Piedmont
Where Barolo flows, white truffles hide, and the Alps frame every vineyard.
About Piedmont
Piedmont is aristocratic Italy. Turin, its elegant capital, is a city of grand boulevards, opulent cafés, and the Holy Shroud. But the real magic lies in the countryside: the Langhe hills—a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of vineyards producing Barolo and Barbaresco—and the Monferrato, where truffle hunters still work with trained dogs in misty autumn woods. The cuisine is Italy's most refined: vitello tonnato, tajarin pasta with butter and sage, and the legendary bagna càuda. If Italy has a Burgundy, this is it.
Best Time to Visit
October to November for the white truffle season and the Alba Truffle Fair. May to June for pleasant vineyard touring. The ski season runs from December to March.
Local Tips
- Go truffle hunting.
The Alba white truffle is the world's most expensive ingredient. A local can arrange a dawn hunt with a trifolao and his dog in the Langhe woods, followed by a truffle lunch you'll never forget.
- Drink Barolo where it's born.
The tiny villages of Barolo, La Morra, and Castiglione Falletto each produce wines with distinct character. A local knows which family cantinas offer the best tastings without appointments or crowds.
- Explore Turin's chocolate heritage.
Turin invented gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and the bicerin drink. A local will guide you through the historic cafés—Caffè Al Bicerin, Baratti & Milano—that have been serving these treats for centuries.
Highlights
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Isabella
Novara, Turin +3
I am a tour guide, a travel companion, and a travel designer, but perhaps above all, I am a discerning traveler. My decade-long experience and my way of discovering the world allow me to create proposals and itineraries that transform every trip into a unique and memorable experience. With a solid background in the tourism industry that began in hospitality and grew with travel, I have developed a keen sensitivity to the needs of my clients, ensuring travel experiences that go beyond expectations.
Emanuele
Milan, Como +10
Hi! I’m Emanuele, a passionate traveler and sports enthusiast with a love for discovering cities through their hidden corners and authentic experiences. While I’ve explored many places around the world, my heart is in Milan, a city I know inside out. I enjoy everything from iconic landmarks to quiet streets off the beaten path, and I love sharing those special spots that only a local can show. Whether it’s culture, food, history, or hidden gems, my goal is to create personalized experiences that make you feel truly connected to the city. I believe travel is about curiosity, discovery, and living a place fully (and I’d love to be your guide to experience Italy in a mindful, authentic way).
Simone
Alba
I was born in Victoria, Australia. My mum was a kiwi and my dad an Italian. At 15 I moved to Dunedin, New Zealand. When I finished my degree I came to Italy to play softball. Europe took hold of my heart and I ended up staying. That was over 30 years ago. I have lived in Macerata, Stratford-on-Avon, Macclesfield, Claviere/Cesana Torinese/Sauze di Cesana, Bussia and now Guarene. I have a 22-year-old daughter and two cats. I now work as an ESL teacher in Alba. My job takes me travelling with middle and high school students to English speaking destinations. I love hiking, bike touring or doing an easy ferrata. I love visiting quaint villages full of history and great stories. I am happiest when immersed in nature. There are loads of nature walks and rides that I enjoy. I have hiked around Mount Viso sleeping over in lodges. I have cycled from Alba to the seaside off road and passing through National Parks and villages lost in time. I am into locally grown and know where the best farmers markets and small producers are. I have a dream to visit all the Slow Food Presidia and interview the local farmers about their products, then bike to the place of origin and eat/drink the product at the source and with the knowledge of its tradition.
Francesca
Sanremo, Genoa +3
Hi there! My name is Francesca. I’m twenty-three years old, and I’m passionate about arts, languages, and genuine connections. At the moment, I’m majoring in economics and communication for tourism in Lugano, Switzerland. Originally from Sanremo, I grew up on the Ligurian coast, where I lived for 18 years before moving to Turin to start college. I know Liguria quite well—I loved exploring new places there, and I also lived in quite a number of cities while growing up. I love sharing its culture and hidden gems with people who are not yet familiar with this beautiful region. Because I lived in Turin for almost four years during college, I also feel confident in my knowledge of its best local trattorias, must-visit corners and neighborhoods, and how to get the best views of the city’s skyline. Additionally, I’m half-Brazilian on my mom’s side, so I can also provide explanations in Portuguese if needed!