The Piedmont Region of Italy: Complete Guide to Best Places (+ Things to Do)
If you’re looking for a less-touristed destination in Italy that offers more in the way of famous food and wine, and an extraordinary history and Imperial culture that rivals Venice and Rome, then Piedmont, Italy and it’s capital city of Turin are worth a visit.
Honestly, as a slow traveler, I can’t believe it took us as long as it did to visit the Piedmont region of Italy, since it is the birthplace of the slow food movement — and by extension, the slow travel movement.
After many years of wandering around Italy, the Piedmont region left an indelible mark we won’t soon forget. We think It’s one of the best places to visit in northern Italy.
After our month long road trip through Piedmont, we’re sharing this comprehensive guide of things to do in Piedmont, best places to visit, wineries we loved, and where we stayed so you can plan your own visit to Piemonte!
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Where is Piedmont Italy?
So where is Piedmont Italy? “Pay-ah-MON-tey” as the Italians pronounce it, sits at the base of the Alps in northwestern Italy, surrounded by an arc of mountains that hug the region like a warm embrace.
It’s a bucket list destination in Italy if ever there was one.
The unique topography of Piemonte captures the warm sea air that drifts up from the Ligurian sea, cradling it in a pocket against the base of the Italian Alps and alpine lakes in Piedmont, Lake Orta and the west shore of Lake Maggiore.
The climate conditions are ideal for producing the powerhouse Italian wines of Piedmont. But more on that later.
Best Time to Visit Piedmont
Weather in Piedmont Italy can be a bit unpredictable as you might imagine given its proximity to the Alps.
Springtime can be a good time to visit, but nights are sometimes cooler than you might like and late snows are not unheard of.
Summer is also a good time but can be busy with vacationing Italians and Europeans.
Overall, the best time to visit Piemonte is early fall when days are warm (high 60s-70s) and nights are perfectly crisp in the high 40s to mid 50s.
Fall is also the wine harvest season and time to gear up for the famous truffle fair in Alba.
It’s certainly the busiest time of year for foodies and wine lovers, so make sure you plan ahead with reservations for wine tastings and agriturismos.
Getting To and Around Piedmont
Turin-Caselle Airport, or Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle (TRN) is the international airport in Turin (Torino) and services flights from around Europe and beyond.
Ryan Air flys direct here which makes it a good choice for European travelers.
If you’re flying from the US, Canada, South America, or other parts of the world, Milan (Milano) Malpensa (MXP) Airport will offer better rates and more flight options, and is less than :30 minutes from there to the wine towns in Langhe.
We like to fly into Milan, and take the train to Turin for the weekend, or rent a car so you can drive yourself all around Piedmont!
Trenitalia offers lots of scheduled trains from nearby towns, and most places from Piedmont or Lombardy, including Milan, are less than an hour by rail. You can check schedules and book tickets in advance here.
Getting around Turin is especially easy as the historic center is very walkable, and there are local buses and still-working electric trams that can take you further out.
Turin also has a metro system with one line stopping at 21 stations from Fermi to Lingotto, including Porta Nuova and Porta Susa train stations.
If you're looking to road trip in Italy like we did in our few months of travels through Piedmont south to north—or you want to drink wine in Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato—we definitely recommend renting a car or booking a guided tour.
Turin is also just a short drive to Genoa and the Ligurian coast.
It’s an easy and really scenic drive from Turin or southern Piedmont wine towns, or you can take one of the local tourist shuttle buses to the coast.
Sightseeing Torino
If you love sightseeing, there are several perks we recommend taking advantage of when you visit Turin:
Buy Torino City Passes Before You Go!
If you love seeing the major sites — or even if you want to see a few of them — we highly recommend buying the Torino City Pass, and you can buy them right here before you go!
This pre-paid city sightseeing card offers ADMISSION to the main cultural sites in Turin, including the Royal residences in Torino and Piemonte, the contemporary art museums and foundations, and also gives you discounts on certain tourist services and special prices on a range of activities.
