Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Piedmont has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Wending your way through the countryside, it’s hard to find anywhere in Piedmont that doesn’t have a view. In the Roman spa town of Acqui Terme, a bird’s-eye spot is from the panoramic terrace next to Castello dei Paleologi.
- Arts and culture
- For museums, and an eyeful of baroque at its best, head to the centre of Turin. You’ll also get a glimpse of modern-day architecture from the likes of Renzo Piano. Asti is replete with cobbles, churches and charm; we loved the unique venue where Diavolo Rosso hosts a wide range of music concerts (www.diavolorosso.it).
- Something for nothing
- A driving tour of the winelands, stopping off in the beautiful villages of Nieve, Barbaresco, La Morra and Serralunga d’Alba. Another scenic route might take in any of Carròsio, Voltaggio, Capanne di Marcarolo natural park, Bòsio, Tornese, Lerma, Tagliolo Monferrato, Castelletto d’Orba and Gavi.
- Shopping
- Serravalle Designer Outlet is open Monday to Friday 10h–19h; Saturday and Sunday 10h–20h. Here you can find Prada, Versace, Diesel, Bulgari and Dolce & Gabbana goods at up to 70 per cent off (www.mcarthurglen.it). The local food markets in the mornings are fun, plus, on Sundays, antiques markets; ask your hotel to steer you to the nearest one.
- Daytripper
- If you seek water-related thrills, head north to the lakes – Orta, Maggiore and Como – or south to Liguria and Italy’s prime Riviera destination, Portofino.
- Activities
- All the great-outdoors adventures are available, such as walking, cycling, horse riding and golf. In the winter, skiing is possible around Turin and Cuneo. Those not feeling very sporty might prefer visiting the many vineyards, and cheese or chocolate factories, where tasting is, naturally, a highlight.
Diary
- February The three-day orange fight is reason enough in itself to visit the Ivrea Carnival (www.carnevalediivrea.it). August For dazzling art in the sky, head to Lake Orta’s World Fireworks Championship (www.parente.it). September Turin’s Settembre Musica treats your ears to jazz, world and classical music (www.settembremusica.it); the food-fanatical Festival Delle Sagre in Asti will make your tastebuds happy (www.doujador.it). Third Sunday in September The streets of Asti come alive with banquets and horse riding for its annual Palio (www.palio.asti.it). Mid-September to mid-November Alba and the surrounding area celebrate the riches brought home by the trifulau, or truffle hunters, during their annual truffle festival. Mid-November Torino Film Festival takes place in the birthplace of the Italian film industry (www.torinofilmfest.org).
