There’s something special about arriving at an Italian cafe early in the morning. I love finding a spot at the counter, the cool marble beneath my elbows, and ordering that first coffee of the day. While I could be anywhere in Italy, the specific tramezzino—a soft sandwich cut into triangles—with tomato, salad, and egg that arrived with my cappuccino this time told me I was in Piedmont, and more precisely, in Turin.
Discovering Underrated Turin
As someone who appreciates off-the-beaten-path destinations, I’ve found Turin to be one of Italy’s most captivating and surprisingly overlooked cities. It’s a delightful alternative to the more crowded tourist magnets like Milan, Florence, Venice, or Rome. The capital of the Piedmont region is exceptionally well-connected, especially for train travelers. You can catch a direct Frecciarossa train from Paris, which takes about six hours, making it a convenient starting point for exploring northern Italy. Beyond its accessibility, Turin exudes elegance, boasts a rich cultural scene, and is wonderfully easy to navigate. It genuinely offers something for every type of traveler, all without the overwhelming crowds.
For history and art enthusiasts, Turin is home to one of the world’s most significant Egyptian Museums, second only to the one in Cairo. It’s an incredible collection that offers a deep dive into ancient history. When it comes to food, Piedmont is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, celebrating local ingredients and traditional cooking. The city itself is a culinary delight, featuring several Michelin-starred restaurants like Condividere and Magorabin, alongside countless more affordable eateries where you can savor authentic local dishes.
A Taste of History and Flavor
Turin holds a special place in Italian history; it was the country’s first capital and once the residence of the Italian monarchs. The region, including Turin, is also credited with the invention of espresso—not Naples, as some might think. It’s also renowned for its white and black truffles, the esteemed Barolo wine, and a truly unique chocolate treat, the Gianduiotto, which is rarely found outside of Italy. Experiencing these local specialties is a core part of any visit.
We sometimes debate where to travel, and I always try to steer Michael towards places that feel a bit more authentic. For instance, when we were planning our 2026 European trip, I suggested Turin, and he was intrigued by the idea of a less crowded Italian city. It felt like a good fit for a family vacation that wasn’t solely focused on the typical tourist circuit.
Piedmont’s Wine and Truffle Trails
The exceptional food and wine scene in Turin is deeply connected to the incredible produce found throughout the rest of the Piedmont region. A visit to the Langhe Monferrato Roero area is a must for anyone who appreciates good food and wine. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where famous Italian wines like Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Barbera are cultivated. Alba, often called the capital of Langhe, is the ideal place for truffle hunting and, naturally, tasting these prized fungi.
The region’s wine heritage is so significant that it attracts connoisseurs from around the globe. Yet, unlike more famous wine regions like Tuscany’s Chianti or France’s Bordeaux, you’re far less likely to encounter large tour buses or boisterous bachelorette parties here. The atmosphere in the Langhe Monferrato Roero feels more reserved and focused on the wine itself. It reminds me of what I imagine Tuscany might have been like a couple of decades ago—beautiful, rich in culture, but more authentic and less commercialized.
Navigating Wine Country
With over 400 wineries in the region, choosing where to start can be daunting. Fortunately, the local tourism board has created helpful resources like piemonteonwine.it, a free service designed to help you find wineries that match your preferences. They’ve also launched piemonteonfood.it to connect visitors with local producers for tastings and shopping. It makes exploring the region’s culinary offerings so much easier.
If you’re interested in a more structured wine experience, the Castello di Grinzane Cavour is a beautiful castle worth visiting. It houses the Piedmont regional wine shop and features an open-air museum dedicated to wine, where you can learn about the origins of wines like Barolo. For a different kind of exploration, don’t miss Neive, a gorgeous village, or Canelli’s underground cathedrals—an extensive network of historic cellars inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
What are the best wine regions in Piedmont?
The Langhe Monferrato Roero area is paramount, known for Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Barbera. You’ll also find wonderful producers in the areas around Asti and surrounding smaller towns.