Buy your Torino City Pass here — the 24-hour pass; the 2 day Torino City Pass; the 3 day Torino City Pass; or the 5 day Torino City Pass.Hop On Hop Off Torino - If you’re not one to make plans but prefer to come and go as you want, a Hop On, Hop Off bus is a great way to go!
You’ll recognize the buses around the city, and can hop on and off in a 24- or 48-hour period as much as you like.
1 Hour Turin Eco City Tour - the only 100% electric motor, eco-friendly tour in Turin, this tour is a good way to see more than what you otherwise might just by walking.
Cost: €13 adults, €7 children between 4 and 14 years (children under 4 travel free)
What is the Piedmont Region of Italy Known For?
So what is so special about Piedmont and why should you visit Turin and the Piedmont over more famous destinations like Venice or Milan? Well, for many reasons.
Turin and Piedmont are worth visiting if you’re looking for a less-touristed destination that offers even more in the way of famous food and wines, and Italy’s history and culture.
Several of Italy’s famous lakes are located in Piedmont, though they are somewhat less-visited than Lombardy’s which is perfect for slow travelers.
Lake Orta, with its island of silence San Giulio in the middle, and the western shore sites of Cannobio, Stresa, and the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore are both in Piedmont.
Some of the world’s most iconic foods, drinks, luxury and automobile brands all began right here in the Piedmont!
Chocolate, for example, was brought to Turin when Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy moved the Ducal capital to Italy and served it in piping hot cups to the masses.
Imagine sipping on a thick and creamy hot chocolate, a mellow cup of Lavazza coffee, or a perfect Campari vermouth, one of the most beloved Italian liqueurs.
Or perhaps a fine glass of Barolo wine paired with a delectable piece of Gianduja chocolate after dinner is more your speed.
Wines from Piedmont, Italy are renowned among Italy’s finest.
And those Fiat cars you see tooling around Italy?
ALL of these are produced or originated right here in Piedmonte, Italy.
Piedmont Italy Wines
Speaking of a fine glass of Barolo, let’s get to the really good stuff right away — the famous wines made in Piedmont.
Ask any wine lover what comes to mind when you mention Italian wines produced in Piedmont and Barolo will come up.
They might even gaze away longingly as they recall a wine memory like a long lost love.
Piedmont is one of Italy’s most acclaimed wine regions, producing more DOCG wines than any other region in Italy.
And like any truly great wine, you’ll remember the exact time and place where you tasted your first Barolo in Piedmont.
It’s here that the Nebbiolo grape is crafted into Barbera, Barbaresco, and Barolo, the King of Wine.
We list several of our favorite wineries in Piedmont, Italy below.
Unique Things to Do in Piedmont
Distinctive Food and Wine
Like all of Italy, the regional food of Piedmont is truly unique, from pasta to their unique meat specialties.
The glorious and well-aged wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera, or the drinkable Dolcetto and Langhe Nebbiolo, are all made from the exact same grape - Nebbiolo.
The wines of Piedmont are more than enough to plan your entire vacation around. Everything else is icing on the cake!
Slow Food in Bra
Started in the town of Bra as a form of protest against the influx of fast food restaurants in northern Italy, the idea of slow food began as a grassroots movement to bring back the real value of food and respect for food producers working in harmony with the environment and ecosystems.
When you visit Bra, you’ll see the slow food influences everywhere from local restaurants and markets to the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) started in 2004.
It’s the first university of its kind, offering a holistic approach to food studies.
Famous Wines of Langhe
From Asti to Barolo, some small wine towns of the Langhe give away their secrets with just their name, while others like Bra and Alba offer no hint of their true depth.
All of these quaint towns and villages however, are best visited slowly, taking a day here and there to visit the wine shops and museums, and taste the fruits of the vine at the source. If you haven’t rented a car then a joining a day tour is a great option.
