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Packed itinerary at Piedmont

Visual treat In Turin that is rich in Roman, Medieval and Baroque art

Supporting the Juventus football team, driving a fashionable new FIAT500, dreaming about a Pininfaria designed Ferrari and having a fine dinner sipping a glass of Barbaresco. What all these have in common? Piedmont.

This Italian region that is framed by the Alps and softened by the Langhe hills has escaped the mass tourism that has ruined many beautiful spots in Italy. Hidden treasures can be found in the small villages that were built by the Romans on the top of the hills as well as in the main city, Turin — national capital of the Italian Kingdom in 1861 and now regional capital.

For a ‘gourmand’ holiday enriched by romantic landscapes and precious little towns the best seasons are spring and fall, when the Langhe show their entire range of colours: from the white and pink of the peach trees, to the oranges and browns of the grapevine leaves. Starting from Bra, where the Slow Food movement was founded, and moving to Alba, the truffle land, and then to Asti and Casale Monferrato in the East, your journey will be a never-ending discovery of new tastes.

In the North, the white peaks of the Alps will challenge the more adventurous lot to try all sort of winter sports, while lake Lago Maggiore will offer amazing views at every time of the year.

If a relaxing or sporty holiday is not what you’re looking for, Turin will be a nice surprise. Rich in Roman, Medieval and Baroque art, it offers busy days for tourists with a yen for art. However, the city differs from many Italian ones, thanks to the developments put in place for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Interesting contemporary exhibitions are displayed at the GAM (Modern Art Gallery), at Palazzo Bricherasio or at Palazzo Madama. The Mole Antoneliana, symbol of the city, hosts the impressive Cinema Museum.

And, when sightseeing becomes too tiring, head to the area around Quadrilatero Romano that boasts wine bars and small restaurants. Here, everybody goes to have an ‘aperitivo’ with friends waiting for the night to begin with a glass of Martini and an enticing buffet. Later in the night, just follow the river Po and chose a bar or a club to listen to some music or to party until 5 a.m. You will find many picturesque pubs along its banks (Murazzi).

Finally, whichever aspect of the region you decide to discover, on your return do make it a point to hit the gym — you have to work off all the rich regional cuisine you tucked into.

PIEDMONT'S PRIDE

Osteria Del Boccondivino, Bra — A traditional restaurant that keeps alive old tastes and recipes. This is where Carlo Petrini started the world famous Slow Food Movement.

Eremo di Cherasco — Once a monastery, it is now one of the most happening restaurants. Here, you can have traditional regional food in the old chapel or in the podium, surrounded by ancient paintings.

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