Exploring these places feels like stepping into a storybook. As one local resident described it, the landscape with its rolling hills, winding roads, and distant castles truly comes to life from the pages of a children’s fairy tale. It’s a view that captivates you and makes you want to linger. When I think about my family’s travel wishes for 2026, a place like this, offering natural beauty and authentic experiences, always comes to mind.
Planning Your Piedmont Journey
Turin is an excellent starting point, offering convenience and a rich urban experience. From there, the surrounding Piedmont region unfolds with its stunning landscapes and culinary treasures. The ease of access, particularly by train, makes planning a trip here straightforward.
Getting to Turin by air is quite flexible, with several airlines offering direct flights from various UK airports. For those who prefer train travel, the journey from London is also very manageable. You can take the Eurostar to Paris and then connect to a high-speed Freccia Rossa train directly to Turin. This scenic route allows you to see the landscape change as you travel through France and into Italy.
Once you’re in the region, renting a car can provide the most flexibility for visiting small villages and wineries scattered across the countryside. However, if you prefer to stick to trains, Italy’s extensive regional train network can still get you to many charming towns and cities. Booking train tickets in advance, especially for the Freccia Rossa, is always a good idea.
Where to Stay in Piedmont
For a luxurious and sustainable escape, Casa di Langa is a remarkable option situated within the heart of the prime wine regions. This hotel offers the chance to immerse yourself in Piedmontese culture with on-site cooking classes and wine-tasting experiences. They also boast a fantastic spa and a gourmet restaurant that highlights the best of local produce. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and indulge.
Alternatively, Villa Giara offers a more intimate countryside experience. This beautiful country house provides a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wine and truffle areas. It’s an adults-only property, offering a peaceful retreat. Imagine waking up, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and then setting out to explore vineyards or simply unwinding by the pool with a glass of local wine. It’s a setting that Michael would certainly appreciate after a busy week.
Is Piedmont good for families?
Yes, Piedmont offers a wonderful family experience, with opportunities for children to explore historical sites, enjoy scenic landscapes, and discover new foods. Many agriturismos and rural properties are welcoming to families.
For families, places that offer a mix of activities and relaxation are ideal. While Villa Giara is adults-only, other accommodations in the area are very family-friendly. Consider looking into agriturismo stays, which often provide a more rural and immersive experience. I picture Lily enjoying a hands-on activity like a simple pasta-making session, while Ethan might be fascinated by the gardens or maybe even a local farm. The key is finding a balance between adult interests and activities that will engage the children.
Exploring Beyond the City
The real magic of Piedmont for me lies in its regional diversity. Turin is a sophisticated city, but venturing out into the countryside reveals a different kind of beauty. The rolling hills dotted with vineyards and medieval villages feel incredibly peaceful. It’s a landscape that invites slow travel and deep appreciation.
When I think about the kind of experiences that make a trip memorable, it’s often the small, unexpected moments. Perhaps it’s a chance encounter at a local market, a conversation with a winemaker about their craft, or simply enjoying a picnic with a view of the Alps in the distance. These are the things that create lasting memories, far more than ticking off a list of famous landmarks.
What food is Piedmont famous for?
Piedmont is renowned for truffles, Barolo and Barbera wines, hazelnuts, chocolate (especially Gianduiotto), and many rich pasta dishes.
The narrative that Piedmont is what Tuscany was 20 years ago resonates deeply with me. It suggests an authenticity that is increasingly hard to find. It’s about experiencing a place before it becomes overly commercialized, where local traditions still hold sway and the pace of life is more relaxed. This philosophy aligns perfectly with my travel style and what I aim to share through my writing for 2026 and beyond. It’s about connecting with the essence of a place.
If you’re looking for a part of Italy that offers incredible food, world-class wine, stunning scenery, and a rich cultural heritage without the overwhelming crowds, Piedmont is an excellent choice. It’s a region that rewards exploration and offers a truly authentic Italian experience.