The Merenda Reale
Another thing to do in Piedmont that is completely unique to Turin revolves around everyone’s favorite food - chocolate!
Chocolate was brought to Turin in the 16th century, and hot chocolate was actually invented here.
Today, you can taste the same original recipe of Turin’s hot chocolate that was served at court in the 18th century, or taste the celebrated 19th-century chocolate drink known as bicerin in the setting of one of the most historic cafes of Turin.
A lovely way to discover the history of chocolate is by joining a tour like this one.
Juventus Futbol
If you’re even mildly familiar with Italy and sports, you know that Italians take their futbol very seriously.
Futbol fans visiting Turin can try and score tickets to a Juventus game, as the city is home to the Italy Series A championship team.
It might be tough, but you never know. If all else fails, there are several Juventus stores in Turin where you can stock up on fan gear, or you can take a tour of the stadium itself.
NOTE to the uninitiated: don’t mention Team Napoli in Turin or wear any fan gear from Naples! ;-)
Biella Cashmere
The mountain town of Biella in northern Piedmont once had a rich history of wool production.
Dozens of wool mills sat along rivers that flowed down from the mountains and provided the power to operate.
Today, though many of the mills have been shuttered, wool and cashmere are still produced and supplied to the nearby fashion capital of Milan.
What this means for you is great prices on luxury wool and cashmere, and a trip to the Piacenza factory store just outside of town is worth a visit.
Just sayin!
the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont
There are nine unique Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy which consist of separate complexes located in the mountains of Northern Italy (Varallo, Crea, Orta, Varese, Oropa, Ossuccio, Ghiffa, Domodossola, and Valperga).
Each complex includes a number of chapels and other architectural features that were created in the late 16th and 17th centuries and dedicated to different aspects of Christian belief.
What to Eat in Piedmont: Food Specialties
Truffles (Tartufo)
Piedmont, and in particular the countryside around Langhe and Roero, have more hidden treasures in their soil than just grapes.
Truffles are prized here for their heady flavor and some even say aphrodisiac properties.
Travelers and foodies come to Piedmont from around the world to taste these gnarly, earthy knots shaved generously onto many a Piedmontese dish, or hunt for them on a truffle hunting tour.
Italian truffles come in two colors and flavors (though similar) — white and black.
The Alba white truffle is the most prized species of white truffles.
The prized black truffle known as Pregi Otto is also hunted wild, and it’s rich aroma will capture your senses on practically every menu.
A truffle tour is a great way to experience the truffle culture of Piedmont, and it’s one you won’t soon forget.
You’ll spend a few hours or even a full day excursion with a truffle hunter known as a Trifolau and their specially trained truffle dogs hunting for these tasty morsels in the countryside.
>>> An authentic truffle hunting tour in Piedmont can be very pricey especially in fall truffle season. This 5-hour tour including lunch in Piedmont with lots of truffle dishes was a good example that we felt was worth the price! <<<
And considering a tour isn’t the main source of income for the highly-trained hunter and his dog — finding and selling truffles is — we think this a fair price!
Honey
Roero is synonymous with excellence in beekeeping, and Arrow Honey Road, supported by 11 local municipalities, offers visitors a network of local producers who will help you discover the secrets and varieties of this unique niche product.
Cheese
Langhe-Roero excels in traditional cheesemaking and Alta Langa is the area where the best dairy products are made.
Local dairy farmers and artisan cheesemakers welcome visitors who want to experience the cheese making process and taste the varieties produced in Piedmont, namely the Murazzano DOP, the Bra, the Robiola d’Alba, and the Toma of Piedmont, and others.
Carne Cruda
This classic Piedmontese dish is a carnivore’s dream. And while Vegans might go running for the hills, what you discover the first time you try Piedmont Carne Cruda is the importance of proper seasoning in good simple food.
