wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.
- Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta: Stunning lakes with beautiful islands, historic villas, and picturesque gardens.
- The Alpine Resorts: Such as Sestriere and Bardonecchia, offering excellent skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
- Sacri Monti: A series of nine chapels and sanctuaries in Piedmont and Lombardy, noted for their cultural significance and religious architecture.
Efficiently navigating Piedmont can significantly enhance the visitor experience, enabling deeper exploration of the region:
- Transportation: While some areas are well-connected by public transport, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially when exploring the wine regions and rural areas.
- Accommodations: Options range from luxurious hotels in Turin to charming agriturismos (farm stays) in the countryside, offering authentic experiences and local cuisine.
- Local Cuisine: Piedmont is a gastronomic paradise. Be sure to try dishes like truffle-infused pastas, Bagna Càuda (a warm dip served with vegetables), and Piedmontese beef.
- Seasonal Considerations: The best times to visit are spring and autumn, particularly during the wine harvest season, which offers numerous festivals and tastings.
To fully engage with Piedmont's rich cultural and natural heritage, consider the following activities:
- Wine Tours: Participate in guided wine tours in Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato, which offer insights into the winemaking process and tastings of local varieties.
- Cultural Festivals: Attend local festivals such as the Alba White Truffle Festival and Ivrea's historic Carnival, featuring the famous Battle of the Oranges.
- Outdoor Activities: Explore the Alps for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking, taking advantage of the region's diverse landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Visit historic castles and forts scattered across the region, such as the Fort of Fenestrelle and the castles of the Aosta Valley.