The Ultimate Piedmont Itinerary: Explore Italy

Think of this Piedmont itinerary as your shortcut to the good life in Italy’s northwest. One day you’re wandering Turin’s baroque squares, the next you’re in a hilltop village surrounded by vines, truffles, and hazelnut groves. This region isn’t about rushing from one big attraction to the next, it’s about slowing down, eating well, and sipping even better. With Piedmont wine tours leading you straight to legendary Barolo and Barbaresco cellars, and landscapes that shift from Alpine peaks to vineyard-covered hills, every stop feels like a discovery. If you’re looking for culture with a side of indulgence, this trip has you covered.

Best things to do on your Piedmont Itinerary

Explore the heart of Turin

Start your journey in Turin, a city that balances Renaissance elegance with a modern, creative edge. Stroll through Piazza Castello, step inside the lavish Royal Palace, and don’t miss the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s top collections. Between sights, grab a table at a historic café for a Negroni or an espresso, then add a twist to your visit with one of the many wine tours that connect the city to its surrounding vineyards. It’s the perfect way to kick off your trip before heading deeper into Piedmont’s hills.

Want to dig deeper into the city? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Turin and build your perfect first day.

Wander the vine-laced landscapes of Barolo

No Piedmont itinerary is complete without a stop in Barolo, a small village at the center of the Barolo wine region, surrounded by rolling hills of Nebbiolo vines. The medieval castle here hosts the WiMu Wine Museum, an engaging way to dive into the history and culture behind Italy’s “King of Wines.” Afterward, step into a cellar for a tasting or, even better, join one of the local Barolo wine tours to experience the vineyards and legendary producers up close.

Visit Gavi

Set in the Piedmont hills, Gavi is the kind of small Italian town that feels like it was built for long lunches and slow strolls. One minute you’re snapping photos of its medieval fortress, the next you’re lost in cobbled streets where even the corner cafés seem to serve perfect pasta. Surrounded by vineyards, the town knows exactly how to mix history with good wine and great food.

If you’re planning to visit Gavi Italy, come hungry, bring comfy shoes, and expect to leave with a new favorite white wine.

Enjoy the Alba international white truffle festival

Plan your visit to Alba, a town known not just for its famous white truffle but also for its deep wine culture and vibrant food scene. If you’re here in autumn, the Alba White Truffle Festival adds extra flavor with tastings and hunts, but the town has plenty to offer year-round. Stroll the medieval streets, pop into an Alba winery for a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco, and enjoy Piedmontese classics in local trattorias.

Want to explore more? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Alba and make the most of your trip.

Wander Barbaresco’s elevated wine country

Escape to the elegant village of Barbaresco, where hillside vineyards produce some of Italy’s most refined Nebbiolo wines. Join a Barbaresco wine tour to taste directly from boutique wineries, then sit down to tajarin pasta topped with shaved truffle in a local trattoria. The views stretch across the Langhe hills and even into France on a clear day, while boutique hotels and restaurants give the village a mix of understated luxury and authentic charm.

Walk to the viewpoint of La Morra

High above the vineyards, La Morra offers a panorama that defines the Langhe. From the Belvedere viewpoint, the hills roll out in every direction, covered with vines and dotted with tiny villages. After soaking it in, wander into town for a leisurely meal, La Morra is home to some of Piedmont’s best restaurants and pair it with a glass of Barolo made just down the road.

Tour the medieval town of Neive

Step back in time in Neive, often ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its cobblestone streets, cozy osterias, and sweeping views make it an easy addition to any Piedmont trip. Stop by for a glass of Arneis at a local cellar and try the classic Torta di Nocciole, a hazelnut cake the area is famous for. You’ll want to visit Neive Italy if you’re searching for that perfect mix of wine, history, and authentic village life.

Relax by the shores of Lake Maggiore

For a change of scenery, head north to Lake Maggiore, which stretches between Piedmont and Lombardy. Spend time in the elegant town of Stresa, take a boat out to the Borromean Islands, and check into a lakeside resort where spa treatments come with unbeatable views. It’s Italian luxury at its most relaxed, and a trip you won’t forget if you plan to visit Lake Maggiore Italy.

Explore the city of Asti

Famous for its sparkling wine and bustling markets, Asti is the hometown of the renowned Moscato. Come in September for the Palio d’Asti, one of Italy’s oldest horse races, or explore at a slower pace with baroque churches, lively piazzas, and plenty of local flavor. Stop by an Asti winery to taste Moscato or Spumante straight from the source, and you’ll see why this town is such a favorite for wine lovers.

You’ll get the full experience if you plan to visit Asti Italy, history, culture, and a glass always within reach.

Discover the slow food capital Bra

Wrap up your trip in Bra, the town where the Slow Food movement was born. This is the place to savor Piedmont at its most authentic: artisan cheeses, local cured meats, and small producers who put sustainability first. It’s a fitting finale to your journey, with flavors and stories that stay with you long after you leave.

Unwind by the water in Verbania

On the shores of Lake Maggiore, Verbania is all about lakeside walks, gardens, and relaxed Italian living. The famous Villa Taranto gardens are a must, especially in spring and summer, while the waterfront cafés and ferry rides make it easy to explore the lake. Add in views of the mountains behind, and it’s easy to see why many travelers choose to visit Verbania Italy for a calmer take on Piedmont.

Sip your way through Piedmont

The Piedmont region is a paradise for wine lovers, home to world-class reds like Barolo and Barbaresco, crisp whites such as Gavi and Arneis, and the sweet sparkle of Asti. Rolling vineyard hills stretch between medieval villages, where family-run cellars welcome visitors for tastings and tours. From rustic trattorias pouring house wine to elegant estates offering curated pairings, every stop brings a new flavor and a deeper connection to the land. Add in truffles, hazelnuts, and hearty local cuisine, and you’ve got the perfect Piedmont itinerary, a wine journey you’ll never forget.

Explore the markets and mountains of Cuneo

Down in the southwest corner of Piedmont, Cuneo balances city life with mountain scenery. Its wide piazza and arcaded streets are great for strolling, while the nearby valleys draw hikers and food lovers alike. Don’t miss the town’s famous chocolates (cuneesi al rum) or the lively weekly market.

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Cuneo Italy.

Discover Alessandria

Halfway between Turin, Milan, and Genoa, Alessandria makes a practical yet surprisingly charming stop. The star-shaped Cittadella fortress is the town’s big landmark, but cafés, shopping streets, and quiet piazzas give it a laid-back feel. It’s a place where you can slow down, grab a coffee, and still be well connected to the rest of Piedmont.

Curious for more? Don’t miss our roundup of the best things to do in Alessandria Italy.

Good to know before visiting Piedmont