Carne Cruda is a plate of beef tartare — raw beef — that’s expertly seasoned with salt and a hint of fresh herbs, and drizzled with the freshest extra virgin olive oil.
It is a perfect example of the principle behind simple Italian food.
Hazelnut
Cortemilia is regarded as the worlds hazelnut capital due to the hazelnut variety known as Tonda Gentile di Langa that’s grown extensively around the region.
This variety is an essential ingredient in making Gianduja chocolate.
Confectioners from Piedmont who were already acquainted with the properties of local hazelnuts invented the smooth texture hazelnut flavor blend of chocolate in the 19th century.
Bra sausage
One of Piedmont’s most famous foods is the gourmet sausage from the town of Bra, a lean sausage made of veal and flavored with spices and pork belly.
The original recipe however was pork-free as the Hebrew community living in the nearby village of Cherasco bought the sausage from Bra but kept it pork-free according to their kosher rules.
A royal decree in 1867 authorized the butchers of Bra to prepare this traditional sausage as the only exception to the stated prohibition of making sausage from cows.
In Italy every year gourmet sausage makers from around the world come to Bra to taste this delicious specialty food at the Bra Sausage Festival.
Places to Visit in Piedmont: Turin
Turin (Torino)
The architecturally beautiful and very walkable city of Turin (Torino) is a highlight of any visit to Piedmont, Italy, and a visit here is a good complement to your travels through the more peaceful rural nature of this region!
You can see much of Turin in just 2-3 days, but a week isn’t overkill either for history and culture travelers.
After all, Piedmont is home to the Royal House of Savoy so there are enough UNESCO Royal residences, palaces, retreats, and villas you can visit — 22 to be exact.
That’s not even mentioning the wealth of notable museums and historic sites!
If you want to see the major sites, as we mentioned above, we recommend getting the 24-hour Torino City Pass here.
It offers FREE ADMISSION to the main cultural sites in Turin, including FREE ADMISSION to the royal residences in Torino and Piemonte, the museums and foundations devoted to modern and contemporary art, and also offers discounts on the city’s tourist services and special prices on a range of activities.
Visit the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi
This extraordinary 18th century hunting lodge was a favorite retreat for members of the Savoy family.
It was also Napoleon’s residence in the early 19th century, and Queen Margherita’s in the early 20th century. Obviously there was a huge attraction to the property and it’s easy to see why.
The Palace was built on the land belonging to the first donation Emanuele Filiberto made to the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus in 1573, and the Foundation of the Order of St. Maurice still operates the property today.
Admission is €12.00 or FREE with the Torino Card.
The Egyptian Museum
It may seem out of place, but for lovers of Egyptian antiquities and art, a visit to the oldest museum in the world dedicated to Egypt should be at the top of your list.
Turin’s Egyptian Museum is widely regarded as the best museum of its kind in the world outside of Cairo.
>>> You can purchase skip-the-line tickets here and join a small group tour of the Museum. <<<
Sacra Di San Michele
Built between 983 and 987, this ancient 10th century abbey in the Italian Alps is regarded as one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.
The Sacra di San Michele was the inspiration for Umberto Eco’s bestselling novel "The Name of the Rose" (and the subsequent movie starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater).
>>> You can reach the Abbey by car or bus, but we took this shuttle from Turin instead and the cost even includes the admission! <<<
Even though we had a car on our trip, the shuttle bus was a great break from a month of driving!
Best Places to Visit in Piedmont: Southern Piedmont
Langhe-Roero wine regions
In 2014, the World Heritage Convention honored the Langhe-Roero region of Piedmont with inscription as a World Heritage Site, for its outstanding vineyard landscape.
And what a landscape it is, with rolling hills as far as the eye can see!
Located in the southern Piedmont between the Po River and the Ligurian Apennines, the Langhe area is known for production of Nebbiolo wines, with the King of Wine — Barolo — at the center.
