Piedmont

Meaning ‘at the foot of the mountains’, Piedmont sits in the shadow of the Alps and its gentle slopes are carpeted in vineyards, mediaeval estates, and pristine forest, making it a destination for all seasons, whether heading to the ski slopes in winter, enjoying the emerging alpine meadows in spring, soaking in the warmth of summer, or truffle hunting in autumn. From Turin’s palaces, trattorias and vibrant nightlife to the tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore and the gastronomic gems of Langhe, this is a region with a wealth of art, history, culture, landscapes and food to explore. Whether hiking through Alpine foothills or strolling the gilded halls of Castello di Rivoli and the Baroque splendour of Reggia di Venaria Reale, Piedmont’s treasures unfold as temptingly as its hills and valleys.While it may not be as well known as Tuscany, Piedmont produces some of the finest Italian wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, so wine tasting should form at least a small part of a trip through the region. As with so much of Italy, Piedmont’s food is abundant and treasured. Whether hunting for white truffles in Alba or gorging on chocolate in Turin, thought to be the birthplace of chocolate as we know it today, this is a region replete in culinary claims to fame