VISIT PIEDMONT, TOURIN AND THE ALPS
Piedmont borders Switzerland and France and is a north-western region. It is the land of the mountains. On three sides it is surrounded by the Alpine chain that encloses the largest glaciers in Italy and the highest peaks. The landscapes that the Monviso, that is the Piedmontese Monte Rosa side, offers very suggestive landscapes. The most unique are Sestriere and La Via Lattea. Val di Susa, Val d’Ossola and Valsesia are the great valleys that open onto the Alps. The landscape of the Langhe and Monferrato is presented with different facets, which includes vineyards among the spread of villages and castles. In the Novara and Vercelli areas stretches of water, rice fields and ancient farmhouses. Lake Maggiore, together with Stresa and the Borromean Islands is the privileged tourist destination. Other characteristics of reason that go beyond nature embrace Turin with its artistic heritage and other cities including Cherasco, Ivrea and Alba. Acqui Terme and Vinadio are the spa towns par excellence. Turin (capital), Asti, Alessandria, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbano Cusio, Ossola and Vercelli are the provinces.
WHAT TO SEE:
Turin is the first stop to be made. Among the most important in the world, the Egyptian Museum gives it enormous prestige. Equally worthy of attention is the Mole Antonelliana which houses the National Cinema Museum and the Automobile Museum. Recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site with the other Royal Residences of the Savoy is the Reggi della Venaria Reale. The route that visits the Royal Residences of the Savoy continues from the city of Turin and ends in the surrounding area. The Sacri Monti are religious places of devotion with rich decorations. They are widely present throughout the queens: in Serralunga di Crea and Ponzano Monferrato, in Orta San Giulio, in Ghiffa, in Varallo Sesia and in Domodossola. Other important destinations are the towns of Cherasco, Savigliano, Ivrea and Alba. The sacra di San Michele is a very ancient sanctuary where a fantastic fusion of religious and architectural aspects takes shape. Lake Maggiore has numerous locations such as Arona, Stresa and the Borromean Islands which, thanks to their accommodation facilities, allow for numerous stays. The Gran Paradiso National Park Virtual Tour is one of the most renowned reserves and natural parks.
WHAT TO DO:
Piedmont is a region that allows you to organize your holiday by alternating moments of sport, relaxation and recreation with interesting artistic visits. In the most famous slopes, such as Sestriere and Val di Susa, it is possible to practice various sports: from ice skating to snowboarding, from rock climbing to rafting in rushing streams. There are many activities that can be practiced in the open air: mountain biking along the banks of the Sesia; sailing, canoeing, windsurfing on the shores of Lake Maggiore. In Val Germanasca, on the other hand, it is possible to visit the historic talc mines, and then follow devotional itineraries along the Sacri Monti. Viticulture is a fundamental resource for Piedmont. The wine routes, from Monferrato to the Langhe, Asti and Tortona hills, allow visits to companies and cellars, where you can taste local products, such as the Alba truffle and typical wines. Physical well-being can also be taken care of by going to the spas in the region. Acqui Terme is crossed by the remains of a Roman aqueduct. Among the most well-known cultural events, the Salone del Libro and the “Cioccolatò” chocolate festival, which take place in Turin, are worthy of mention. Also the Carnival of Ivrea, and the Palio of Asti are other manifestations of notable prestige.
WHAT TO TASTE:
Fondue and bagna cauda are the specialties of regional cuisine. Other delicacies are represented by braised meat in Barolo, the great mixed fry, the hare in civet and various cheeses such as robiole, tome, gorgonzola from Novara, bruss from the Langhe and sernium from Biella. Each city has typical sweets such as chocolates in Turin, biscuits in Novara, scabs in Casale, nougat in Alba, amaretti in Novi. The breadsticks and vermouth are of purely Turin origin. Among the red wines, Barolo, Gattinara, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Freisa are the most renowned in Italy.