The Castle at Grinzane Cavour
The small town of Grinzane Cavour is one of 11 small towns of the Langhe region where the celebrated Barolo wine may be produced according to specifications.
Its name is a tribute to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, who served as its mayor for 17 years (1832 to 1839).
A landmark of the town, the stately castle is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved exposed brick buildings in the Langhe region.
Since 2014 it has been a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to the Enoteca Regionale Piedmontese Cavour and the Museo Delle Langhe which houses relics that belonged to Camillo Benso Count of Cavour.
Alessandria
The small city of Alessandria sits between Milan and the Ligurian coast and makes an interesting stopover for the night.
There is a unique, star-shaped fortress on the west bank of the Tanaro River known as the Cittadella which has stood since the 18th century.
Arching across the river nearby is the modern, white bridge that you can’t miss seeing if you tried.
Meier Bridge (Ponte Meier) sometimes referred to as the Cittadella Bridge (Ponte Cittadella) was built in the 1990’s by renowned architect Richard Meier, and looks a bit out of place among the classic Italian architecture, but it’s worth a peek.
Visit the Small Wine Towns of Langhe
Just an hour south of Turin is a treasure trove of small towns that produce some of the most famous wines in the world!
Food and wine lovers can easily spend their entire trip in Piedmont right here in Langhe and have the time of their lives!
Bra
Located in the hills of southern Piedmont just 31 miles southeast of Turin is the town of Bra, a town known for its Baroque architecture and cobblestone streets and promenade.
As we mentioned above, Bra is most famous as the birthplace of the “Slow Food” movement to preserve the authentic traditions of Italy’s food.
There are several great restaurants and local markets to visit, including our favorite, Osteria del Boccondivino. But reservations are necessary, even for lunch.
Barolo
Want to drink Barolo in Barolo? Just 12 miles from Bra lies the town of Barolo for which one of Italy’s most magnificent wines is named.
Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscape covered with neatly fashioned vineyards of Nebbiolo grape vines, the town also has an excellent regional cuisine especially when truffles are in season.
The town never seems to get crowded and you’ll find great places to eat and wineries all around to taste Barolo wines.
Winery to Visit: France Conterno, Bussia
Alba
Another great small town in Piedmont is Alba, just 14 miles east of Bra.
Best known for its cuisine with white truffles and the annual Alba White Truffle Fair, you’ll find good food served alongside plenty of Barolo and Barbaresco wine choices as well as other wines of the Langhe area.
In fact, the town is considered the capital of the UNESCO Human Heritage area of Langhe and should definitely be on the list for a day or road trip.
Winery to Visit: Pio Cesare, one of the oldest wineries in Piedmont
Asti
Being only 35 scenic miles east of Turin, Asti makes for another great day trip from Turin, but with all the historic sites here, you might consider spending the night.
Moscato grapes are widely grown in the area to produce Asti wine (formerly Asti Spumante) and its production exceeds most other Italian wines.
With a fizzy slightly sweet taste, these wines are usually reserved for dessert.
La Morra
With a history dating back to Roman times, La Morra sits high on a hill like the hilltop towns in Tuscany.
It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and amazing views of the surrounding valleys from its high elevation.
Situated between Bra and Barolo, it’s an easy stop to include on any day trip from the Langhe wine towns.
Monforte d’Alba
A little past Barolo is the charming town of Monforte d’Alba, another hilltop town with loads of history.
There are enotecas for tasting Barolo wines, charming cafes, and plenty of restaurants to choose from, and the castle Palazzo Scarampi is believed to date to the 13th century.
Strolling the cobbled streets in the pedestrian zone is a great way to spend a day, and there’s enough here for an overnight stay.
We spent 3 mights at Oreste Stefano in the tiny hamlet of Perno during our visit.
It was small but charming, and was a great base to explore all around the wine towns.
Plus, the wines crafted here by the owner and winemaker Clemente were excellent!
Wineries to Visit: Oreste Stefano, Perno; and Manzone, Perno
Best Places to Visit in Piedmont: Northern Piedmont
Domodossola
Set among seven surrounding valleys, the medieval town of Domodossola is charming to say the least.
For a thrill, take a ride on the Centovalli-Vigezzina Railway through the Vigezzo Valley, also known as “The Valley of The Painters”, as it winds through woods and mountain plateaus.
The Centovalli train connect Domodossola, Italy to Locarno, just over the Swiss border.
Toca River Waterfall
A symbol of the Formazza Valley, this 475 foot (145m) high waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful and majestic in Europe.
Set between the mountains surrounding a valley covered with great expanses of conifers, rolling meadows, pastures, and alpine lakes, the Toca waterfall offers an absolutely unique and unforgettable view.
Biella
Best known for its production of fine woolen goods in Italy, Biella is a mountain town that’s easy to get to and less than 50 miles north of Turin.
Shop in town for fine woolen items, or just outside of town at one of the premier producers for exquisite woolen and cashmere items.
Santuario de Oropa
A must-visit in Biella is to the Sanctuary of Oropa, one of the nine Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Sitting at the base of the Alps, this magnificent complex is on the list of UNESCO Heritage sites, but you can easily spend a day at the extensive complex.
The highlight of the site is the wooden statue of a black Virgin Mary which alone draws thousands of visitors each year on their religious pilgrimage through the Alps.
There are also several libraries, chapels, and even a few restaurants and a wine bar onsite.
The 232 Panoramica Zegna
This nature park and 27 miles (44.5 km) scenic drive in the Biella Alps was a highlight of our road trip through Piedmont, and if you’ll be driving is definitely worth a visit!
The panoramic drive was given protected status by Italy in 1993, and connects parts of the Oasi Zegna, the 100 sq km mountain forest that links the region's villages to their natural surroundings and encompasses the home of Zegna, one of Italy’s most famous fashion brands, in the town of Trivero.
Around Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore
Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
Head up the eastern shore of Lake Orta (Lago d’Orta) to arrive at the quaint medieval village of Orta San Giulio.
The village sits out on a small promontory overlooking the lake with the Isola San Giulio just offshore, and is very much a tourist town, but oh-so-charming.
Take a short boat ride from the village center to the island to visit the Basilica di San Giulio and the old seminary which is now a Benedictine monastery.
There are artisan shops, coffee shops, and casual restaurants on the island.
Up the hill across from the village is the Sacro Monte of Orta which in 2003 was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Val Grande National Park
Val Grande National Park is perhaps the most wild area in Italy. Here, nature reigns supreme in the Alpine range surrounding the Valley.
Together with an astounding view of the lakes, the landscape here makes for a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.
Chamois, deer, foxes, and golden eagles roam free through the thick vegetation among the clear brooks and streams that rush through the park.
If you’re here to hike, the Val Grande is your ultimate destination in northern Piedmont.
Sacri Monti
In 2003, three monumental complexes around Lake Orta — the Sacred Mount of Saint Francis of Orta San Giulio, the Sacred Mount of the Holy Trinity of Ghiffa, and the Sacred Mount Calvario of Domodossola — became UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are several frescoed chapels you can visit, built mainly during the 17th century and set against spectacular backgrounds.
All of these sites are surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and are part of the lake’s interesting history.
Alpe Veglia - Alpe Devero Nature Park
During the summer this park has wide-open green pastures fired up with innumerable shades of color in majestic mountain inn landscapes.
With over 60 different itineraries — some difficult, some not so — visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanted atmosphere of the park.
Stresa and the Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore
Stresa is a lovely, albeit touristy, waterfront town on Lake Maggiore bursting with excellent hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Just offshore are the historic and intriguing Borromean Islands, or Isola Borromeo.
Stresa is both a good base from which to explore all around Lake Maggiore, and also a great stopover for the night.
If you’re going back to Milan the public ferry from nearby Intra will take you across to the eastern shore to Laveno, cutting off a good bit of driving time.
Once on the eastern shore visit the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso perched on a cliff above the lake.
Small boats run to the Borromeo islands throughout the day, and if you do nothing else in Stresa, you should spend time on the islands. Pick up a hop-on-hop-off boat ticket and enjoy at your own pace.
You’ll find lovely gardens and historic sites along with amazing artisan shops, and plenty of cafes and gelaterias.
Cable car from Stresa to Mottarone
With a 20 minute crossing, the cable car from Stresa to the top of the Mottarone 4,892 feet (1,491m) located between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore is one of the best things to do in Lake Orta or Lake Maggiore!
You’ll take in breathtaking view of the seven lakes, the Po Valley, Mount Rosa and the Alps.
There is an intermediate stop in Alpino where you could also visit the botanical garden of Alpinia with its unique panoramic view over Lake Maggiore, the Borromean islands and the surrounding mountain range.
Borromean Islands
Isola Bella
Located about 400 meters from Stresa, the beautiful island of Isola Bella houses a tiny medieval town and the Palace of Borromeo, a building with dozens of rooms to explore, priceless works of art, and some unusual shell-encrusted lower levels to admire.
The palace is surrounded by luxurious terraces and the showpiece Italian Baroque-style garden with its towering statuary and abundance of blooming flowers and rare exotic plants.
You can easily spend a day among the three islands but the garden at Isola Bella may take the most time. It’s absolutely spectacular!
Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean islands, housing a 16th century palace and an enchanting English style garden.
It’s especially lovely to visit in the Spring and summer when the garden is in full bloom.
Look for the famous cypress tree when you’re there. It arrived in 1862 from Cashmir in the Himalayas, in a bag of fresh seeds.
Over the years, it has become a symbol of Isola Madre and is the largest, oldest specimen of its kind in Europe.
Isola Pescatori
A beautiful and picturesque island lined with typical white houses, restaurants, and boutique shops, Isola Pescatori takes its name from the century long traditional occupation of its inhabitants — fishing.
The jewel on the island is the marvelous church of San Vittore which still preserves and absis dating back to the 11th century.
Cannobio, Lake Maggiore
On the western shore of Lake Maggiore is the waterfront town of Cannobio, with a rich history of commercial shipping and scores of medieval buildings throughout the town.
The waterfront promenade in Cannobio is the center of nightlife, with restaurants and boutique shops, and plenty of narrow cobbled lanes to explore by day.
Don’t miss Ristorante Paul directly on the Promenade for excellent salads and homemade truffle pastas!
Surrounded by mountains, Cannobio is just 10 minutes from the Switzerland border.
Cross over and in 10 more minutes you can spend a the day in Locarno and take the funicular up, up, up to see the spectacular views of the Alps.
Mottarone
Situated between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, Mount Mottarone is one of the most beautiful natural terraces in Piedmont and beyond and offers endless opportunities for winter ski fun and mountain biking in the summer months.
Villa Taranto Botanical Garden, Verbenia
As you drive around Lake Maggiore, don’t miss the beautiful gardens in the town of Verbania on the lake’s north shore.
The 32-acre park has over 20,000 plants, 80,000 bulbs in bloom, and more than15,000 border plants that surround the colorful flowerbeds.
From March to October it is a flowering succession of camellias, rhododendrons, tulips, azaleas, dahlias, and breathtaking ponds of water lilies in bloom.
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Without a doubt, Piedmont is one of Italy’s most under-visited destinations.
If you’re traveling for food and wine, and want a new place to explore, consider it.
With it’s unique blend of historic architectural gems like Turin, dozens of small wine towns that are easy to walk and drive, magnificent alpine scenery, rolling vineyards, and some of the best wine in Italy, Piemonte Italia is your new favorite place!